Owners of the Samsung Galaxy S2, Galaxy Ace and Galaxy Mini may be able to rejoice in the upcoming Android 4.4. KitKat. The next-generation Android version has been speculated to feature low-memory optimisation so that old devices can run it. Will Galaxy S2, Mini and Ace receive a new life cycle?

Samsung Galaxy S2, Ace and Mini

Source: Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy Ace and Mini are considered entry-level Android phones and features basic smartphone functionality due to low hardware components. Galaxy Ace boasts a single-core 800Mhz processor with 278MB of RAM and Android 2.3 Gingerbread. while the Galaxy Mini features a single-core 600Mhz single-core CPU, 384MB of RAM and Android 2.2 Froyo with Android 2.3 upgrade.

Source: Samsung

Samsung didn't release any new firmware upgrades for both smartphones such as Android 4.0 or 4.1. Normally, Android 4.0 ICS and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean require 512MB of RAM which are not found in both Galaxy Ace and Mini.

The Samsung Galaxy S2, on the other hand, has better hardware components compared to the Galaxy Ace and Mini. The Galaxy S2 features 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread with given upgrade options to Android 4.0 and Android 4.1. Unfortunately, the Galaxy S2 hasn't received any Android 4.2 firmware, considering it was a former flagship smartphone capable of running the Jelly Bean version.

Source: Samsung

The Android 4.4 KitKat is rumoured to feature low-memory requirements which will be optimised to most Android devices with low hardware components. According to AndroidCentral, Google has been working on Linux 3.8 kernel which includes lower memory footprint that will enable old Android phones and tablets to run it.

Android 4.4 KitKat Features

Google hasn't officially announced the features and specifications delivered by the upcoming Android 4.4 KitKat, however, the company hinted out several things which may appear on the next-generation of Android.

1. Rumoured Linux 3.8 kernel which will include low-memory optimisation.

2. Improved CPU-core support and management.

3. Better screen orientation adjustment response.

4. Android's own cloud storage system.

5. Enhanced network coverage.

6. Compatibility to more accessories.

7. Better battery life.

8. Improved system performance.

9. More stable UI and system.

10. Enhancement to overall security features.

The Galaxy S2, Ace and Mini are all upgradable to Android Jelly Bean firmware, using custom-made ROMs from third-party developers. However, manually updating the device through firmware flashing may damage it, and so it is recommended to study custom ROMs well before installing them into your phones.