Xiaomi Mi 9’s kernel source code is available immediately after launch – includes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 with 8GB RAM and a 48MP camera
There was a time not too long ago when Xiaomi was one of the worst offenders when it came to releasing kernel source code for a device in a timely manner. (The GPLv2 license of the Linux kernel legally necessitates kernel source code to be distributed promptly). The prompt availability of kernel source code is the first step on the eventual road to getting a custom recovery such as TWRP and then device-specific custom ROMs.
Which means for ordinary users that if/when the OEM stops pushing out OS updates you have a good chance of getting them via custom ROM for a while yet.
For users suspicious of any OEM's code you can opt to install 3rd party code which you can also inspect or audit.
So releasing the code is one of the important considerations I consider when choosing a phone. It's not just about how many megapixels the camera has.
See https://www.xda-developers.com/xiaomi-mi-9-kernel-source-code-available/
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Xiaomi Mi 9’s kernel source code is available immediately after launch Xiaomi has released the kernel source code of the Xiaomi Mi 9 (device code-name: cepheus) on the day of its announcement, which is good to see. |