The Huawei Nova 5T suffers not from hardware obsolescence, but from software stagnation. The Kirin 980 processor is still capable of handling modern apps and games with ease.

When running a Custom ROM on a Kirin device, there are specific trade-offs you must be aware of.

A review of custom ROMs for the (YAL-L21) is complicated by the fact that Huawei officially stopped providing bootloader unlock codes in 2018. Without an unlocked bootloader, you cannot flash custom ROMs or custom recoveries like TWRP. Current State of Custom ROMs for Nova 5T

: If you manage to unlock it, the device uses the Kirin 980 chipset. Most "ROMs" for this device are actually Project Treble GSI (Generic System Images) rather than device-specific builds.

: While custom ROMs can reduce bloatware and optimize RAM, the stock EMUI (or HarmonyOS in some regions) is already highly optimized for the Kirin 980, providing excellent gaming performance in titles like Genshin Impact . Nova 5T Specifications Overview Huawei Nova 5T EIS Test: Stabilization Review

For users who want a "Google" experience, Material You design, and system-level customizations.

By installing a Custom ROM, you effectively extend the lifespan of the Nova 5T by another 2-3 years, proving that this device was, and still is, a hidden gem in the smartphone market.

Unlike Xiaomi or OnePlus devices, unlocking the bootloader on Huawei devices is not straightforward. The official method provided by Huawei was closed down years ago.

Installing a custom ROM on a Huawei device is famously difficult due to the brand's 2018 decision to stop providing . Without an unlocked bootloader, you cannot flash custom recovery (like TWRP) or third-party operating systems.