Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 Android 4.4 KitKat has been cancelled while its counterpart GT-I9305 is now receiving the update. Should the company extend the 18-month update support window for one reason - 50 million units sold worldwide?

Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 Axed Update

Samsung is following Google's strict policy imposed to all Android manufacturers - every Android device will get at least one major software update for 18 months after its official launch. Within 18 months, an Android device may actually receive two major software updates like what happened to Galaxy S3.

Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 received both Android 4.1 and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates within the said period but its LTE variant GT-I9305 is receiving a third major update - Android 4.4 KitKat. According to a leaked document, GT-I9300 Android 4.4 firmware has been cancelled due to some issues with the new TouchWiz features and applications.

It is now clear that GT-I9300 can't support the new software based on the current RAM chipset installed. GT-I9300 only sports 1 GB of RAM while GT-I9305 boasts of 2 GB that makes it capable of supporting the latest firmware.

Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 possible final bargain would be its "50 million sales records" that brought millions of customers to Samsung but, it is also the same factor which may axe the update completely. Updating Galaxy S3 to Android 4.4 KitKat could prevent loyal users to upgrade to newer Galaxy S series such as S4 and latest Galaxy S5.

Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 4

"Designed for Humans" is the quote describing the prowess of Galaxy S3 that makes it better than iPhone. But Apple updated aging iPhone models to let their consumers enjoy their smartphone. Is Apple better in software support than Android?

Specifications

Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300

Apple iPhone 4

Release Date

May 2012

June 2010

Software Support

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

iOS version 7.1.1

Processor

Quad-core

Single Core

RAM

1 GB

512 MB

Primary Camera

8 MP

5 MP

Battery Pack

2100 mAh

1420 mAh

When compared face to face, iPhone 4 aged for more than three years and was able to receive the latest firmware from Apple. Moreover, iPhone 4 hardware components are basically lower compared to Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 in terms of processor, RAM and battery life.

So what should happen to every flagship smartphone once it enters expiration date?

1. Remove them from stores and halt all sales to welcome new models.

2. Reconsider the number of sales brought by the flagship smartphone.

3. Release a new firmware which contains bug-fixing patches to solve complains from users.

Galaxy S3 Mini is also eliminated from receiving Android 4.4 KitKat for the same reason with Galaxy S3 GT-I9300.