This is the safest bet. It is lightweight, has excellent driver support for the Helio A22, and everything works: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio, RIL (calls/mobile data), and the camera (basic functionality).
| Specification | Detail | ROM Viability Impact | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Chipset | MediaTek MT6761 (Helio A22) – 12nm | Good (MediaTek has public kernel sources) | | GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Poor (Proprietary blobs are outdated) | | Storage/RAM | 16GB/32GB eMMC, 2GB RAM | Critical (Too low for modern Android 13+) | | Stock OS | Android 9 Pie (EMUI 9.1) | Outdated (No official Android 10/11/12) | | Kernel Version | Linux 4.9.x | Legacy (Many modern drivers require 4.14+) |
Historically, Huawei locked bootloaders and stopped issuing unlock codes around 2018. For years, the Y5 2019 was considered "unmoddable" because you couldn't unlock the bootloader, which is essential for flashing custom ROMs.
However, in late 2023 and throughout 2024, a breakthrough occurred. Independent developers (notably from the 4PDA and XDA Forums) found unofficial methods to unlock the bootloader of MediaTek-based Huawei devices, including the TOP. This involves:
Crucial Warning: The methods are unofficial and risky. Improper execution can permanently brick the phone. Proceed only if you are comfortable with advanced Android tinkering.
For a developer considering building a ROM for this device (e.g., LineageOS 18.1):
| Component | Feasibility | Reason | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Kernel Source | Available | Huawei released kernel source for TOP-LX1 (4.9.117) | | Device Tree | Feasible | MT6761 is similar to MT6739; could be adapted | | Vendor Blobs | Hard | Graphics (PowerVR) requires old Android 9 blobs; incompatible with newer Android versions | | Bootloader Unlock | Impossible | No exploit, no official method | | User Demand | Very Low | Device has only 2GB RAM; even stock EMUI lags |
Conclusion: Even if a developer built a full ROM, no user could install it without a bootloader unlock. Therefore, no developer will waste time on this device.
Q: I cannot find any ROMs for AMA-LX2. What do I do? A: If XDA does not have a thread for your specific model, do not flash. Using a ROM for a slightly different variant (e.g., DRA-LX2 vs AMA-LX2) will result in a "Hard Brick" (phone won't turn on).
Q: Is GCam (Google Camera) supported? A: Yes, Huawei phones usually run great with GCam ports (like LMC or Parrot043). You will need to find a config file specifically for the Y5 2019 sensor.
Q: My phone is stuck on the Bootlogo. A: This is a "Bootloop".
Disclaimer: This process voids your warranty. The "HCU Team" or any associated guides are not responsible for bricked devices. Proceed at your own risk.
Technically, the Y5 2019 is Project Treble compatible (since it shipped with Android 9). In theory, a Generic System Image (GSI) of Android 12 or 13 could run.
Why GSIs fail on this device: