I have updated to /e/OS U 2.6.3 several days ago. Generally speaking, I am really satisfied by the overall experience! The system feels more than fast enough, even a bit “snappier” than before.
- I did a complete clean install, no “dirty flash”. I used the opportunity to first update the system to the latest stock ROM, as suggested in the installation notes. I did the reset to stock ROM with the OnePlus MSM tool and then used the OnePlus OTA app, as discussed in this thread. (The reset may be one reason why the system feels “snappier”.)
- I could root the phone with Magisk. I then tried to install LSPosed, which is supposed to be compatible with Android 14. Unfortunately, LSPosed crashed immediately. I could however use the LSPosed fork by JingMatrix and then the XPrivacy Lua fork XPL-EL by ObbedCode without issues. (Disclaimer: While these forks are still open source, you may be more hesitant than me to use them because they are not as popular as the original apps/modules. Theoretically, these forks could contain backdoors because the code may not be as thoroughly reviewed as the original modules - it is up to you to decide whether you take the risk using them.)
- Until the upgrade to /e/OS U, I used the app AccA, a GUI for acc, to limit the charging of the smartphone battery to 80%. Unfortunately, the latest stable release v2023.10.16 of acc does not seem to be compatible with Android 14. Newer versions (which are release candidates) are no longer compatible with AccA. Hence, I use the built-in Android functionality to limit the charging, and a rather “weak” charger to avoid that the battery is charged too quickly.
- Strangely, the setting that automatically enables the energy saving mode when the battery charge falls below a certain percentage is always reset to 20% after a reboot if it is enabled, regardless of the value set before the reboot (e.g. 15%). I have decided to deactivate this setting as I never really used it anyway. (However, a message still appears at 20% and suggests to activate the energy saving mode.)
- EDIT: Something odd happened after the fresh install: The wallpaper that I had set before the complete data wipe was offered in the customisation options although it is a custom one not included with /e/OS. I can only guess how that happened. However, I had already copied some data (including my saved pictures) to the smartphone, so I think that this background was somehow included and set as some default.
- EDIT: I also had to reset the Wifi and Bluetooth settings after the fresh install so that my headpones could pair with the smartphone - odd, but pairing and using the headphones works as intended now.
- EDIT: As I prefer Pixel-like launchers, I have successfully installed the current Lawnchair beta (not from Google Play, but from IzzyOnDroid with an F-Droid client). It works as intended so far.
A big “thank you” to the /e/OS team for this upgrade!