Lenovo ZUK Z1 successor-ZUK Z2 Pro coming this month
[Representational Image] Lenovo tipped to unveil ZUK Z2 next week; flagship smartphone might come in two variants. In Picture: Lenovo ZUK Z1ZUK Press Kit

Popular NucleaRom firmware has been made available to Lenovo's ZUK Z1. It has been created by XDA Developer Forum's recognised mobile software developer community Nuclear Team.

It is based on Android v6.0.1 (r61) Marshmallow OS and weighs 387MB in size. In addition to the usual Marshmallow features, it comes with CyanogenMod CM13 series themes, options such as personalisable status bar, exclusive NucleaRom boot animation, gesture anywhere, network traffic indicator, Qualcomm Assertive display and numerous value-added features to enhance user-experience.

Prerequisites (Things to remember before installing the custom ROM):

  1. This new Android 6.0 Marshmallow NucleaRom custom firmware has to be installed on the Samsung Lenovo ZUK Z1 model with Snapdragon chipset only; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
  2. Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation
  3. Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
  4. Make sure the PC has USB driver software, or else the device (Galaxy Note 4) will not be recognised by the computer.
  5. Make sure the device has more than 80% battery, or else there is chance of the smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted midway.
  6. Though installing custom ROM improve the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM]

[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. IBTimes India cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]

Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure of Android 6.0 Marshmallow NucleaRom custom firmware on Lenovo ZUK Z1 via TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project)-

Step 1: Download Android 6.0 Marshmallow NucleaRom custom firmware in to your PC

[Scroll to find the downloadable files]

Step 2: Connect Lenovo ZUK Z1 to the computer

Step 3: Place the NucleaRom Android 6.0 Marshmallow into the phone's storage memory

[Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in the storage root folder, not in any other folder.]

Step 4: Turn off device and disconnect it from PC

Step 5: Perform Recovery mode sorties by long pressing Volume (Down) + Power buttons

Step 6: Once entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone's memory (full) by selecting 'Wipe' option. Once done, select – 'Swipe to Factory Reset' perform factory reset

Step 7: Return to TWRP settings and tap 'Install' by the selecting .Zip file in the phone's memory downloaded from PC

Step 8: Come back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by tapping 'Swipe to Confirm Flash'

Step 9: Flashing of the custom ROM begins and after few minutes, a message 'Successful' appears on the screen, thus completing installation

Step 10: If faced with boot loop problem, navigate back to TWRP settings, and select 'Wipe cache/dalvik'. This procedure will help resolve any issue with regard to custom ROM installation

Downloadable files:

Lenovo ZUK Z1 Android 6.0 Marshmallow NucleaRom custom firmware: HERE (build date: 26/08/2016)

Google Gapps: HERE

USB driver:HERE

[Credits: XDA Developer Forum and Nuclear Team]