Functionally it's the same kernel, but I've made it with a different compiler. Among other things, Linaro maintains a very efficient and cutting edge gcc, so more efficiencies/optimizations that have been discovered over time are implemented. The best benefits come from switching on code optimization, but I've only run it through the size optimization. Even still I'm seeing better I/O and as such load times seem to be better. There's debate on how much switching toolchains helps, but I'm hopeful I can squeeze some extra speed and stability out of this phone. I haven't had much observation time with it either, but battery drain seems to be slightly lower, managed an extra couple hours.
