yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
"I've found that some threads say that they are "kernels" and others say they are "roms". I guess that the rom is the android part of the software and the kernel is what helps communicate between hardware and software"

Close enough understanding, yes

"If I install this kernel would I be able to use any rom with better performance or just the rom that this kernel was made for? (for example, this kernel with lineageos or any other os)"

Maybe, maybe not. This is created for and based on the stock Rom so I cant say how it will work on custom ones.

"Also, when I install a rom would that update the kernel? (for example, updating from android 11 to 12)"

That will simply install the kernel built into the Rom. It overwrites any previous changes.

"Is it worth it to update only the kernel?"

Most definitely. I built Roms for years and can say that the kernel makes the biggest difference for performance, battery life, etc. Building a custom Rom for these devices is far more work than its worth, IMO, which is why I dont do it anymore.

"Sorry if I am asking stupid questions."

Those dont exist here ;)
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
v12.3 is up. Nothing too special this month, just normal updates.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] oiphal:
I've been having quite a few issues with items closing in the background on 12.2 if I'm doing two things at once - for instance, podcasts while using maps has resulted in either crashing.

(Similar but not the same is swapping between two apps, even just home, seems to result in reloading of the app).

Is there a value I should tweak to fix this? Dirty background ratio maybe? I've tried turning off battery optimization for the apps and it helped but not 100%.

Android 12 has been a lot snappier than 11 was for me other than this.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Interested in testing a new one with tweaked OOM (out of memory) values?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] oiphal:
Sure.

FYI, when I tried out one of the weirder GPU governors the phone immediately rebooted and removed my eSIM until I reflashed the kernel (I think it was one of the msm-vidc options).
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Yep, thats like that on stock too. GPU governors are untouched on this kernel.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] fedett92:
Dear sir, first of all thank you for your efforts and commitments over our Pixel 3a Xl!

I'm taking advantage of your time to ask you if you could explain further few things (the last knowledge I have in this "field" goes down the old Galaxy SII serie on which I enjoyed trying kernels and roms... Good old times! 😌)

First I would like to ask you if I can "try" the kernel in my stock A12 without triggering counters (I don't know if that's still a thing) and without rooting, it seems to me point 2 is what I'm looking for but here's the thing: from the stock fastboot I can't really find a "boot xxx.img", therefore I guess some kind of software (on win, possibly) should be used for this purpose?

Secondly, the "flash xxx.img" should be definitive as long as a new security patch pops out, in that case the stock kernel will take place... Is that correct? Same as before, I think this must be done through the same software ... ?

Bonus question: booting with your modded kernel will prevent some apps (like bank related) from working or everything will be same as stock, except your "magic extra touch"?

Thanks a lot for you time, amigo!
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
No idea what a "counter" is. Maybe that was a Samsung thing, couldn't say as I've only owned Google phones. It's definitely not a thing on pixels.

Flashing a kernel on Windows is simple. Just use the terminal. You'll need to install ADB/Fastboot stuff but a simple Google search will get you that info. Don't install the huge version of them though, you don't need all that. There are very small options out there. It's been forever since I've done it though.

Not sure what your question about it being definitive is, but each month you will have to reflash the new build.

Only the Magisk version of the kernel will affect some apps, if you don't need root just flash the unrooted version and everything will work the same as stock. The exception to that will be anything that looks at whether the bootloader is unlocked. That you can't get around.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] fedett92:
Thanks a lot for your hints, some point are now clearer.

After some searches I found that unlocking the bootloader will trigger a factory reset... isn't it?

In the point 2 of your first post you mention the boot option, which means that the kernel will be usable until the next reboot... even in this case the phone will undergo factory reset?

Thank you again for you help.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
v12.4 up, normal updates
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] flight243:
I've heard about your wonderful kernel and was wondering if the v12.4 can be flashed into a system with stock Android 10 (need to stick with this Android version for the moment) or I should go with the v10.28 you created back in 2020.

Since you're also sharing with us the magisk patched boot image I guess there's no need to go through the Magisk process, right?

Thanks so much in advance!
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
No, this is built for Android 12. You would need to flash one built for 10.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Just an FYI to all.... Life got in the way so I'm not sure when the next build will be. Hopefully next month sometime or if I get lucky, earlier.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] azadarradaza:
links don't seem to be working for Feb.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] northrune:
Will there be any more updates?

Really like your work. Please include the option high display brightness.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Looks like the May update is the last official for these phones....sad. I am back working on a new build and it will hopefully be out in the next week.

I started completely over and this will be a much more simplified build when done. A lot of the more experimental commits will be left behind this go round.

If anyone wants pre release builds let me know and I'll link them as I go.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] adm1jtg:
Will you be moving on from the 3a series or will you still release kernels for something like los 19.1?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
v12.5 is up. This is a complete rebuild from current source.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
As long as I own this phone I'll build for it and share. After that, no more builds.

I'll likely get the 5a or 6a in the next few months.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
I've never, and will never build kernels for other ROMs. I assume Lineage builds their own tailored for their builds. I always did anyway.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] adm1jtg:
Ok was just asking since May is supposed to be the final patch update for stock for our phones.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Sounds like there will be 1 more in July but I fully intend to keep do Linux and clang updates as well as any other stuff I deem useful so as long as I have this phone there will be updates sent out. I'll likely do them more than monthly as well, depending on what updates I do.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] zQueal:
Great kernel. Seems to significantly speed up stock ROMs and plays well with Magisk. Sad you'll eventually upgrade. Any changes of a simple writeup on how to compile the kernel, so this can continue without you?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Yeah, this is a 3 year old device with no more updates. I've been down the porting Rom/kernel road before and it's too much work.

And there isn't really a "simple" write-up for building custom ROMs or kernels. I've been doing this for a decade and I still run into issues with stuff.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
v12.6 is up. Custom boost framework with revised settings added back.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
v12.7 up
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] john091:
Anyone got july OTA update ?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
No, there is no July update.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
v12.8 up....may be the last build for this device?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
v12.9 up....gonna try and go out with a bang, but I think this is the last build.

Those that can should definitely pick up the 6a.....its a fantastic device and will get MVK at least. Ill likely look at resurrecting Velocity again for this if I can.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] john091:
The final update is out, will there be a v12.10 ?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] Mawcuzz:
I read the original post but to this day still cannot find the rom mentioned.

Can I use this kernel with another rom? I am using Android ice cold project.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Yeah, velocity has been dormant a while now. No idea if it will work on anything but stock , but it's free to try.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Not from me, no.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] Mawcuzz:
I'm using a fork from lineage I think.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] skakkix:
@ctfrommn I can't seem to pm you, but if you get a chance can you pm me a link to your velocity tg please?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] th3y:
Android 10 : bonito-qq3a.200605.002-factory-0aee3f14

Kernel: MVK_Bonito_v10.26_unpatched.img

Battery Drain: 1% per 2 hours (Screen off) (Which is amazing because currently im not using it too much)

Smooth and its currently working. Didn't tried all options yet.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] th3y:
Android 10 : bonito-qq2a.200501.001.b2-factory-10a8e252

Kernel: MVK_Bonito_v10.27_unpatched.img + magisk/root + greenify

Battery Drain: 0.3% per hour (Screen off)

Also:

Disabled Digital wellbeing

Using custom launcher
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Huge apologies.....I never read this thread anymore. If youre still looking for Velocity (Pixel 6 series only) the link is in my signature. Again, sorry I didnt see this sooner.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] th3y:
Does anyone experiment blank/dark screen while loading apps or just freezing the whole phone?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] adm1jtg:
Why are you still using this kernel it has not been updated since july of 2022
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] th3y:
What kernel should i use then?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
I never use AOD so I didnt notice that. Ill sort it out for v10.3. Thanks for the report.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
And v10.3 up. Issue fixed and this one runs much better as well.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Deleted
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] kirschdog1:
Are you sure it flashed through ex?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] oranget:
Yup...positive.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] kirschdog1:
How do you know?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] oranget:
I literally used EX flasher to flash the kernel.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] kirschdog1:
Ok. Just asked because I flashed twice through ex with same result and it kept saying the stock kernel. Used Franco kernel manager and it appears to be working. Thanks for your time and help.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] dynasticorpheus:
Look who is back! Hope your are doing well and I really envy the Pixel 3a owners now :) Still rocking my Pixel 2 and awaiting the 4 to see if it is time to switch to my next pixel.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Well well....good to see you as well. Yeah, I looked at a bunch of options for my upgrade from the Nexus 6 but settled on the 3a for a bunch of reasons. Hopefully development isnt too big a pita. The 4 looks cool, hope you enjoy it.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
And for the rest of you....... v10.4 is up. This is rapidly approaching done for now as I really start to dial things in. Im going to start focussing more time on getting Velocity up and running now.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] bigxie:
Thanks for the releases, been enjoying MVK for the past couple of versions. However, after installing v10.4, I've had 2 reboots, both with the device plugged in. It rebooted in the middle of the night while charging (I could tell because it asked for the PIN after a reboot in the morning) and also today while I was driving and using Android Auto. I've reverted to v10.3 and it seems to not have this issue, though I'll need to verify it doesn't reboot overnight tonight.

Could one of the changes made in v10.4 have caused this? Anybody else getting reboots while charging on v10.4?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Could be, but I havent had the same issue so its hard to say. Ill see about reproducing it and then fixing the issue. Thanks for the detailed response.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] oranget:
I have also had a reboot while charging.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Ok cool....I'ii strip out some stuff and upload 10.5 shortly. If either of you are willing to do some testing that would help as well as I cant reproduce this.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
v10.5 up for testing. I stripped out a bunch so my guess is this one is good. I would like someone willing to do consistent testing though as I want to add most of the changes back.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] kirschdog1:
Let me know if I can help! PM me if you need a tester.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Can you easily reproduce the rebooting while charging issue on v10.4?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] kirschdog1:
Great question...I'm on 10.5 now. Want me to flash 10.4 and put it on the charger to see if I can reproduce?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Might be helpful. Or if someone can give me the repeatable steps I can test it myself.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] kirschdog1:
Ok I'll attempt to recreate this reboot and be in touch. Do you need a log cat?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Nah....I can't read them in any useful way anyway.

Thanks for the help
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] bigxie:
Been running v10.5 since it was posted and haven't encountered a reboot while charging yet (including overnight). Thanks!
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Cool....as expected. I removed a bunch of stuff. How easy was it to reproduce that issue? Like how long on a charger did it take to trigger a reboot?

Thank you for confirming this for me
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] bigxie:
The 2 times that it happened for me on v10.4, it was within an hour. On the charger overnight, I slept for maybe a little over 5 hours and I checked my uptime after I noticed the reboot and it was 4h50 some minutes. During my drive when it rebooted while plugged in running Android Auto, it was probably around 10 minutes, as my commute is only 15 minutes altogether.

Hope that helps!
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Right on man, thank you.

I feel like I remember you from long ago on here. PSX Mako (or Maguro) days long ago......
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] bigxie:
Haha, yes, I used to be quite active during the early DROID and Nexus days. These days I mostly lurk and sometimes take a year off Android to play with iOS :silly:

Unfortunately, it seems I spoke too soon, as I suffered another reboot while charging overnight yesterday on v10.5
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Hmm, ok. Ill keep digging then. The only difference between 10.3 and 10.5 is the Linux update and some minor optimization changes. Ill revert those and reupload for more testing. I wish I could reproduce this as it would make testing much simpler.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Alright, v10.6 is up. Please verify the rebooting issue either way.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] Roll3r:
Maybe this thread will help narrow down the reboot issue. A specific upstream commit was causing random reboots while charging on Pixel 3 XL:

https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=79578541&postcount=1722
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Thanks, but that commit and the one that caused the original issue was since reverted in later Linux updates.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Has anyone tried v10.6 yet and can confirm whether the reboot issue remains? Like I said, I cant reproduce this so I rely on all of you.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] kirschdog1:
None here to speak of
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
New build up....see changelog
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
New day, new build. This one is definitely faster than previous ones.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] poncespr:
On 10.8, phone shut itself off while watching YouTube once, and one random reboot in a period of five days. Other than that, great kernel.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Ok, so after updating to the s3 OTA and getting back on the stock kernel its making me rethink how I approached this. Im going to redo everything starting from fresh stock base. Im going to be extremely particular about what I add/change.

The battery life on stock is at least as good as MVK and the cores seem much better behaved. As this is all new to me (64 bit kernel development) this isnt that unexpected, especially for any of you that know me. Im ever tinkering and perfecting everything I make. Expect v10.9 and beyond to be a much better product. This will likely take me a couple days to get an initial (again) build.

I think simply backporting everything from upstream (even official Linux) isnt the best idea. There is a reason Google stopped at 4.9.165 and added select backports. Rest assured I will be backporting a ton of stuff but it wont just be blindly, assuming its better.

Rom development is still a ways off for everyone it appears so for now all my focus will be on building the best kernel possible.

More info to come.......
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
New build (v10.9) up. This is based on the c3 (android-10.0.0_r3) update so Im not sure if it will work on the previous build. If someone tries it and wants to confirm Im sure that will be helpful for others. This is a vastly stripped down version in terms of commits but its very fast and efficient and so far 100% stable and functional. No rebooting Ive seen and no other issues.

Buckle up and enjoy!
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
v10.10 is up.

If anyone wants a non rooted boot.img I can definitely upload that as well. It seems many with this device have no interest in rooting it.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] Roll3r:
Link in OP was broken for me. I was able to find the download at https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=1899786940962599553
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
That's where the link in the op leads you to
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
v10.11 is up. I merged all upstream commits to Linux 4.9.196 and a few other changes. Also, there is now an "unpatched" boot image as well for those who dont want/need root.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] RandomAwesomeName:
Will this work with Pixel 3a?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
It should. The code is the exact same. Being a boot.img would be my only concern but you can try it. Just fastboot boot it and dont flash it. If it doesnt work there is no harm done. If it does you can go back and flash it.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] jmtjr278:
Did you try it?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
v10.12 is up....Both magisk patched and unpatched again
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] MrPhilo:
I know you prefer bfq, however hopefully if not too much hassle as I know it's just a personal kernel you're sharing. Do you think you an also include the stock cfq with upstream patches? As for me it performs better than bfq in general usage.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
I'll do some testing and if it's truly better than I'll change back to it. BFQ was definitely superior when I added it. What leads you to think CFQ performs better? If I can use that to test I'm happy to change. Maximum performance is what velocity is all about.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] jasons1004:
Using viper / magisk latest

Flashed with exkm and 10.12 (patched) broke something in audio somewhere bc sounds like my speakers are blown.

If I flash back to elemental, audio is fine again.

Just an observation. Didn't notice this on 10.11
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
I can't reproduce this, sorry. Mine sounds fine. Could be something with viper?

If you're willing to do some testing for me I'd be happy to sort out what's causing that for you.

If youre willing here are a couple test kernels.....theyre both normal patched boot.images

test1

test2
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] jasons1004:
I'm betting on viper random issue. Neither test img had this issue. I have no clue what would have caused it, but cant replicate anymore.

I cant seem to get any mirrors on .12 now. Don't have it saved... I deleted it and was trying to download a fresh one just now :)
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] jsminnis:
Can someone please explain to me how this works. I rooted with magisk by patching the stock boot IMG and then flashing it. So, if I flash boot IMG how do I not loose root, or why aren't there any guides just saying you can use a kernel to root. I guess I just don't understand, I'm new to the pixel and haven't flashed anything or rooted for awhile. I'm on build qpa1.191005.007, can I flash this kernel, and how do I know which kernels I can flash? Thank you.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
Well, both tested omitted certain changes from .12 so if .12 has this issue and neither test does I know what the issue is.

Here is the link for .12......

https://androidfilehost.com/?w=profile&uid=23060877490000230
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] ctfrommn:
My kernels are patched so when your flash the boot image you'll retain root.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] kirschdog1:
I can't find a patched image on 10.12 it says no files found?
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] :
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=1899786940962611369

Edit: Sorry...my bad. It looks like an AFH issue with mirrors not loading.
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] kirschdog1:
Any one else that can post patched 10.12
[Google Pixel 3a XL ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Ot] :
Try the link again...seems to be working now.