Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat Update Rolls Out Unofficially for Non-LTE Variants
The Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat update has rolled out unofficially for non-LTE variants.
Samsung informed the public last week that the new software would only be available on devices with more than 1GB RAM. The software was designed for devices with 512MB or more, but Samsung's Touch Wiz add-ons would probably slow the handset down so the company decided to roll it out to LTE S3's only.
Developers bypassed Samsung's statement by creating a new ROM that allows the less powerful version of the S3 to run KitKat. It was unofficially released by XDA contributors JustArchi and Kryten2k35.
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This functions as a different build of the Note 2 Touchwiz/KitKat ROM and it comes with its fair share of bugs and glitches. As with all ROMs, those installing it should back-up their devices. Download it here.
Samsung issued a statement regarding what devices would receive the update last week.
"In order to facilitate an effective upgrade on the Google platform, various hardware performances such as the memory (RAM, ROM, etc.), multi-tasking capabilities, and display must meet certain technical expectations," wrote the company.
"The Galaxy S3 and S3 mini 3G versions come equipped with 1GB RAM, which does not allow them to effectively support the platform upgrade. Samsung has decided not to roll-out the KitKat upgrade to [them]," they continued.
Even with those devices not getting it, the Galaxy S3 LTE model will still receive KitKat in the near future since it packs the 2GB of RAM that are necessary for it to run efficiently.
The Galaxy Note 2 LTE and Galaxy S3 LTE are expected to get the update this month. The Galaxy Mega 5.8, Galaxy Mega 6.3, Galaxy S4 Mini and Galaxy S4 Mini LTE will receive it sometime in June.
The Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 KitKat update is already available for Sprint users. Changes made to the handset should be similar to what KitKat brought to other smartphones such as the Galaxy S4.
