Samsung begins testing of Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean for Galaxy devices and concluded their life cycle. Included to the final update before Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie launches is the Galaxy S3 mini ending its life cycle with Jelly Bean.

Samsung is also testing Android 4.2.2 ROMs on the first generation Galaxy Tabs, and if the tests required the performance standards, the Android 4.2.2 update may become available to Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1.

Samsung Galaxy S3 mini is included to the list of devices which will stay permanently with Android Jelly Bean alongside Galaxy Ace 2, Galaxy Beam, Galaxy S2, and Galaxy Grand. There are no announcements yet of release dates when will these devices receive their Jelly Bean, but once it happens, it would be the final update.

Right now, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean is the official version available for Galaxy S3 mini. The update has a ROM version XXXAMB3 and retrieved via Over-the-Air, Samsung KIES, or through manual flashing method.

The OTA update may depend on where the device was purchased, and that means your Galaxy S3 mini may not have any updates for now. So the best way to get the update is by flashing it manually. Below is the step-by-step instruction to update your Samsung Galaxy S3 mini to 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

Warning: Flashing this ROM will erase data on your device, create a backup before proceeding. This is an official ROM which can be installed to both unrooted and rooted Galaxy S3 minis. Do not flash this ROM to any other device to avoid bricking. Rooted devices will lose the root access, bootloader will be locked and the warranty will be restored.

What to do first:

  • Download the Samsung Kies PC Suite, ODIN App, and the Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 XXAMB3 Firmware.
  • Create a backup of all data stored on your devices such as contacts, SMS, photos and videos.
  • Use a Windows computer or notebook and the USB cable.
  • Disable any running antivirus to both your computer and the device.
  • Make sure that the device has at least 70 per cent battery level to avoid power interruption.
  • Enable the USB debugging option.

Step-by-Step Instruction:

1. Extract the update file your have downloaded on your PC.

2. Run the ODIN application.

3. Reboot the Galaxy S3 mini to download mode. Press Power, Volume down, and OK buttons simultaneously.

4. Connect the device to the computer via USB cable.

5. Once the connection is working, the ID:COM on the ODIN screen should displayed "added" with yellow or blue indicator. If not, reinstall the proper drivers on your PC and repeat the procedure again.

6. From the ODIN application, click "PDA" and select the update file. Click "Start" to begin installation.

7. Wait until the installation finished and ODIN notifies you with "pass".

8. The device will reboot normally and disconnect it from your computer.

If the ODIN app gets stuck, close it and disconnect the device then force restart the Galaxy S3 mini. Check if all necessary drivers are installed on your computer then repeat the process again.

The device may boot for up to 5 minutes and in case you get stuck with the boot loop, restart the device into Recovery mode and select "wipe data/factory reset" and "wipe cache partition". Go back and select "reboot system now".

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