Redmi 1S kernel source code released


After months of the device being in the market, Xiaomi has finally released the source code of the Redmi 1S kernel.

This opens the doors for a lot more 3rd party development than what had been possible up to now. With Xiaomi competitors in Micromax, OnePlus, etc. taking the open source route, it is possible that the pressure mounted on Xiaomi to make public its kernel sources for one of its most popular devices yet.

The kernel source can be found here, if you’re wondering. The announcement was made on the MIUI forums earlier today.

Gizchina News of the week


The Redmi 1S comes with a 4.7-inch 1280 x 720p display, and packs a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 SoC. The device is one of the best entry-level phones we’ve ever had the opportunity to test, but it lacks just one major feature — 4G LTE. Fortunately, if you too care about LTE, Xiaomi will be releasing a dual LTE variant of the phone in the coming few days.

The current price of the Redmi 1S hovers around the US$100 mark, but that is if you’re able to get it from the company direct. In 2015, Xiaomi is expected to go official in a few more countries in Asia, which will hopefully be followed by Western markets.

[MIUI]
Disclaimer: We may be compensated by some of the companies whose products we talk about, but our articles and reviews are always our honest opinions. For more details, you can check out our editorial guidelines and learn about how we use affiliate links.

Previous Xiaomi Redmi 1S dual LTE (LTE on both SIMs) to launch 4th January
Next Real hands on photos with the Elephone P6000

16 Comments

  1. Airyl
    December 31, 2014

    This means the Mi3 source code should be on the way as well.

    • Simon
      January 1, 2015

      Do you think the Mi3 is still a good purchase ?

      • Vaale
        January 1, 2015

        Oh, you couldnt get wrong with mi3, just pick storage higher than 16gb, im struggling on mine just for apps.

        • Simon
          January 1, 2015

          Which rom are you currently running on it ?

          • joe bloggs
            January 9, 2015

            you can only run stock or the dev rom on the mi3 as no kernel sources. There is an android OSP rom too, but its a friday project by one of the xiaomi sysadmins.
            Still a hell of a good phone if you dont want 4G.

  2. Natsumi
    December 31, 2014

    What does this release mean? different OS?

    • Airyl
      December 31, 2014

      It’s so that developers can make their own ROMs for the phone. Having a source code makes it a lot easier.

  3. Airyl
    December 31, 2014

    This means the Mi3 source code should be on the way as well.

    • Guest
      January 1, 2015

      Do you think the Mi3 is still a good purchase ?

    • Guest
      January 1, 2015

      Oh, you couldnt get wrong with mi3, just pick storage higher than 16gb, im struggling on mine just for apps.

    • Guest
      January 1, 2015

      Which rom are you currently running on it ?

    • Guest
      January 10, 2015

      you can only run stock or the dev rom on the mi3 as no kernel sources. There is an android OSP rom too, but its a friday project by one of the xiaomi sysadmins.
      Still a hell of a good phone if you dont want 4G.

  4. Natsumi
    December 31, 2014

    What does this release mean? different OS?

    • Airyl
      December 31, 2014

      It’s so that developers can make their own ROMs for the phone. Having a source code makes it a lot easier.

  5. victor
    January 6, 2015

    Maybe xiaomi has given up finding a solution of 1S battery drain problem… so they let the mass to tweak the problem instead

  6. Guest
    January 6, 2015

    Maybe xiaomi has given up finding a solution of 1S battery drain problem… so they let the mass to tweak the problem instead