Kernel | Version 4.14.117 Android

Linux kernel version represents a critical bridge in the evolution of the Android ecosystem. Released as part of the 4.14 Long Term Support (LTS) branch, this specific point release serves as a stabilizer for the "Common Kernel" architecture that powers millions of Android devices. The Significance of the 4.14 LTS Branch

The 4.14 kernel was a milestone because it was the first LTS kernel to receive an extended support window of six years (originally two). For Android, this longevity is vital. It allowed manufacturers to ship devices with a stable foundation that could receive security patches long after the initial launch, directly addressing the "fragmentation" issue that plagued earlier Android versions. Key Technical Attributes of 4.14.117

The 4.14.117 update, specifically, focuses on high-impact maintenance rather than new features: Spectre and Meltdown Mitigations

: Like many kernels in this era, 4.14.117 includes refined patches for hardware-level CPU vulnerabilities. These mitigations are essential for Android security, protecting user data from malicious apps attempting to read restricted memory. Energy-Aware Scheduling (EAS)

: While 4.14 popularized EAS in the Android space, point releases like .117 refined how the kernel distributes tasks across "Big.LITTLE" CPU architectures. This leads to the smooth UI performance and battery efficiency expected by modern smartphone users. Binder Throughput Improvements

: The Binder IPC (Inter-Process Communication) mechanism is the heart of Android. Version 4.14.117 contains upstreamed fixes that reduce latency in communication between the Android framework and hardware services. Project Treble and the Generic Kernel Image (GKI)

Version 4.14 was one of the primary kernels used during the rollout of Project Treble

. By modularizing the kernel, Google began separating the core Android OS from vendor-specific hardware code. Hardware Abstraction

: 4.14.117 often sits beneath the HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer), acting as the silent engine for drivers. Upstream First kernel version 4.14.117 android

: This version exemplifies Google's "Upstream First" philosophy, where security fixes are pushed to the main Linux kernel and then pulled into the Android Common Kernel (ACK) The Developer's Perspective

For developers and custom ROM enthusiasts, 4.14.117 is often viewed as a "mature" kernel. It is stable enough for daily use but modern enough to support features like

(extended Berkeley Packet Filter), which Android uses for advanced network monitoring and traffic accounting. Conclusion

While version 4.14.117 is no longer the "bleeding edge"—with newer devices moving toward 5.x and 6.x kernels—it remains a cornerstone of Android's reliability. It represents a period where the focus shifted from adding features to hardening the core, ensuring that the intersection of Linux and Android remains secure, efficient, and long-lasting. specific security patches included in the 4.14.117 changelog or compare it to newer 5.10 GKI

This is the story of Kernel 4.14.117, a silent, invisible worker tucked deep inside millions of Android devices. The Quiet Foundation

In the digital world of 2020, while users were busy obsessed with Android 10's flashy new dark mode and gesture navigation, Kernel 4.14.117 was the one actually doing the heavy lifting. It wasn’t a "feature" you could see; it was the bridge between the cold, hard silicon of the processor and the vibrant apps on the screen.

On devices like the ASUS ZenFone 6 and the powerhouse ROG Phone 2, this specific version was the "brain" managing every memory request and hardware signal. The Mid-Life Crisis

By late 2020, things got complicated. For some users, updating to the system that included 4.14.117 felt like a betrayal. Suddenly, cameras wouldn't open, galleries refused to show photos, and messaging apps like Signal started crashing when trying to attach a simple file. Linux kernel version represents a critical bridge in

Security researchers also found a hidden flaw—a "Use-after-free" bug in the Qualcomm NPU driver specifically affecting this kernel version on Samsung phones like the Galaxy A71. It was a silent vulnerability that could have let an untrusted app take total control of the device. The Tinkerer’s Challenge Is there a way to keep the fan running with the screen off?

Linux kernel version 4.14.117 is an older Long Term Support (LTS) version commonly found in Android 10 devices. While the 4.14 series officially reached End of Life (EOL) in January 2024, Google provides extended maintenance for specific Android common kernels. 📱 Device Compatibility

This specific kernel version (4.14.117) was widely used in flagship and mid-range devices released or updated around 2019-2020: Samsung Galaxy S10 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : Running Android 10. ASUS ZenFone 6 ROG Phone II Go to product viewer dialog for this item. : Standard kernel for their Android 10 updates.

Redmi Note 9S / Pro: Often used in custom kernels like "Yuki-Kernel" for these models. 🛠️ Technical Details Base: Forked from the upstream Linux 4.14 LTS branch.

Purpose: Manages low-level hardware requests, memory, and process management.

Status: Now considered a "legacy" kernel. Newer Android 15 devices typically use version 6.6. 🔍 Common Uses & Issues

possible fix for rog phone ii unexpected shutdowns/hangs/restart

Understanding Android Kernel Version 4.14.117 Kernel version 4.14.117 Real-World Risk If your phone runs Android 9

is a specific maintenance release within the Linux 4.14 Long-Term Support (LTS) branch, which served as a foundational "Android Common Kernel" (ACK) for millions of devices released between 2018 and 2020. Why This Kernel Version Matters

The kernel is the bridge between your phone's hardware and its software. Version 4.14 was a pivotal release for Android because: Long-Term Stability:

It was selected as an LTS version, meaning it received years of security backports and bug fixes even as newer versions like 5.10 or 6.1 were released. Energy-Aware Scheduling (EAS):

This branch integrated refactored EAS patches, which significantly improved how Android manages power consumption across different processor cores. Project Treble Support: It was widely used during the transition to Project Treble

, a major architecture change designed to make Android updates faster. Common Devices Using 4.14.x

While many devices eventually updated to later sub-versions (like 4.14.336), several popular models launched with or heavily utilized the 4.14 branch: Kernel overview - Android Open Source Project

Real-World Risk

If your phone runs Android 9 or 10 with kernel 4.14.117 and no security updates since 2019, a malicious app with minimal permissions could potentially exploit any of these kernel flaws to gain root access, spy on other apps, or brick the device. This is why security researchers strongly advise either:

  • Upgrading to a newer stock ROM (if available),
  • Flashing a custom kernel based on 4.14.302+ (the final LTS release), or
  • Retiring the device entirely.

How to Check Your Own Kernel Version

If you’re curious whether your phone runs 4.14.117:

  1. Open Settings → About Phone → Android Version → Kernel Version (the exact path varies by OEM).
  2. Look for a string like: 4.14.117-g1234abc (the letters after the dash represent the build hash).

Source and patches

  • Upstream git tag: v4.14.117
  • Obtain source:
    • Official kernel.org: download the tarball or clone the linux-stable tree and checkout v4.14.117.
    • Vendor/device trees: check device-specific repositories (e.g., AOSP forks, vendor GitHub/GitLab) for Android-optimized branches based on 4.14.117.

Commands (example):

git clone https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux-stable.git
cd linux-stable
git checkout v4.14.117