Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4: Android 4.3 update and everything it brings

  • Phased rollout: OTA and KIES, first in select European regions and models.
  • Major improvements: Bluetooth LE, TRIM, OpenGL ES 3.0, ANT+, KNOX and Wallet depending on market.
  • Galaxy S3 greatly improved: jumps from 4.1.2, receives interface and performance changes.
  • Recommendations: Stable Wi-Fi, battery >80%, and backup; features may vary.

Android 4.3 update on Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4

Finally the models Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4 will be updated to Android 4.3, as was announced at the Galaxy Note 3 launch event. Therefore, users who have one of these devices are in luck. The update brings high-end features such as wearable compatibility and system performance improvements. However, for now, not a word has been said about the Note 2.

The truth is that the arrival of this new version of Jelly Bean was eagerly awaited by users, as is only natural (even more so given that it's already known that version 4.4, known as KitKat, will be arriving soon). In this way, Samsung is responding to the demand from many users who were asking for the arrival of Jelly Bean 4.3. Exact day has not been confirmed. of the rollout or the countries that will receive it in the first batch. But the truth is that both the Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4 will have their update soon, with new features such as Bluetooth LE, security improvements and advanced graphics support.

What is surprising is that Galaxy Note 2 There's no news on this subject. The reason for this may be to prevent internal competition between this phablet and the one recently announced at IFA, which, in this case, does include Android 4.3. Regardless of the reason, this is very bad news for Note 2 owners, there's no doubt about it. Everything points to a later deployment or a staggered rollout by market. Therefore, there are two options: either the update's arrival takes a little longer—which is the most likely outcome—or perhaps Jelly Bean 4.2.2 is released first to "mask" this.

Great news for Samsung Galaxy S3 owners

The jump from the Galaxy S3 to Android 4.3 is especially significant. Although those who have a Samsung Galaxy S4 will benefit greatly, those who have a Galaxy S3 may be the users who are happiest, since the arrival of this new firmware means a qualitative leap in the use of their terminal - since they have not gone through Android 4.2.2-. Therefore, these will revitalize your phone and get interesting improvements in terms of the use and capacity of your device, including Galaxy Gear compatibility thanks to Bluetooth Smart.

Samsung Galaxy S3

What's new with the update Android 4.3 They are varied, but the most interesting are the compatibility with Bluetooth LE, which reduces energy consumption; performance improvements; support for OpenGL 3.0; etc. That is to say, it is a fairly important leap and, therefore, it is normal for users to want to get this new version of the Google operating system. Internal optimizations are also added such as TRIM, ANT+ support and security features depending on market.

Key new features and improvements in Android 4.3 on the Galaxy S3 and S4

What's new in Android 4.3 on the Galaxy S3 and S4

  • Galaxy Gear and Bluetooth LE compatibility: Official Bluetooth Smart support on devices with Bluetooth 4.0.
  • TRIM and better RAM management: The system maintains performance over time and speeds up the TouchWiz launcher.
  • OpenGL ES 3.0: Improved graphics on supported models and updated GPU drivers.
  • ANT +: Connectivity with compatible sports sensors and accessories.
  • Samsung KNOX and Wallet: Security layer and digital wallet available depending on country or operator.
  • display improvements: : color reproduction adjustments and new display modes.
  • TouchWiz renewed: New keyboard, full-screen Samsung browser, and notification improvements.
  • Tabbed Settings: Clearer organization of system settings.
  • Extra features: Daydream, reading mode and driving mode.
  • Camera: New firmware and Sound & Shot mode to add audio to photos.
  • Storage: Option to move applications to the microSD when the firmware allows it.
  • Samsung Apps: Updated versions of Calculator, Clock, Contacts, Gallery, Music and a S Voice more capable.

Availability and how the update arrives

Android 4.3 rolls out on Galaxy S3 and S4

The deployment is phased by regions and modelsThe update is arriving via OTA and Samsung KIES, with priority given to the international Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505) in Europe, followed shortly after by the Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300). The first rounds have been detected in markets such as Ireland and Central and Northern European countries (Germany, Greece, and the Nordic countries), while other territories are receiving it gradually. Operator terminals may take longer due to additional validations.

In size, the data packet is around 900 MB to 1 GB, so stable Wi-Fi, a battery above 80%, and a prior backup are recommended. Some features (such as KNOX or Wallet) may vary by region And not all of the Galaxy S4's changes make it to the S3 due to hardware differences. For advanced users, there's the ODIN option with official firmware for each country, always at your own risk and verifying the correct model references.

There is evidence that there was Test ROMs Unofficial versions for the S3 prior to launch, missing some security components; the stable version distributed by Samsung is recommended to ensure compatibility and support.

Vía: SamMobile.

With this move, Samsung aligns its most popular ships with a more modern version of Android, providing fluidity, security and new features that extend the lifespan of the Galaxy S3 and S4 and prepare them for today's ecosystem of accessories and services.


Samsung models
It may interest you:
The best Samsung models in each of its series