The kernel is key to Android performance – it’s the software that lets the hardware and operating system work together seamlessly. On the Poco F3, the kernel carefully controls the powerful Snapdragon 870 processor based on what you’re doing – gaming, browsing, etc.
For intense tasks like 3D mobile games, the kernel ramps up CPU and GPU frequencies so more calculations happen per second, generating slick graphics but also consuming more battery. During lighter use like social media, it slows things down to save power.
What is a custom kernel?
Now to “custom kernels”. Developers can tweak the F3’s original kernel software to optimize it even further. A customized kernel specifically built for the Snapdragon 870 chipset could potentially give your device an extra performance boost.
However, sometimes custom kernels can cause battery drain, performance drops, break hardware features, or even soft-brick the device. So you have to be careful choosing custom kernels for your device. Flashing kernels made for different devices can corrupt the storage and cause hard bricks to your device.
Read more on Android Custom kernel from a user’s perspective.
Pros and Cons of installing a custom kernel on Poco F3/ Mi 11X/ Redmi K40 (Alioth)
Pros:
- Improved performance – Custom kernels can optimize the Snapdragon 870 even further, increasing speed and responsiveness for a smoother user experience. Gaming kernels can improve the gaming experience a lot.
- Better battery life – Expert kernel tweaks could potentially improve battery efficiency compared to the stock software.
- Latest updates/patches – Custom kernels are often kept up-to-date with the newest optimizations and security enhancements.
Cons:
- Potential instability – Improperly modified kernels can lead to random reboots, freezes, or app crashes.
- Chance of bootloops – A buggy kernel could cause the phone to get stuck endlessly booting up.
- Voided warranty – Altering system software often invalidates manufacturer warranty coverage.
- Hardware issues – Incorrect settings could deactivate camera/Bluetooth/NFC functions.
- Brick risk – Flashing a completely incompatible kernel can permanently damage the device.
- Shorter battery span – Excessive CPU frequency boosts impact battery duration over time.
Check also: How to Download and Install HyperOS on Mi 11X/Poco F3/Redmi K40
Requirements for installing custom kernels on Poco F3/ Mi 11X/ Redmi K40 (Alioth)
Installing a custom kernel isn’t a thing for normal users. But if you think you’re nerd enough to take the risk, then you are welcome. Make sure your device meets the following criteria before proceeding ahead:
- A Poco F3/ Mi 11X/ Redmi K40 device with unlocked bootloader
- A custom recovery like TWRP, Orangefox Recovery, PBRP, etc. installed.
- Make sure the Kernel you are about to flash supports your current ROM (such as MIUI, or AOSP)
Custom kernels for Poco F3/ Mi 11X/ Redmi K40 (Alioth)
The Poco F3 kernel source code is openly available though, letting modifyers experiment. We have a lot of options when choosing a kernel for Poco F3. Below, we have listed some selected ones’ that got a good amount of attention from Poco F3 users. Read the information carefully before installing a custom kernel.
RealKing Kernel For Poco F3/ Mi 11X/ Redmi K40 (Alioth)
RealKing Kernel is one of the latest and actively maintained kernels for Poco F3. The kernel makes a good amount of optimizations. This kernel can be considered as a gaming kernel for Poco F3/ Mi 11X/ Redmi K40 devices.
Realking Kernel releases
[WPSM_AC id=3420]
MagicTime Kernel For Poco F3/ Mi 11X/ Redmi K40 (Alioth)
MagicTime Kernel is a new custom kernel for Poco F3. Its first build for Poco F3 was released in December 2023. So it’s a fresh new kernel with very promising features for Alioth.
Basic Kernel Details
MagicTime Kernel releases
[WPSM_AC id=3421]
Nexus Kernel for Poco F3/ Mi 11X/ Redmi K40 (Alioth)
If you count some popular kernels for Android, the Nexus kernel will be one of them. It’s very popular for its stability. It has been serving many Android devices for a long time. Nexus kernel is a great combination of both performance and power efficiency.
Basic Kernel Details
- Maintainer: @NotZeetaa
- Android Support: 11-14
- ROM support: AOSP only
- Superuser: KSU- included.
- To use KernelSU just rename the kernel zip name to “-ksu” and flash!
- Flashing via Adb sideload won’t work
- Support
Nexus Kernel releases
[WPSM_AC id=3424]
More Poco F3/ Mi 11X/ Redmi K40 (Alioth) kernel builds will be updated over time. So stay tuned.
Check also: [ROM] MiUi Guffy Edition 14.0.7.0 for Poco F3/Redmi K40/Mi 11X (alioth)
Guides to install a custom Kernel on Poco F3/ Mi 11X/ Redmi K40
Installing a custom kernel is easier than you might think. Follow the easy guide to install a custom kernel on your Poco F3 (alioth).
Step 1: Make sure the Kernel you are about to flash supports your current ROM (such as MIUI, or AOSP)(Read details)
Step 2: Download the Kernel ZIP file from the official sources we have given to you.
Step 3: Boot Into Custom Recovery
Press and Hold the Volume up and Power key at the same time until you see the recovery logo.
Step 4: Backing up necessary partitions
Make sure you have backed up the boot partition so that you can restore the stock kernel if anything goes wrong. For good measure, backup the dtbo partition (basically dtbo.img file) too. This is because sometimes you may face issues like broken multi-touch, refresh rate issues, etc. Restoring the dtbo partition can fix those problems.
Step 5: Flashing the Kernel ZIP file
In your recovery browse to the Kernel ZIP file and install it as a flashable zip.
Step 6: Rebooting the device
Go to the reboot menu from your recovery and choose the System Reboot option.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed a custom kernel on your Poco F3. Now wait for the device to complete the reboot.
If your device doesn’t boot don’t panic. First, reboot into recovery ( follow Step 3) and restore the boot and dtbo partition. Then reboot into the system. This will install the stock kernel and your phone will boot normally.
The Final Verdict
A custom kernel can improve the device performance by a quite margin. If you are a gamer, you will surely appreciate the performance increase by installing a good gaming-centric kernel on your Poco F3. But it is not recommended if you don’t have experience or knowledge of installing custom ROMs and such topics.
Rashidul Hasan, the founder and CEO of AndroidStory, is very passionate about technology.