Android is built on the Linux kernel, which means OEMs are obligated to provide the source code, upon request, for any Linux kernel binaries that they distribute on the devices they sell. These days, most vendors release sources within a short period of time after their devices are released to the market, fulfilling their legal obligation of General Public License v2. Companies like Samsung, Sony and Xiaomi maintain a particularly good track record in publishing these sources and now we have another example of their commitment to the aftermarket development community. The kernel sources for the recently released Samsung Galaxy S21 series and the Redmi Note 9T are now available for download. Sony, on the other hand, has released the kernel sources corresponding to the Android 11 version of the Xperia 1 II.
Samsung galaxy s21
You can now go to the Samsung Open Source Release Center website and access the kernel source code for the Exynos / Snapdragon Galaxy S21 (SM-G991B/SM-G991U), S21 Plus (SM-G996B/SM-G996U) and S21 Ultra (SM-G998B/SM-G998U). For those of you who have already managed to buy one of these smartphones or are planning to get one, the release of the kernel source code means that you will soon see third-party development for Samsung’s latest flagship range ramp up. the pace on our forums.
Samsung Galaxy S21 kernel sources
Galaxy S21 Forums ||| Galaxy S21 Plus Forums ||| Galaxy S21 Ultra Forums
Redmi Note 9T
Xiaomi announced the Redmi Note 9T just a few weeks ago as a global variant of the Redmi Note 9 5G exclusive in China (codenamed “canon”). Readers come to our forums to realize the enormous development potential of this formidable 5G mid-ranger phone, and for that they need access to the kernel source code. To the delight of these readers, Xiaomi has released the kernel source code for the Linux kernel binaries that ship with the Redmi Note 9T’s Android 10 firmware.
Redmi Note 9T / Redmi Note 9 5G kernel sources
Redmi Note 9T forums
Sony Xperia 1 II
Sony originally released the kernel source code for the Xperia 1 II in June 2020. It was for the initial version of Android 10, which the device shipped with. Last month, the company rolled out the Android 11 update for the Xperia 1 II. However, the source code for the same was not available until now. Visit the Sony Developer World page from the link below to inspect or download the code.
Sources of Sony Xperia 1 II Android 11 kernel
Sony Xperia 1 II forums
With the availability of kernel source code, the modding community can offer custom kernel builds and add new functionality to devices that are not otherwise offered in the stock configuration. These source versions also help developers port the popular TWRP custom recovery as well as custom ROMs (e.g. LineageOS) for the device, which in turn benefits those users who are not happy with the original ROM. .