[Q&A][KERNEL]Kernel questions - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have made this Q&A thread to talk about the kernel settings. Feel free to post about battery stats, kernel questions and other stuff!
Q: How do I flash a kernel?
A: There are two main (and popular) ways of doing this, via recovery and via odin. Flash a kernel via recovery is like flashing a rom except that you don't have to do any wipes. Whereas flashing via ODIN requires you to flash the .tar file under 'PDA' or 'AP'.
Q: What is the best CPU Governor?
A: It depends what do you mean about 'best', saying 'best' could refer to the battery life, performance, stability, etc. Elaborate your question to a more clear question.
Q: What is the best I/O Scheduler?
A: Same thing as the previously answered question. However, often people talk about the speed, reliability and stability of an I/O Scheduler
Q: My kernel doesn't have the option to change any of these settings, help!
A: You will have to change your kernel in order to change these settings
Q: Why can't my phone allow me to overclock or undervolt?
A: Most likely the kernel you are using doesn't support these functions. Read the kernel OP before flashing!
Q: What does the kernel version in the phone's settings tell me?
A: Like all operating systems, there must be some layer of software the provides all of the drivers for your phone. A newer version of a kernel (Linux for our case) doesn't necessarily mean that the kernel is better, usually it could provide bug fixes but most developers don't bother updating this anyway.
Q: Is there an app to change my kernel settings?
A: If you read the kernel OP, you would have known the compatible apps for your kernel.
Q: Why does my battery drain faster when I flash a new kernel?
A: Kernels aren't developed to drain your battery, this could be caused by an inconsistency in code that may have broke something in the kernel causing battery drain (highly unlikely these days). You will have to go through a few power cycles (drain battery to a low percentage, recharge and repeat).
Q: What is the best kernel for XYZ rom?
A: Rule from XDA, no best ROM or best kernel, etc. Only recommendations can be given by users. Experiment yourself or find reviews on some combinations.
Q: Why should I switch kernels when the stock is good enough?
A: Custom kernels provide extra functionality for your device that could improve performance and battery life. Sometimes installing a custom recovery can bring bug fixes earlier than a rom update (fixes on kernel side like the FPbug). If you think that playing with a custom rom is too technical already, don't use a custom kernel then.
Q: The kernel I am using has an old recovery version, how do I update the recovery?
A: You can update the recovery in many ways such as by updating the kernel, switching kernels, flashing a newer custom recovery like Philz recovery, etc.
Q: What CPU governor and I/O scheduler do you use?
A: Have a look at my hidden signature section
Q: Can I revert to stock kernel once I flash a custom recovery?
A: Usually you can only do this if you reflash the ROM that you were using.
Q: Why does flashing a ROM remove my custom recovery?
A: It is because most custom ROMs come with their own kernels
Q: Why does my screen turn black after the samsung logo after flashing a kernel?
A: You have flashed the wrong version of kernel on your phone. Check the kernel OP before flashing!
Will be updated with more info soon.

Related

[Q] What is kernel? What is the benefit of installing one?

I am new here, and I am very confuse about kernel.
I know what ROM is, and the benefit of custom ROM. But I am not sure about kernel. What is it exactly? Please give me a simple explanation.
Is the kernel included in rom when I install a custom rom?
So if I compare Android to Windows, then different Rom is different version of OS (Windows) with different "theme" right? So what about the kernel? What will it change my Windows if I install different version of kernel?
The kernel is the operating system layer that is between the hardware and the user interface.
When you install a ROM, you will install, at the minimum, a kernel and a system image. Sometimes there will also be a modem, and other additional elements.
You can also install a kernel by itself, as long as it is compatable with the system image.
To understand what a custom kernel modifies on your phone, go to the development forum, and read the OP for several of the kernel threads. Specifically, read the change log which lists the new features as they are added. That will help you understand.

[Q] SiyahKernel S3-v1.5.3 what is this exactly ?

Hi guys I know that Siyah kernals allow overclocking of cpu and gpu on the SGS3 but what else does it do.
1)Does it improve battery life, sound of speakers and performance ? How?
2)Also can i install it on an original rom of ICS ?
3)Will i be able to update to Jelly bean through kies after installing this ?
4)After updating to jelly bean will i loose this kernal?
The sites i visited do not provide these information only that this kernal has these features and dual booting etc....
Thanks to everyone who replies or at least takes a look at it..
beware, i was using this kernel as a default
nearly the first thing ive flashed after installing a new rom
took me quite a while to learn that it prevented me from recording FullHD video, it was crashing the camera app everytime
i dropped it and switched to a stock kernel which works best for me right now.
There is a full thread dedicated to this kernel in original android development section!
With ics you can only install below 1.6 version if I'm correct (mentioned in the thread anyway). So no dual boot.
With STweaks app you can change every parameter and so save battery, overclock cpu and gpu, undervolt, enable some audio improvements and so on.
The best is to update to jb, and then install the latest version with dual boot.
If you lose the kernel after a Rom update you just flash again the kernel, 30 seconds work.
Hi,
All is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1709686 (dev thread) and here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1709860 (general thread)...
You need good reading, testing, etc... For battery it depends of your use and settings (in the 6th post of the dev thread there are some settings for battery life or for performance for example).
Firt of all read the first 6 posts in the dev thread...

[Q] My Top 10 S2 / Android Questions

Hi,
I am a new Galaxy S II (i9100) owner. I have a couple of questions, if some of the experienced users could please assist me I would greatly appreciate it. My questions are listed by priority:
EDIT: I am rephrasing my questions and putting the answers that I feel are best suited so that people who are interested can see the answers in one clean post
1) I understand that CM Mod is based on AOSP and is used as a base on a lot of ROMS but could someone please explain to me how a ROM could be an AOKP ROM and "Based on CM10". Are they taking certain modules from CM10 and certain things from an AOKP Build and putting it together?
ROMS usually take the best of CM and AOKP and combine to produce a more stable base.
2) I know what CWM is but once you use ODIN to flash CWM onto your phone where does it go? By this I mean, does it sit on the ROM or somewhere on your Internal SD card (or both, maybe it puts settings on your SD card). I would like to know if I format my Internal memory will it remove or cause CWM to bug out?
CWM will get removed from your phone if you flash a Kernal that doesn't have CWM on it. It will also get removed from your phone if you "format" the internal SD as that is where it is stored. CWM will NOT be removed if you flash a update to your phone that doesn't require you to "wipe"
3) I am not a fan of the Stock Samsung ROMS because of the bloatware that it contains. However, is it all possible that these Stock Samsung ROMS have built in optimization code or something that works better for my specific device? I ask this because the best battery life I've managed to get was on Stock Samsung ICS where as my battery life dies on any of the JB Roms (Even SlimBean)
AFAIK Stock Roms are optimized for basic / standard features. Custom ROM's can be optimized for the way you use your phone. A Stock ROM is a "One Size Fits all ROM" a Custom ROM can be "Tailored" to fit your needs.
4) I understand how I/O Schedulers / Governors etc work but what advantage does using a non stock Kernel have? As far as I understand these can be changed on any rooted Kernel or am I incorrect?
I/O Schedulers / Governors can be changed on rooted or non rooted Kernels. Rooted Kernels have access to their own custom schedulers and governors.
5) When I download an app from Play store is there no way for me to not install it and just download the APK? So that I don't have to backup all my apps (I don't like using Titanium very much) and so that I can just reinstall the APK files from my internal Memory?
No There is no way to get around this. Install APK files from the Web. Use Titanium Backup to backup applications installed from the Play Store.
6) I've followed the guide to enable or disable Fast Dormancy (I'm still learning about this) however when I type the code in my phone (*#9900#) or (*#0011#) nothing happens. Is this because I'm running JB and these codes only work on ICS?
These codes only work on Stock ROMS
7) When I have a look at my battery usage (currently on CM10) screen says "52%" even though my brightness is set to like 25%. I am trying to figure out why my battery is dying so fast. Is this normal?
There is no "Normal". Too many factors involved. Have a look at the BBS Thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1179809. You may post your BBS dump/log in this thread and ask the experts to analyze it for you.
8) What is the main difference between AOSP and AOKP? I understand that AOKP will open up a lot of other customizations to me but what are these customizations? I assumed it was things like setting the governor and the I/O Scheduler etc but I've installed ROMS based on AOSP that allows me to do that.
Busy Formulating an answer
9) Galaxy S2 Modems I keep flashing different modems on my phone but I see no change in signal whatsoever is there an application or anything that can help me get an accurate benchmark so that I know which modem is "best" for me?
This is usually done by trial and error. Have a look at the Modem / RILS thread to ensure that your Baseband and RIL version match. Alternatively you can use an app called GETRIL which will get the correct RIL file for your modem
10) Please don't mistake this as a "What's the best ROM??" question. I've tried many different ROMs and I still haven't got a favorite I am looking for someone who has an idea of which ROM will mostly fulfill my requirements which are:
(BTW I'm leaning towards SlimBean here)
1) JB (I love JB keyboard)
2) Battery life (I think I'm looking for something that uses the conservative governor)
3) I mainly use my phone for WhatsApp (I use this ALOT) and browsing (barely for games)
4) Lightweight (I don't want Samsung Apps, I don't want a ROM that has 3 launchers etc.)
5) I don't mind charging my phone once every 16-18 hours.
6) Preferably AOKP so I can mess around and experiment and perhaps give back to the community
This is my personal opinion but I think that SlimBean will best fit my requirements
lickwidice said:
Hi,
I am a new Galaxy S II (i9100) owner. I have a couple of questions, if some of the experienced users could please assist me I would greatly appreciate it. My questions are listed by priority:
1) I understand that CM Mod is based on AOSP and is used as a base on a lot of ROMS but could someone please explain to me how a ROM could be an AOKP ROM and "Based on CM10". Are they taking certain modules from CM10 and certain things from an AOKP Build and putting it together?
2) I know what CWM is but once you use ODIN to flash CWM onto your phone where does it go? By this I mean, does it sit on the ROM or somewhere on your Internal SD card (or both, maybe it puts settings on your SD card). I would like to know if I format my Internal memory will it remove or cause CWM to bug out?
3) I am not a fan of the Stock Samsung ROMS because of the bloatware that it contains. However, is it all possible that these Stock Samsung ROMS have built in optimization code or something that works better for my specific device? I ask this because the best battery life I've managed to get was on Stock Samsung ICS where as my battery life dies on any of the JB Roms (Even SlimBean)
4) I understand how I/O Schedulers / Governors etc work but what advantage does using a non stock Kernel have? As far as I understand these can be changed on any rooted Kernel or am I incorrect?
5) When I download an app from Play store is there no way for me to not install it and just download the APK? So that I don't have to backup all my apps (I don't like using Titanium very much) and so that I can just reinstall the APK files from my internal Memory?
6) I've followed the guide to enable or disable Fast Dormancy (I'm still learning about this) however when I type the code in my phone (*#9900#) or (*#0011#) nothing happens. Is this because I'm running JB and these codes only work on ICS?
7) When I have a look at my battery usage (currently on CM10) screen says "52%" even though my brightness is set to like 25%. I am trying to figure out why my battery is dying so fast. Is this normal?
8) What is the main difference between AOSP and AOKP? I understand that AOKP will open up a lot of other customizations to me but what are these customizations? I assumed it was things like setting the governor and the I/O Scheduler etc but I've installed ROMS based on AOSP that allows me to do that.
9) Galaxy S2 Modems I keep flashing different modems on my phone but I see no change in signal whatsoever is there an application or anything that can help me get an accurate benchmark so that I know which modem is "best" for me?
10) Please don't mistake this as a "What's the best ROM??" question. I've tried many different ROMs and I still haven't got a favorite I am looking for someone who has an idea of which ROM will mostly fulfill my requirements which are:
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha ha, next time, please don't post so many questions in one post.
Then you will get more answers IMO.
I can't answer every question, but I'll try my best:
1) As I am using stock / Sammy ROMs only, I can give no clue to that. Please search and read a bit in ROM threads.
2) In SGS2 firmware, recovery (CWM is a special, enhanced recovery) is included in the kernel. If you format your internal memory (sd card), it will be removed, and will have to flash a new firmware (whole ROM including a new kernel with recovery) to your phone.
3) I like stock / Sammy ROMs, but custom ROMs may include same or similar device-specific drivers/etc. AFAIK.
4) Most custom kernels support different I/O Schedulers and CPU Governors. So you can switch to the one you like/prefer.
5) Apps from Play store will be automatically installed on your phone. That's why so many users are using Titanium Backup.
6) There is an app from gokhanmoral to switch Fast Dormancy on/off. I don't have the link, so you have to search for it here on xda. The USSD codes won't work on some ROMsm such as non-stock or JB.
7) Have a look at BBS thread => http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1179809. You may post your BBS dump/log in this thread and ask the experts to analyze it for you.
8) Have already google it, or look at wikipeadia. I have no better answer ... sorry.
9) Have a look at the modem thread here => http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1131950, and here for modem/RIL files => http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1881304
10) No "What's the best ROM??" question?! Sounds like that to me You have to check different ROMs yourself and decide yourself what's best for you and your needs.
Good luck !
lickwidice said:
Hi,
I am a new Galaxy S II (i9100) owner. I have a couple of questions, if some of the experienced users could please assist me I would greatly appreciate it. My questions are listed by priority:
1) I understand that CM Mod is based on AOSP and is used as a base on a lot of ROMS but could someone please explain to me how a ROM could be an AOKP ROM and "Based on CM10". Are they taking certain modules from CM10 and certain things from an AOKP Build and putting it together?
2) I know what CWM is but once you use ODIN to flash CWM onto your phone where does it go? By this I mean, does it sit on the ROM or somewhere on your Internal SD card (or both, maybe it puts settings on your SD card). I would like to know if I format my Internal memory will it remove or cause CWM to bug out?
3) I am not a fan of the Stock Samsung ROMS because of the bloatware that it contains. However, is it all possible that these Stock Samsung ROMS have built in optimization code or something that works better for my specific device? I ask this because the best battery life I've managed to get was on Stock Samsung ICS where as my battery life dies on any of the JB Roms (Even SlimBean)
4) I understand how I/O Schedulers / Governors etc work but what advantage does using a non stock Kernel have? As far as I understand these can be changed on any rooted Kernel or am I incorrect?
5) When I download an app from Play store is there no way for me to not install it and just download the APK? So that I don't have to backup all my apps (I don't like using Titanium very much) and so that I can just reinstall the APK files from my internal Memory?
6) I've followed the guide to enable or disable Fast Dormancy (I'm still learning about this) however when I type the code in my phone (*#9900#) or (*#0011#) nothing happens. Is this because I'm running JB and these codes only work on ICS?
7) When I have a look at my battery usage (currently on CM10) screen says "52%" even though my brightness is set to like 25%. I am trying to figure out why my battery is dying so fast. Is this normal?
8) What is the main difference between AOSP and AOKP? I understand that AOKP will open up a lot of other customizations to me but what are these customizations? I assumed it was things like setting the governor and the I/O Scheduler etc but I've installed ROMS based on AOSP that allows me to do that.
9) Galaxy S2 Modems I keep flashing different modems on my phone but I see no change in signal whatsoever is there an application or anything that can help me get an accurate benchmark so that I know which modem is "best" for me?
10) Please don't mistake this as a "What's the best ROM??" question. I've tried many different ROMs and I still haven't got a favorite I am looking for someone who has an idea of which ROM will mostly fulfill my requirements which are:
(BTW I'm leaning towards SlimBean here)
1) JB (I love JB keyboard)
2) Battery life (I think I'm looking for something that uses the conservative governor)
3) I mainly use my phone for WhatsApp (I use this ALOT) and browsing (barely for games)
4) Lightweight (I don't want Samsung Apps, I don't want a ROM that has 3 launchers etc.)
5) I don't mind charging my phone once every 16-18 hours.
6) Preferably AOKP so I can mess around and experiment and perhaps give back to the community
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes the best of cm and AOKP where combined to produce a more stable base.
2. CWM or clockworkmode is a phone based recovery that allows you to make changes without powering and rebooting the phone in recovery mode. It is added to rooted kernel and will disappear if you flash a wiped or standard kernal over it.
It will not disappear if you flash an non wipe update to your phone.
3. jb roms are getting better with the battery as new optimizations are being intergrated. Stock roms were designed around the battery with minimal features implemented, when you add apps your battery will start get worse.
4. yes they can be changed on rooted kernals or non rooted kernals. On rooted kernals it gives you more control over the functions of the phone.
5. unfortnately play store automatically installs the apks automatically. you need to back them up with a program similiar to titanium back up. They are a few different versions in play store just find one you like. Only non play store apps download the apk for you to install yourself. One of the functions of CWM is to allow you to install APKS. I System Tuner Pro myself.
6. Correct, those codes only work with the stock keyboard and ics roms as JB Have very little stock apps included.
7. How fast the batttery discharges depends on a number of factors like what apps are running, If you leave wi fi on and if you have wake locks. BBs which is a battery recording app can found on this forum. Make a log of a day and post it and experenced members will review it and advise what to do to get better battery life.
8. You need to ask a developer what the differences are. But I think AOKP is an upgrade of AOSP.
9. No trial and error is the only method. Your baseband and ril must match to get the most efficiency
out of your modem. There is a small program called GETRIL which will update the ril for you.
10. unfortunately everybody's preferences are different so it is another case of trying roms till you find on you are happy with.
I hope that these answers of some help.
@It_ler @Cosmic Blue
Thanks for the replies... I have a better understanding already. I've read up on GETRIL and will give that a try.
2) In SGS2 firmware, recovery (CWM is a special, enhanced recovery) is included in the kernel. If you format your internal memory (sd card), it will be removed, and will have to flash a new firmware (whole ROM including a new kernel with recovery) to your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2. CWM or clockworkmode is a phone based recovery that allows you to make changes without powering and rebooting the phone in recovery mode. It is added to rooted kernel and will disappear if you flash a wiped or standard kernal over it.
It will not disappear if you flash an non wipe update to your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand. But is the internal memory partitioned? If I use X-plore I have a 11gig SD Memory and then I have a "/Root" folder which is 2gigs
Structure looks like this: /sdcard 11gb (10.9gbfree)
/root 2gb (1.7gb free)
Does CWM and Kernel not sit in /root? and is "/root" not a separate partition?
So...Instead of doing your own research & getting full/accurate answers to your questions (and learning a lot in the process), you'd rather sit here & wait for 'users' to give you mostly vague-ish answers to them ?
(Hint: By & large, developers do not read Q&A. They have better things to do.)
Edit - List of SGS2 partitions
MistahBungle said:
So...Instead of doing your own research & getting full/accurate answers to your questions (and learning a lot in the process), you'd rather sit here & wait for 'users' to give you mostly vague-ish answers to them ?
(Hint: By & large, developers do not read Q&A. They have better things to do.)
Edit - List of SGS2 partitions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MistahBungle this is a Q&A thread if you don't have any A's then rather don't post. I've had the Galaxy for 3 days. In 3 days I've read a lot and done a lot of research. You reply makes no sense that's like saying: "So Instead of failing many times and then getting it right you'd rather Google and get it right the first time?". I posted here because I know 90% of the people here are experts and will give me the answers I'm looking for. Also, I'm not posting questions like "OMG Lulz teach me how to root my phone" you can see that I've tried and these are questions that I have after trying out different ROMS.
Thanks to those that are willing to help, this is what builds a good community.
So that link I posted is an illusion, huh ?
MistahBungle said:
So that link I posted is an illusion, huh ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMW Oops :/. I'm so sorry I didn't even see that link I thought it was a signature. Thanks for the link you posted it is very helpful I'm reading it right now.
Before you start getting hostile please realise nobody on this site is obliged to help you and anyone who does reply to your thread does so in their own time and off their own volition. Beggers can't be choosers.
But otherwise your post isn't too bad. The differences between CM and AOKP are mainly cosmetic and to do with feature. There is no "AOSP" as everything is at its core based off AOSP. I always image AOKP as just a more streamlined, feature inclusive CM but recently they have started to add their own tweaks etc. Honestly, it doesn't matter anymore because with Siyah kernel (and kernels like it) being able to work on multiple platforms you can have ROMs with CM base and AOKP+Paranoid features.
The "features" I'm talking about are stuff like integrated weather, quick flashlight toggle, change the battery/signal display, etc etc.
postfatal said:
Before you start getting hostile please realise nobody on this site is obliged to help you and anyone who does reply to your thread does so in their own time and off their own volition. Beggers can't be choosers.
But otherwise your post isn't too bad. The differences between CM and AOKP are mainly cosmetic and to do with feature. There is no "AOSP" as everything is at its core based off AOSP. I always image AOKP as just a more streamlined, feature inclusive CM but recently they have started to add their own tweaks etc. Honestly, it doesn't matter anymore because with Siyah kernel (and kernels like it) being able to work on multiple platforms you can have ROMs with CM base and AOKP+Paranoid features.
The "features" I'm talking about are stuff like integrated weather, quick flashlight toggle, change the battery/signal display, etc etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do agree that I should've responded in a better way, and that people are not obliged to help me. That's why I thank the people that do help. However, commenting on a thread and telling the OP to do his research doesn't seem constructive to me whatsoever (I've seen many threads like this). Posting a link is a quick CTRL+V and is way more constructive IMO.
Thanks for clearing up the differences for me. It makes a lot of sense. Everything is based on AOSP since that is the most "pure" release. AOKP is modified AOSP and CM is also Modified AOSP. So essentially most AOKP Roms take the best from AOKP builds and CM builds.

[Q]Kernel

What does a kernel do when it comes to android phone performance? Is it wise to use stock kernel over custom ones (CM etc)?
shad0wboss said:
What does a kernel do when it comes to android phone performance? Is it wise to use stock kernel over custom ones (CM etc)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kernel is the most fundamental part of ur OS. It is mainly responsible for communicating with ur phone's hardware e.g processor, camera, etc. Stock kernels often tend to be stable however they do not offer overclocking abilities. Custom kernels on the other hand, allow for overclocking and have scripts to boost performance and even screen color. However, stock kernels often provide better battery life as compared to custom ones. Once u switch from a stock rom to a custom rom, u would most likely be using a custom kernel anyways. Hope that helps

Root and install custom rom or only new kernel

Hi,
previously I was on Sony Xperia devices but now I switched to Samsung S9 +.
The first thing that struck me is the bad battery life.
I've been reading on how to solve this and I will at least do a full reset and clean install to see if this helps.
But if this does not help I want to know what to try next.
CUSTOM ROM
For what I have found the custom roms do not use the second camera and that's something I do not want to lose.
So are there Custom roms that keep the original functionality from the camera?
CUSTOM KERNEL
If installing a custom rom isn't the way to go, what about a customer kernel?
So far I found two of them
ElementalX
Nemesis
And there is one html with an explanation about the speed and battery usage of the Exynos chip.
https://www.anandtech.com/show/12620/improving-the-exynos-9810-galaxy-s9-part-2
There is speculation whether Samsung will do something about battery usage as there seems to be a solution if Samsung does some ROM changes.
For now I think installing a custom kernel is my best option but what about OTA.
Once rooted I will not receive them anymore, can I just download the now ROM from Samsung and install it over the existing one without resetting the phone?
And once the ROM is installed reinstall the custom kernel?
I'm open to other suggestions to improve battery life.

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