If you’re wondering why there are very few stable custom ROMs for MediaTek-powered devices, there is a reason for that. MediaTek rarely puts out a full GPL kernel, something that is incredibly useful for developers in putting out aftermarket software. The opposite is true with Qualcomm-powered devices, for instance – and you can see the difference in custom ROM support for those devices. In a miracle of sorts, a full GPL kernel was released for MediaTek-powered Jiayu devices, and this is why they are getting an aftermarket upgrade to Android Marshmallow, care of Team M.A.D. (MediaTek Android Developers).
It took a long time for a group of people to finally get a full GPL kernel release from MediaTek, and it is for the Jiayu S3 family of devices. You might have never heard of them, and that’s ok. They’re a budget brand in China, with a few models sold in Europe. But the achievement is worth noting – since they were able to get the kernel code, Team M.A.D. is now able to create custom ROMs for these devices, bringing them up to Android Marshmallow.
The devices include the Jiayu S3 (powered by the MediaTek MT6752 SoC) and the Jiayu S3 Plus (powered by the popular MediaTek MT6753 SoC). Team M.A.D. is putting out ROMs based on CM13, Paranoid Android, and AICP, which is a lot more than what you can say for other MediaTek-powered devices.
The source of the problem really is MediaTek and their inability to release the kernel codes for their huge number of SoCs in budget devices. If they get around to doing that, you will probably see more custom ROMs built for these devices. As it is, you might as well try your luck looking for a Jiayu device to purchase.
SOURCE: XDA
