Samsung Galaxy S2 4G and Galaxy Note I 'No Android 4.2.2' Confirmed! All Variants Ends Life Cycle with Android 4.1
Owners of the Samsung Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note 1 shouldn't expect much on getting Android 4.2.2 or Android 4.3 Jelly Bean as a network carrier confirmed that the device will remain in Android 4.1 version.
Telstra Confirmed 'No Android 4.2.2'
A list of Samsung Galaxy devices was revealed earlier this year and it includes eligible units for Android 4.2.2 and Android 5.0 which at that time called as 'Key Lime Pie.' It includes the Samsung Galaxy S2, a two-year old smartphone device and also a former flagship device from Samsung.
Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean was initially planned for the Galaxy S2 smartphone but with the TouchWiz UI adjustments and integration issue, the planned firmware has been scrapped which could also mean that owners of Galaxy S2 will stick forever on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean OS.
Australian network carrier Telstra somehow supported the 'no Android 4.2.2 JB' for Galaxy S2 based on posts from their CrowdSupport forum that Samsung already confirmed the rumours about the firmware upgrade.
"Hi magtrev, Samsung have confirmed that there are no more updates planned for the SGS2 4G," post of forum moderator, Ben_J, replying to inquiries from members.
Since the moderator already mentioned the 4G model of Galaxy S2, owners of all other variants may not receive any Android 4.2.2 for their smartphones and locked forever using Android 4.1 from Samsung.
SamMobile insiders also confirmed the rumours about the wasted plan for Galaxy S2 which could also impact Galaxy Note first-generation regarding possible future updates.
With this evidence, Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Note 1 may have completed its life cycle and Samsung finished the course of 2-year firmware support for both Android devices.
Possible Ways to Get an Update
There are some ways to get the latest features of Android 4.2 or 4.3 firmware but it won't be from Samsung which may require some experience to do.
1. Custom ROM Installation
Third-party developers create custom ROMs for personalisation, customisation and tweaking solutions to all owners of Galaxy S2. Some of them feature add-ons to make the device run smoothly, adjustments to allow Android versions to be compatible and removal of bloatware such as TouchWiz UI to lighten up the load. Some famous custom ROMs are SlimBean, Omega ROM, CyanogenMod and Paranoid Android.
2. Android 4.4 KitKat Intervention
Google's upcoming Android 4.4 KitKat version may intervene to allow owners of Galaxy S2 to get latest features, apps and services which could be blocked by lack of firmware update. Some apps and services are currently pushing updates such as Play Store, Google+ and more. Soon, owners may get Hangouts app for SMS/MMS integration, Cloud Print and Tap & Pay feature via Android 4.4 KitKat.