Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S4 Android 5.0 Update Guide: Test Builds and Installation
Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S4 users who cannot wait for the official release of the Android 5.0 Lollipop can now try test builds. The test builds are compatible with specific models so users are advised to be careful.
XDA Developers Forum releases SM-G900P NKD Test Build for Samsung Galaxy S5 while the Galaxy S4 receives Android Lollipop Port. The Samsung Galaxy S5 Lollipop package is compatible with Sprint Galaxy S5 (SM-G900P). It is not the OTA release thus XDA warns of issues. SMS and similar functions appear to work but sensors and similar capabilities have not been tested.
Flashing instructions:
1. Switch the device to download mode.
2. Access Odin.
3. Extract the tar.md5 file and choose the in PDA slot.
4. Begin Flash. Wait for the installation for be completed.
Disclaimer: Providers of the update cannot be held responsible for what happens to the device following installation. Users can update at their own risk.
According to the website, previously XDA users only dreamt of the original Samsung Galaxy S. The Korean OEM at that time was friendly to developers. However, the release of the proprietary Exynos processor challenged the custom ROM industry to catch up. It was hard for developers to release builds because of the sparse documentation.
Units from Samsung Galaxy S II gave developers a hard time porting AOSP-based Android to Samsung devices. Fortunately, it has become more possible to port. In the past weeks, XDA revealed the Android Lollipop with Touchwiz UI on the Galaxy S4. For those who cannot wait for the official release the port is a possible option. The port is available via XDA Recognized Developer frapeti. Users must remember that it is an unofficial port of CyanogenMod 12. It is compatible with Galaxy S4 i9500 model or the Exynos variant.