If you've ever owned a OnePlus device and considered tinkering with it, chances are you might have come across a few custom kernels on our forums. If so, then you may have heard of the work done by XDA Recognized Developer Sultanxda. He is best known for his work on custom ROMs and kernels, such as his unofficial builds of CyanogenMod (and later LineageOS) for OnePlus devices. I've personally enjoyed his work on my OnePlus 3T, and I know many others have as well. Sultanxda has now released a custom kernel for the Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL. Here are the main features of the kernel, according to the developer:
- Compiled with the latest official GCC toolchain for the kernel
- Removed lots of excessive bloat (improves security and performance)
- Fast fingerprint unlock and screen power on
- Improved app launch performance
- Simple LMK: a custom LMK (Low Memory Killer) that improves memory management
- CPU Input Boost: a custom CPU boost driver to keep the phone smooth while maximizing battery life
- WireGuard, a next generation secure VPN tunnel
- Passes SafetyNet bootloader unlock check
- Reduced power consumption
- Improved overall system fluidity and graphics performance
- Improved stability
- BBR TCP congestion algorithm
- Many other miscellaneous improvements not listed here
Installing the kernel is as simple as downloading it and flashing it via TWRP. You can also try the newly updated FK Kernel manager app, though we haven't tested that yet. You can find the download link and source code for the kernel in the XDA Forum thread linked below.