[ASUS ROG Phone 3 ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Othe] Freak07:
Update to 2.1.0

Hey guys and girls,

Alright here´s a new update.

It includes CAF-Upstream as well as Linux-Stable upstream.

However there´s an interesting new change I´m sure many will be interested in.

The display commands were changed so visibility in dark scenes is improved when watching videos on lowest brightness.

Here´s an example scene from the "infamous" batman trailer. Both pictures were taken with lowest brightness setting on the phone and the same iso, aperture and shutter on the camera.

Stock:

New item by Micha L

photos.app.goo.gl

New:

New item by Micha L

photos.app.goo.gl

These changes allowed me to greatly reduce the minimal brightness in the kernel, while still improving visibility and black levels on lowest or very low brightness setting compared to the stock kernel.

If you don´t use already the brightness dimmer setting in the CleanSlate config app, the minimum brightness on a pure white background will now be by default on 3.7 lux, while it is on 13.5 lux on the stock kernel.

If that´s too low for you and you prefer a brighter minimal brightness install the CleanSlate Config app and change the backlight dimming min value to your liking.

The app is available to download in the CleanSlate thread.

Here´s a screenshot, on which setting to change. Enable the dimmer setting, choose your desired min value with the slider, hit the save icon at the bottom and profit!

0 new items by Micha L

photos.app.goo.gl

The following are rough guidelines on the value you can choose in the CleanSlate config app and the corresponding min brightness measured against a white background.

40 (default setting on my kernel, without having CleanSlate config app installed) = 3,7 lux min brightness

90 =6,7 lux min brightness

120 = 8,1 lux min brightness

180 = 13,7 lux min brightness (same as stock kernel)

You will notice a brightness/colour shift on low brightness once you open a "VideoApp" like YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video. The same happens to popular Gallery Apps like Google Photos or Asus Gallery.

This is an overlay from the Pixelworks daemon that is triggered, when such an app is detected. This behaviour can´t be blocked in the kernel (yet, probably never).

However there´s a trick to disable this mechanism. When using A11 navigation gestures, swipe up from the bottom so you can see the "pill". Drag the pill a little to the left or right as if you´d switch apps. You´ll see again a brightness and color shift, as the pixelworks daemon is fooled to believe you exited the app.

That´s helpful if you want to watch the video on that "lower" unmodified brightness level.

It´s not a perfect solution but better than nothing.

Keep in mind, when using this trick on lowest brightness you will lose a bit of visibility of those dark details again.

But it´s all about choices and I feel this offers plenty now.

These changes to the display also shift colours on higher brightness a bit towards green. That means the "dark, red-blueish hue" from the ROG 3 is reduced and the screen looks more natural/neutral. I compared a lot with other devices and think I finally found a good spot, that´s hopefully acceptable for everyone.

There´s always splendid to fine tune the display!

I will also attach two kernel.zips. One with the display changes and one with stock "settings" for the display.

So if you don´t like the new changes, you can just use like everything is on stock.

Disclaimer/Important:

Since Release 1.5.0 Selinux-Mainline patches are backported now that Magisk 21.0 and greater support it. This gives selinux a performance boost.

You need to have upgraded to magisk 21.0 or higher before flashing the kernel!

If you´re on of those that could not boot 21.0 or greater with the stock kernel, this issue is solved on magisk 21400 and above.

More details in the changelog below and on GitHub as usual.

I´d advise everybody to read the instructions in the OP and follow them. They are written for a reason, because they ensure everything will be working as expected.

Kernel is made for the latest stock rom from Asus, you must update your phone to the most recent Asus update, before flashing the kernel.

Enjoy!

Changelog:

- Linux-Stable Upstream 4.19.180

- Merge latest CAF-Upstream

- kernel/common updates

- improve visibility of dark scenes when watching video on lowest brightness

I wish you all a nice day/evening!

Download is below :)

Download:

Kernel: see attachment to this post, afh is broken at the moment

Instructions how to flash the kernel can be found in the OP!

But look at this post too :)

To make use of the CleanSlate features you need to download both CleanSlate Apps:

Please take a look at the CleanSlate thread for CleanSlate features. On the CleanSlate thread you will find links to both apps, companion and configuration app, to control the CleanSlate features.

If you use the CleanSlate features and benefit over time, maybe think about giving something back to @tbalden and purchase them from PlayStore. :)

Have fun, enjoy the kernel and your phone.

Donations are not mandatory but very welcome.

If you like my work and want to buy me a coffee/green tea: http://paypal.me/freak07