Beyond security, kernel version 4.14.117 brought tangible performance improvements compared to older 3.18 and 4.9 kernels.
To understand 4.14.117, we must deconstruct its versioning hierarchy:
For a device or project still on 4.14.117:
| Action | Priority | Effort | |--------|----------|--------| | Upgrade to 4.14.336 (final LTS) | High | Medium | | Backport critical CVEs from 4.14.118–.336 | Medium | High | | Enable Kernel Self Protection Project (KSPP) configs | Low | Low | | Plan migration to 4.19 or 5.4/5.10 LTS kernel | High | High |
⚠️ Security warning: Do not expose a device with 4.14.117 to untrusted networks or app environments without additional mitigations (seccomp, SELinux enforcing, hardened userspace).
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 kernel version 4.14.117 android
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?
Linux kernel version is a specific sublevel of the 4.14 Long Term Support (LTS) branch, widely used in Android devices released around 2018 and 2019, such as those running Android 9 (Pie) Android 10 Role in the Android Ecosystem LTS Foundation : The 4.14 series is a Long Term Support (LTS)
kernel. This means it received years of security patches and bug fixes from the Linux community, making it a stable choice for manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi. Android Compatibility
: Required a minimum kernel version of 4.4, but 4.14 became a standard for higher-end devices. Android 10
: While newer devices moved to 4.19, many remained on 4.14 due to SoC (System on a Chip) limitations. Vendor Customization : In Android, this "mainline" kernel is forked into an Android Common Kernel (ACK)
and then further modified by vendors (like Qualcomm) to support specific hardware. Technical Significance How do I know form which kernel this android kernel forked? Beyond security, kernel version 4
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? For a device or project still on 4
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
You can adapt this template for security audits, release notes, or compliance documentation.