Kernel Version 4.14.117 Android |work| May 2026
You're looking for information on a specific kernel version used in Android.
The kernel version you're referring to is:
4.14.117
This kernel version is part of the Linux kernel family, which is the foundation of the Android operating system. Android uses a customized version of the Linux kernel, which is often referred to as the "Android kernel" or "Linux kernel for Android."
Here's a breakdown of the kernel version:
- 4.14: This is the main kernel version, which is a relatively old version (released in 2018). For comparison, newer kernel versions for Android are around 4.19 or 5.x.
- .117: This is the patch level or the number of patches applied to the kernel. It indicates that this kernel version has had 117 patches applied on top of the base 4.14 kernel.
The use of kernel version 4.14.117 in Android suggests that this is likely an older device or a device that hasn't received kernel updates in a while. Newer devices typically use more recent kernel versions, which often bring performance, security, and feature improvements.
Do you have any specific questions about this kernel version or Android in general?
The Backbone of Stability: Exploring Android's 4.14.117 Kernel
In the ever-evolving world of mobile technology, we often focus on the flashy UI changes of the latest Android version. However, the real work happens under the hood within the Linux Kernel. Today, we’re diving into a specific, widely-used iteration that powers many modern and legacy devices: Kernel Version 4.14.117. What is Kernel 4.14.117?
The kernel is the "bridge" between your phone's hardware (like the screen and processor) and its software 0.5.7. Version 4.14 is a Long Term Support (LTS) branch, meaning it receives security patches and stability updates for years rather than months 0.5.5.
Point release .117 specifically represents a mid-cycle update in this branch, often seen on popular devices like the Xiaomi Mi 9 and Mi Mix 3 5G during their Android 10 lifecycle 0.5.1, 0.5.15. Why It Matters for Android
While newer versions of Android like Android 15 and 16 are moving toward kernels like 6.6 or 6.12 0.5.17, 0.5.18, version 4.14 remains a cornerstone for several reasons:
Broad Hardware Support: It is heavily optimized for older but still powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets (like the SM8150/Snapdragon 855) 0.5.16.
Stability: As an LTS branch, it is less prone to experimental bugs, making it a favorite for manufacturers who want a reliable daily driver experience.
The Custom ROM Scene: For developers at sites like XDA Developers, 4.14.117 is often the base used to port newer versions of Android to older phones, keeping them alive long after official support ends 0.5.4. How to Check Your Version
Curious if your phone is running this version? You can check by: Opening Settings. Tapping About Phone. Selecting Software Information. Looking for the Kernel Version entry 0.5.3. Final Thoughts
Kernel 4.14.117 might not be the newest kid on the block, but its presence in the Android Common Kernels 0.5.2 ensures that millions of devices stay secure and functional. It’s a testament to the longevity of well-maintained open-source software.
The Linux kernel version is a specific stable point release within the 4.14 Long Term Support (LTS)
series, widely utilized in Android devices that launched with Android 9 (Pie) Android 10 Android 11 Linux Plumbers Conference 2026 Overview of Kernel 4.14.117 in Android
The 4.14 kernel series was a foundational "Android Common Kernel" (ACK) for several years. Version 4.14.117 specifically represents the 117th sublevel update, which incorporates critical upstream bug fixes and security patches from the Linux community into the Android ecosystem. Release Context
: The base 4.14 LTS kernel was released in late 2017. Sublevel 117 is part of the ongoing maintenance that kept devices secure and stable through roughly 2019 and beyond. Device Lifecycle
: Devices launching with Android 9 or 10 were often mandated to use at least kernel 4.4, with many moving to 4.14 to support newer hardware features. Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange End of Life (EOL) : The 4.14 LTS series officially reached its end of life in January 2024
, meaning it no longer receives official security updates from the upstream Linux maintainers. Linux Plumbers Conference 2026 Key Features and Improvements
While 4.14.117 focuses on stability, the broader 4.14 architecture brought several major changes to Android hardware: How do I know form which kernel this android kernel forked?
The Android kernel version 4.14.117 is a specific maintenance release within the 4.14 Long-Term Support (LTS) branch. It was commonly deployed on flagship and mid-range devices released around late 2019 and early 2020, particularly those running Android 10. Key Context and Usage
Target Devices: This version is heavily associated with major releases like the Samsung Galaxy S10 series, Pixel 4, and the ASUS ZenFone 6.
LTS Foundation: Kernel 4.14.117 is based on the upstream Linux 4.14 LTS branch, which Google pledged to support for an extended period to ensure device longevity and security.
Vendor Implementation: Manufacturers like Xiaomi and Qualcomm used this specific sublevel (117) to build their device-specific "perf" or "msm" kernels for Android 10. Known Technical Issues
During its peak usage, users reported several specific bugs tied to this version: kernel version 4.14.117 android
Connectivity: Issues with Android Auto wireless projection and USB audio quality.
Security Vulnerabilities: A high-severity Use-After-Free (UaF) vulnerability (CVE-2021-1940) was identified in the Qualcomm NPU driver on devices using this kernel, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution.
Stability: Some devices, such as the ZenFone 6, experienced application crashes and file-reading errors immediately following updates to this version.
Android Auto no longer connects with my car after Android 10 upgrade
You can adapt this template for security audits, release notes, or compliance documentation.
Part 6: Developers and Custom Kernels – Why 4.14.117 Remains Relevant
For independent Android developers, kernel version 4.14.117 serves as a stable base for custom kernels. Popular aftermarket kernels like FrancoKernel, ElementalX, and Kirisakura all released versions based on 4.14.117 for devices like the OnePlus 5T and Pixel 3a.
Introduction
In the sprawling ecosystem of Android devices—from budget-friendly handsets to rugged industrial IoT modules—the Linux kernel remains the foundational bridge between software and hardware. While end-users often obsess over Android OS version numbers (Android 10, 11, 12, etc.), developers and security professionals pay closer attention to the kernel version string. One specific identifier that appears across thousands of devices worldwide is kernel version 4.14.117 Android.
This article dives deep into what this version number means, why it matters for Android security and performance, which devices and custom ROMs rely on it, and what risks and opportunities it presents for users and developers in 2025 and beyond.
Conclusion
Android Kernel 4.14.117 is not just a random number; it is a mature, security-hardened branch. It represents the transition period where Android moved from a fragmented kernel ecosystem toward the standardized GKI model. It combined the stability of the Linux 4.14 LTS base with the specific security requirements of the modern Android ecosystem (eBPF networking, SLUB hardening, and Spectre mitigations). Devices running this kernel are typically "Project Treble" compliant devices updated to Android 9 or early Android 10 builds.
The Android ecosystem relies heavily on the Linux kernel to bridge the gap between hardware and software. Among the various versions that have powered millions of devices, Linux Kernel 4.14.117 stands out as a critical Long Term Support (LTS) milestone. For developers, power users, and custom ROM enthusiasts, understanding this specific version is key to grasping device stability and security. The Significance of Kernel 4.14 in Android
Kernel 4.14 was designated as an LTS release, meaning it received extended support and backported security fixes far beyond standard versions. In the world of Android, Google often selects specific LTS branches to serve as "Android Common Kernels." Version 4.14 became a staple for devices launching with Android 9 (Pie) and Android 10, providing a mature foundation for Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Exynos chipsets.
The transition to the 4.14 branch brought significant improvements over older 3.18 or 4.4 kernels, including better memory management and enhanced support for multi-core processors. What’s New in Revision 4.14.117?
The 4.14.117 update was a maintenance release focused on "point-fix" stability. While it didn't introduce flashy new features, it addressed several under-the-hood issues essential for modern mobile computing:
Security Patches: It included vital fixes for known vulnerabilities (CVEs), protecting devices from potential exploits targeting the kernel layer.
File System Stability: Updates to EXT4 and F2FS (Flash-Friendly File System) improved data integrity and read/write speeds, which directly impacts how fast an Android app opens.
Driver Refinements: Minor tweaks to USB and networking drivers ensured better peripheral compatibility and more stable Wi-Fi/LTE handoffs.
Bug Fixes: This revision cleared out architectural bugs that could lead to "Kernel Panics" or unexpected device reboots. Kernel 4.14.117 and the Custom ROM Community
For those who frequent forums like XDA Developers, "4.14.117" is a familiar string. Custom kernel developers often use this version as a "base" for their builds. By starting with a stable, upstreamed version like 4.14.117, developers can add performance-oriented features such as:
Overclocking/Underclocking: Fine-tuning CPU frequencies for speed or battery life.
Advanced Governors: Implementing logic like Schedutil or Blu_Sched for smarter task handling.
WireGuard Integration: Adding native support for high-speed VPN protocols.
Color Control: Allowing users to shift the display's RGB values at the kernel level. How to Check Your Kernel Version
If you are curious whether your Android device is running this specific version, follow these steps: Open Settings. Scroll down to About Phone. Tap on Software Information. Look for the Kernel Version entry.
You will see a string similar to 4.14.117-perf-g32a.... The "perf" indicates a performance build, while the trailing characters identify the specific commit by the manufacturer. Why It Matters Today
While the Android world has moved toward kernels 5.10, 5.15, and even 6.x, the 4.14.117 revision remains a benchmark for "legacy" stability. Many budget devices and older flagships still rely on this branch. Because it is an LTS kernel, it ensures that even older hardware can remain relatively secure against modern threats.
In summary, Linux Kernel 4.14.117 represents the "middle age" of Android kernel development—a period defined by refining the relationship between the Linux source code and the unique demands of mobile hardware. If you want to dive deeper into optimizing your device: Current device model (to check for kernel updates) Custom ROM interests (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) Performance goals (battery life vs. gaming speed)
Tell me your goals, and I can suggest specific kernel tweaks or builds.
Kernel version 4.14.117 is a specific maintenance release within the 4.14 Long Term Support (LTS) branch of the Linux kernel. In the Android ecosystem, this version was commonly used for devices launching with or upgrading to Android 9 (Pie), Android 10, and Android 11. Core Role in Android You're looking for information on a specific kernel
The 4.14 kernel series served as a bridge between older, device-specific kernels and the modern Generic Kernel Image (GKI) architecture.
Android 11 Support: It was one of the three primary kernel versions supported by Android 11 (alongside 4.19 and 5.4).
Lifecycle: While the 4.14 LTS series reached its end-of-life (EOL) in early 2024, many legacy Android devices still operate on this version. Key Features & Changes in 4.14.x
The 4.14 series introduced several features that became critical for Android mobile performance:
Memory Management: Support for larger memory limits and AMD Secure Memory Encryption.
Compression: Integration of the zstd compression algorithm, which helps with storage efficiency on mobile devices.
Security Hardening: Introduced the ORC unwinder for better kernel traces and smaller kernel sizes, alongside "Control Groups thread mode" for better resource distribution.
Graphics: Support for Heterogeneous Memory Management (HMM), a requirement for modern GPU-heavy tasks in mobile gaming and UI. Notable Fixes in 4.14.117
Maintenance releases like 4.14.117 focus on stability and security rather than new features: ChangeLog-4.14.117 - The Linux Kernel Archives
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
: 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
Understanding Android Kernel Version 4.14.117 Kernel version 4.14.117
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 The use of kernel version 4
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
Kernel version 4.14.117 is a specific maintenance release within the Linux 4.14 Long Term Support (LTS) branch. In the Android ecosystem, this version served as a foundational layer for devices released around 2019, most notably the Pixel 4 series. Core Purpose & Context
The kernel acts as the bridge between your phone's hardware and the Android OS. Version 4.14.117 was an incremental security and stability update designed to fix bugs without adding new features. Performance & Stability
Target Devices: Primarily optimized for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 era. It was highly stable for its time but is now considered "legacy" compared to the newer 5.x and 6.x kernels used in modern devices.
Security: As an LTS-based release, 4.14.117 received backported security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities like Spectre and Meltdown variants.
Android Compatibility: It was the minimum required kernel for many devices launching with Android 10. Technical Limitations
Kernel version 4.14.117 represents a specific point in the development of the Linux 4.14 Long-Term Supported (LTS) kernel, which served as a foundational software layer for numerous Android devices released between 2017 and 2019. While newer versions like 5.10 or 6.1 now power modern flagship phones, 4.14.117 remains relevant for its role in system stability and security for legacy hardware. The Core Role of the Kernel in Android
The kernel acts as the vital bridge between your phone's hardware (CPU, camera, battery) and its software (apps and the Android OS). For version 4.14.117 on Android, its primary responsibilities include:
Hardware Communication: Managing drivers for components like the camera, display, and Bluetooth.
Power Management: Optimising battery consumption specifically for mobile constraints.
Binder IPC: Handling the "Binder" inter-process communication, which is unique to Android and allows different parts of the system to talk to each other safely. Key Features and Changes in 4.14.117
Released on April 9, 2019, the .117 sublevel brought essential stability and security patches to the 4.14 series. Notable broad features inherited from the 4.14 branch include:
Memory Management: Support for larger memory limits on x86 hardware and better kernel traces with the ORC unwinder.
Storage Efficiency: Native support for the zstd compression algorithm in Btrfs and Squashfs file systems.
Security Hardening: Implementations of KASLR (Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization) and hardened usercopy to reduce the kernel's attack surface. Android Devices and Version Support Kernel overview | Android Open Source Project
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.
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?
Kernel version 4.14.117 is a specific point release within the 4.14 Long-Term Support (LTS) branch of the Linux kernel, widely used in Android devices released around 2018–2019, such as the Google Pixel 4 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Role and Architecture
In the Android ecosystem, kernel 4.14 acts as the critical bridge between hardware (like the Snapdragon SoC) and the Android OS.
Android Common Kernel (ACK): Google takes the standard LTS 4.14 kernel and adds thousands of Android-specific lines of code, including Binder for inter-process communication and Energy Aware Scheduling (EAS) to optimize battery life.
Version 4.14.117 Specifics: This minor version (117) belongs to the stable update series where maintainers backport security fixes and bug patches without adding major new features, ensuring the system remains "stable" for mobile hardware. Key Features of the 4.14 Branch
The 4.14 branch introduced several performance and security foundations for modern Android:
Energy Aware Scheduling (EAS): A major addition that improved how tasks are distributed across "Big.LITTLE" CPU cores to save power.
Memory Management: Introduced support for larger memory limits and better kernel traces with the ORC unwinder.
File Systems: Improved performance for f2fs (Flash-Friendly File System), which is the standard for modern smartphone storage.
Security Hardening: Features like KASLR (Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization) and hardened usercopy were further refined to prevent exploits from accessing sensitive kernel memory. Lifespan and Support How do I know form which kernel this android kernel forked?