Official Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update is coming really soon to the Samsung Galaxy S3 which brings Actionable Notifications, Lock screen Widgets, Quick Settings, Daydream, Bluetooth Smart and OpenGL ES 3.0. On the other hand, Galaxy Note 2 remains far from getting an update due to Bluetooth and camera issues.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Finally with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Android ROM developers from AOKP have already released an unofficial Android 4.3 Jelly Bean test build for the Galaxy S3 Verizon model alongside with Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 2 according to Android Origin, as noted by ChristianToday.

AT&T model of the handset was also found running and testing the Android 4.3 firmware which leaked from forum site called Reddit. After such time waited by owners of the former flagship smartphone, Android 4.3 is finally coming to their devices and brings all-new Jelly Bean goodies.

Android 4.2.2 features included:

- Lock Screen Widgets

- Extended Quick Settings

- Actionable Notifications

- Daydream

- Improved Accessibility

Android 4.3 features:

- Bluetooth Smart

- OpenGL ES 3.0

- Virtual Surround Sound

- Improved Dial Pad

- Better text input and keyboard

- More language support

Since the firmware is currently leaking as test builds on the United States network carriers, owners may receive the official software upgrade by early October 2013 which was rumoured few months ago as the release date.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Paralyzed?

AOKP firmware developers may be the only ones providing Android 4.3 softwares for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, offered as unofficial test builds. Test builds are not stable but can run the device that includes several bugs. Verizon Galaxy Note 2 running Android 4.3 suffers Bluetooth, GPS and camera app problems which the test build failed to fix.

Eventually, developers are going to release new builds till all bugs get fixed, leading to a stable release. Some owners may find using test builds difficult in everyday life especially Galaxy Note 2 features S Pen functionality but for others who uses the phablet for messaging and calls, test builds may become handy just to get Android 4.3 features.

Future of Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2

Android 4.4 KitKat is coming soon in October 2013 and rumoured to be released by 14th of the same month. According to sources, Android 4.4 will support older Android running phones, phablets and tablets which include Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2.

In terms of hardware components, both devices are still powerful compared to the latest mid-range devices. Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 are being sold in lower prices due to the availability of the newer flagship devices - Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3.

Probably consumers who want to get Galaxy S experience can still purchase the S3 and Note 2 with hopes that developers will provide them the Android KitKat update by early 2014.

Android 4.4 Features

- Firmware availability to older phones

- Fragmentation changes for screens

- Miracast updates

- New Gallery visualisation

- New APIs for animations

- New theme from Palette colours

- New notification widgets

- Optimisation on multi-cored devices

- Better network coverage

- Enhanced battery life