Kernels can really change how your smartphone performs so here’s a list of the best custom kernels for both the Pixel and the Pixel XL.
Lately I have been showing you how to install a custom ROM on the Pixel phones, and then after that I showed you how to install a custom kernel on the Pixel phones. Using a custom ROM or a custom kernel can really change the way the software on your device looks and performs.
Custom ROMs can come with optimized code/apps and also bring in a ton of new features that aren’t available on the stock version of Android for the device.
A custom kernel can change the way your device performs, giving you the option to decide if you want more performance or more battery life. Sadly, the community developer support for the Pixel and the Pixel XL isn’t as active as it once was for the Nexus line. This is a result of how many things Google has changed with the filesystem of the Pixel phones. So while the community developers learn about these changes, we’ll start to see more custom ROMs and more custom kernels released for these two devices.
Since a custom kernel is made for a specific device, I’ll be splitting this list into two sections. One will be for the regular size Pixel phone and the other will be for the larger Pixel XL. You will still need to make sure the custom kernel will work your version of Android before you install it. And it’s always a good idea to create a Nandroid backup of the Pixel phone before you install a custom kernel of your choice.
Best Pixel Custom Kernels
Best Pixel XL Custom Kernels
One you pick out a custom kernel you want to try out (I like Franco kernel the most), then follow the linked guide at the top of this article that shows you how to install it. As I mentioned in that article, you’ll want to read through the first few posts of the thread (at the very least) to get an idea of any additional requirements that are needed for that kernel. Some kernels can simply be installed via TWRP but others need to be installed via Fastboot commands.
As more community developers start working on the Pixel phones, there will be new kernels released for these two devices. If I have missed out on one of your favorite kernels, then please leave a link to it in the comments section below this article. I do require that all kernels have their own XDA forum thread since it’s a community that I trust.
