Review Of AdyScorpius MIUI v2.3.1 For SGS2 ~ [S]he Talks Android

Updated 04/07/2012: I have a review of the latest version, v2.3.31 at this post. AdyScorpius has come a long way since this release.

I got caught up with the whole CM9 craze, making quick reviews of each build on Changelog Of The Latest CM9 Builds For SGS2. To tell you quite honestly, I'm getting bored with it already. To shake things up a bit, I've decided to try out other ICS ROMs compatible with the SGS2 starting with one I've reviewed previously - Adyscorpius MIUI v2.3.1. Adyscorpius, the developer who patched up this ROM, has recently updated it to version 2.3.1 last February 4.

If you aren't familiar to Adyscorpius MIUI, it combines pure Ice Cream Sandwich goodness with the beautiful and functional MIUI ROM. MIUI may look iPhone-ish but its notification system and notifications bar are truly amazing.

1 Hour After Flashing KP8 Modded Kernel On Top Of MIUI 4 Fresh v2.3.1...

What Works & Pros

What works: Face Unlock, Messages, Calls, Camera capture, 3G, Wifi, Bluetooth
Music and Gallery does load. Just give them some time.
Apex Launcher gives the ROM a more ICS feel. It can be further customized.
Interface is smooth. No lags this time.
Superuser, Titanium Backup, and ES File Explorer are pre-installed. Only Superuser works smoothly. See Bugs & Cons above for encountered issues on Titanium Backup and ES File Explorer.
Some MIUI functionality: Notification Drawer, Torch, call and messages filtering, Backup, Car Home, Compass, and Sound Recorder.
3D games run smoothly :D
You can directly add widgets to homescreen by long-pressing on an empty space.

AOSP-Related Bugs
NOTE: Most of the bugs are AOSP-related and due to the lack of Samsung kernel sources. The following issues are present across all AOSP until Samsung releases enough sources. Basically, what I'm trying to say is no matter what ICS-based ROM you try these bugs will be present.

Sometimes, Market downloads disappear while downloading. You have to repeat downloading on the Android Market.
Video capture doesn't work.
Video playback works but colors are all wrong. Better than CM9 build 02012012 though.

Bugs & Cons

Problem restoring user apps with Titanium Backup for non-pro users. Package Installer will force close during restore. Temporary Fix: Batch restore apps or restore them individually. Each time the Package Installer force closes, just click 'ok' and restoration will continue. Permanent Fix: Go Pro :D
Market won't download apps bigger than 1 MB. FIX: Go to Downloads > Settings > Deselect Data download prompt.
Battery drained fast in my case. In case it does with you too, flash XXLP8 modified kernel by Adyscorpius. Thanks man! :)
Popup notification system for messages seems gone :( Still giving it a try.
When using MIUIHome Launcher, there is no use for Themes unless you get one that's compatible with ICS. Then again, who needs it when you got Apex Launcher?

Verdict

Adyscorpius MIUI v2.3.1 is one of those ICS ROMs you can use daily as long as you can deal with all its hiccups. If you have Titanium Backup Pro, this ROM isn't bad at all. This is one of the ROMs I look forward to once stable AOSP sources our out. The reason why I'm so in-love with this ROM is that it combines my two favorites - CM9 and MIUI.

Here is an installation guide of Adyscorpius MIUI v2.3.1 update.

Screenshots