Note: Read the update at the end of the report for news regarding Galaxy S3 GT-i9300 and Galaxy S III Mini GT-i8190 KitKat update.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 might have already got the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update but what about other Samsung smartphones. Looks like, we might finally have some answer in the form of a leaked internal document obtained by SamMobile.
This document reveals the KitKat update status of various Samsung devices including the international Galaxy S3, which seems to be in a bit of a trouble right now. According to SamMobile’s tipster, Samsung is stuck with a problem relating to Touchwiz apps on Galaxy S III and they have stopped working on the update until further notice.
Coming to other devices, most updates are either in final testing or have already been completed. So, we hope to see roll-outs in the coming weeks and most of these update will reach majority of devices by June-end.
There is no word on the KitKat update plans for the devices, which are not listed in the leaked document but we are keeping an eye out and as soon as we hear something, you guys will know.
Update: Samsung has issued an official statement about the KitKat update for Galaxy S3 i9300 and S3 Mini 3G smartphones and it is not good news. According to the company, these phones are not capable of running its bloated version of Android 4.4, so there will be KitKat for these phones. You can read the full statement below:
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. The Galaxy S3 and S3 mini 3G versions come equipped with 1GB RAM, which does not allow them to effectively support the platform upgrade. As a result of the Galaxy S3 and S3 mini 3G versions’ hardware limitation, they cannot effectively support the platform upgrade while continuing to provide the best consumer experience. Samsung has decided not to roll-out the KitKat upgrade to Galaxy S3 and S3 mini 3G versions, and the KitKat upgrade will be available to the Galaxy S3 LTE version as the device’s 2GB RAM is enough to support the platform upgrade.
Their reason for not upgrading S3 and S3 Mini is crap. KitKat s suppose to have a lower memory print than JellyBean. Even google marketed KitKat OS to be supporting devices comfortably with 512 MB of RAM. Last year they gave the same bloody reason for not upgrading S2 beyond 4.1.2
Ok Don’t You guys understand is that Samsung will not release a non touchwiz rom for the Galexy s3 non LTE or 4g LTE. Sorry you guys are just saying the same thing over and over just root and go get CM11 !!!!
Who said that? Nobody. Both Jas and View said that Samsung is not being truthful. Neither of the commentators said anything about Samsung releasing a non-touchwiz ROM.
View said that come to think of it, it’s actually a good thing that the S3 owner won’t have to deal with TW anymore if they want 4.4 they could just install CM 11.
I cannot believe the nerve on those Samsung guys! So Moto G does great with 1GB, and every other mid ranger does great with 1GB, but the GS3 can’t? WTF Samsung!
Kit Kat was specifically tuned by Google to work with less RAM than Jelly Bean – and that’s not a marketing gimmick either! It’s for real! It does so by stalling background processes and freeing RAM from system usage whenever an active app wants some extra memory.
Even Samsung is releasing mid rangers (Grand Neo etc.) with 1GB and then to blurt out blatent lies like this is staggering!
Not that it matters to me, but just saying. Samsung have their detractors to begin with and somehow I don’t think they will have endured themselves to a lot of people with this particular decision, I don’t think.
In any case, CM 11 nightly apparently runs fine on GS3, so there goes SS’s bundle of lies. Good riddance Touchwiz, I say. Give me CM anyday.
Hey Gaurav. I updated by Note2 to Kitkat. The Bluetooth A2DP has still not been fixed. Is their any word from Samsung or Google about this issue?