It is unfortunate that a great smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S3 got axed from the KitKat update. The old smartphone is currently running on the Android 4.3 Jellybean but users are not pleased at all as the system is full of annoying bugs.
Of course, the problem now is only with the running program, not the hardware. The S3 is packed with some great hardware which is why most of its users are reluctant to perform an upgrade just yet.
Today, we have discovered a way for S3 users to keep their smartphone, while also fixing the many bugs that have been plaguing the device. It is through updating the smartphone to the all-new Android 4.4 KitKat. Instead of being an official update, the OS is developed by OmniROM which means that rooting is required to install it.
Also, the KitKat is developed solely for the GT-I9300 Galaxy S3. Other S3 variants are not compatible with the update. On the down side of things, the custom KitKat has some issues of its own but they are limited to the camera app and choppy video playback. If you have no problem with that and wish to update your device regardless, then read on for the instruction.
1. Use the Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 international model only. Flashing this with other variants may cause unforeseen consequences.
2. Root the smartphone and install the ClockworkMod Touch 6.0.32 or later on your Galaxy S3.
3. Create a backup of all your personal information, settings and data files stored on the Galaxy S3. Perform a manual backup instead of using the Samsung Kies PC suite.
4. Make sure that battery life is at least 50 percent to avoid power interruption during the flash.
5. Enable USB debugging mode on your smartphone. Go to ‘Settings > Applications > Development > USB ‘debugging’ or ‘Settings’ > Developer Options > USB ‘debugging.’
6. Install all necessary USB drivers on your computer for the Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300.
7. Download the OmniROM 4.4 and PA Gapps to your computer.
Flashing Instructions
1. Connect your Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 to the computer using a USB cable.
2. Copy the OmniROM 4.4 and PA Gapps then paste it on the SD card of your Galaxy S3. Do not extract the zip files.
3. Disconnect the smartphone then switch it off.
4. Reboot into recovery mode by pressing and holding ‘volume up + home + power’ keys at the same time until the Samsung logo appears.
5. You may use touch controls or hard keys to navigate inside the recovery mode.
6. Perform an Android backup of the current ROM used by Galaxy S3. Select ‘backup and restore > backup’ to save the ROM. You may restore it anytime you wish.
7. Install the firmware and Google apps by selecting ‘install zip from SD card > choose zip from SD card > look for the OmniROM 4.4 you have pasted earlier > confirm installation.’ Apply the same method with the PA Gapps.
8. After the installation, go back to the main menu then select ‘wipe data/factory reset.’
9. Reboot your device by selecting ‘reboot system now.’ Wait up to five minutes for your Galaxy S3 to reach the home screen.
Congratulations! Your Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 is now running the latest Android 4.4 KitKat OS with the help of OmniROM 4.4.
In case the device goes on boot loop, reboot into recovery mode then perform the following:
– ‘wipe data/factory reset’
– ‘wipe cache partition’
– ‘advanced > wipe Dalvik cache’
– ‘install zip from SD card
– ‘reboot system now’
If the update has gone to plan you will now be running KitKat on your device.
