The Butterflies Kernel has received a new update for the POCO F3 (Alioth), bringing a wide range of performance optimizations, memory management improvements, display enhancements, and MIUI compatibility fixes. Compatible with Android 13 through Android 16 QPR, the kernel supports AOSP, CLO, MYUI, MIUI, and HyperOS (HOS) ROMs, making it a versatile choice for users looking to improve both performance and battery life.
Built using Neutron Clang 23, this release focuses on fixing performance regressions, improving scrolling smoothness, optimizing SELinux behavior, refining GPU performance, and introducing new features such as DC Dimming. Separate improvements have also been made for the MIUI variant to enhance runtime memory optimization and overall compatibility.
Butterflies Kernel Information
- Kernel Name: Butterflies Kernel
- Device: POCO F3 (Alioth)
- Android Support: Android 13 to Android 16 QPR
- ROM Support: AOSP, CLO, MYUI, MIUI, HyperOS
- Kernel Type: Performance & Battery Optimized
- Updated: 13 July 2026
What’s New in Butterflies Kernel?
This update introduces several low-level improvements aimed at delivering smoother performance, better memory management, and enhanced stability across supported ROMs.
Built with Neutron Clang 23
The kernel is now compiled using Neutron Clang 23, providing newer compiler optimizations that can contribute to better execution efficiency, improved performance, and long-term stability.
Improved Memory Management
Memory handling has received multiple refinements in this release.
Changes include:
- Restored Multi-Generational LRU (MGLRU)
- Applied memory latency backports from the E404 kernel
- Reverted several aggressive memory tweaks to improve stability
- Fixed performance regressions related to memory handling
These improvements help maintain smoother multitasking while reducing unnecessary slowdowns under heavy workloads.
Better Scrolling Performance
The developer has specifically addressed scrolling responsiveness by fixing lag experienced while using 60Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother navigation and UI interactions.
DC Dimming Support
Support for DC Dimming has been added, offering users an alternative display brightness control method that can reduce visible flickering at lower brightness levels on supported panels.
GPU Optimizations
Several updates have been made to the Qualcomm GPU subsystem.
These include:
- Minor improvements to the KGSL GPU driver based on newer upstream sources
- Better graphics handling
- Improved overall rendering consistency
SELinux Performance Improvements
SELinux has also been optimized through several changes:
- Removed audit dependency
- Removed unnecessary audit logging
- Applied SELinux performance tweaks
These changes reduce logging overhead while maintaining security enforcement.
Driver Cleanup
The kernel continues to remove unnecessary drivers and unused code, helping reduce kernel bloat and improving maintainability.
MIUI Variant Improvements
The dedicated MIUI version of Butterflies Kernel includes additional enhancements beyond the standard release.
These improvements include:
- Added MIUI runtime memory optimization support
- Imported additional drivers for MIUI compatibility
- Fixed kernel version not displaying correctly inside MIUI
- Reverted dmabuf backport
- Reverted MI Smart FPS changes
- Cleaned up obsolete Xiaomi display references
These changes help improve compatibility with MIUI-based ROMs while ensuring better stability and system integration.
Official Changelog
General Changes
- Cleaned up unused commits
- Removed SELinux audit dependency
- Removed SELinux audit logs
- Debloated additional drivers
- Fixed touch-related issues
- Added DC Dimming support
- Applied E404 memory latency backports
- Updated KGSL GPU driver components
- Applied SELinux performance optimizations
- Dropped binder backport
- Fixed performance regression
- Fixed scrolling lag at 60Hz
- Set CFQ as the default I/O scheduler
- Restored MGLRU
- Reverted selected memory tweaks
- Compiled using Neutron Clang 23
MIUI-Specific Changes
- Reverted dmabuf backport
- Added MIUI runtime memory optimization support
- Reverted MI Smart FPS
- Fixed kernel version display inside MIUI
- Imported additional MIUI drivers
- Cleaned up obsolete Xiaomi display references
- Miscellaneous minor improvements
Features
Butterflies Kernel supports numerous Android platforms and ROMs, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
Supported ROMs include:
- AOSP
- CLO
- MYUI
- MIUI
- HyperOS (HOS)
Supported Android versions:
- Android 13
- Android 14
- Android 15
- Android 16 QPR
The kernel also supports:
- KernelSU
- Battery optimization
- Performance optimization
- DC Dimming
- Modern memory management improvements
- Enhanced scrolling performance
Installation Notes
Before flashing Butterflies Kernel, make sure you download the correct variant for your ROM.
The developer recommends reading the feature documentation, notes, and variant explanation before installation to ensure compatibility with your setup.
As with any custom kernel, always create a complete backup before flashing.
Important Links
Kernel Source:
https://github.com/starscroch/kernel_xiaomi_sm8250
Official Changelog:
https://t.me/garagestorefiles/23
Support Group:
https://t.me/vanillasecrettouch
Kernel Features & Notes:
https://t.me/garagestorefiles/9
Variant Explanation:
https://t.me/garagestorefiles/62
KernelSU Manager:
https://t.me/garagestorefiles/12
Credits
Butterflies Kernel is built on the work of many developers within the Android kernel community.
Special thanks to:
- LineageOS Team
- EmanuelCN0
- Sultan Alsawaf
- rve
- Danda
- sk113r
- TIMISONG
- Izumi
- user-why-red
- jhonmart
- Tashar02
- backslashxx
- rsuntk
- pix106
- guranotfunny
- Everyone from the @k_build_support community
Special appreciation also goes to the project’s dedicated testers for helping validate builds across AOSP, MIUI, HyperOS, and MYUI ROMs.
Developer: @kukuwcing
Final Thoughts
The latest Butterflies Kernel update delivers a well-rounded package of performance improvements, battery optimizations, and compatibility fixes for the POCO F3. With enhancements to memory management, GPU performance, SELinux efficiency, scrolling smoothness, and MIUI support, this release continues to mature as a reliable kernel for users running Android 13 through Android 16 QPR.
Whether you’re looking for improved responsiveness, better multitasking, enhanced battery behavior, or broader ROM compatibility, Butterflies Kernel offers a comprehensive feature set while remaining actively maintained for both AOSP- and MIUI-based devices.
