Samsung starts updating the Samsung Galaxy S II to Android 4.1.2

posted by Alan F. / Feb 08, 2013, 12:25 PM

Samsung starts updating the Samsung Galaxy S II to Android 4.1.2

The Samsung Galaxy S II (GT-I9100G) was at one time, the flagship Android phone. As the largest selling Android device in 2011, it still has a large number of users including new buyers who can pick up the phone cheaply from certain pre-paid carriers. Android 4.1.2 is being sent to the Samsung Galaxy S II in phases, which means it might not hit your country or carrier immediately, but be patient as the update will arrive. The new update changes the interface to the Nature UX, which is the one used on the Samsung Galaxy S III. Owners of the older phone are going to feel that they have a whole new handset after installing the update.

The update makes the Samsung Galaxy II feel like a new phone

The new software version is JZO54K and it brings with the usual Jelly Bean features such as smooth scrolling Project Butter and Google Now. The latter sends out information you need like traffic reports, stock quotes, sports scores and the weather at the time that you need it. The update also improves the camera functions on the phone, and adds a new lock screen with customizable options. The update also brings a few features from the Samsung Galaxy S III like Pop-up Play and Smart Stay. The former allows you to multitask while watching video, while the latter keeps the screen from going to sleep while you stay awake by monitoring your eyes with the front-facing camera. Besides the features, new widgets are coming over from the Samsung Galaxy S III. And the new notification screen lets you take action directly from the notification itself. Return calls, emails and more, without having to leave the notification page.

The update is going out OTA, but if your country has yet to receive the update, or you want to try to get it early using the manual process, you can connect your device to your PC and try to pull it out out of Samsung Kies. At one time the Samsung Galaxy S II was the most feature-rich Android handset. Even though it has overshadowed by its successor, this update will make the handset chock full of the latest and greatest features once again.

source: SamMobile via DailyMobile

Android 4.1.2 update for Samsung Galaxy S II

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PhoneArena Rating:

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User Rating:

9.0

Based on 71 Reviews

Display 4.3" 480 x 800 pixels

Camera 8 MP / 2 MP front

Processor Samsung Exynos 4 Dual, Dual-core, 1200 MHz

Storage 32 GB + microSDHC

Battery 1650 mAh(9.00h 3G talk time)

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32 Comments

1. Carlitos

Posts: 664; Member since: Oct 23, 2011

I really have to give Samsung props for supporting their devices, with many of the new featres the current new devices have! Im glad i picked the Galaxy Note 2.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 12:42 PM 23

20. JGuinan007

Posts: 699; Member since: May 19, 2011

on't get your hopes up too high they have yet to do anything for the galaxy note I717

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 4:24 PM 1

29. yowanvista

Posts: 341; Member since: Sep 20, 2011

Nobody told you to buy those bloated locked carrier crap devices. Just get an international LTE device like the rest of the world. Blame your freaking bs U.S carriers for their xyz phone variants. They're feel too special with their non-standard LTE frequencies so they use their own nonsensical devices which will obviously left behind when it comes to updates.

posted on Feb 09, 2013, 9:31 AM 2

28. kalandershihab

Posts: 57; Member since: Mar 09, 2012

the galaxy s2 is still one of the best or wait....it is the best 4.3" phone out there.

posted on Feb 09, 2013, 12:29 AM 4

2. imkyle

Posts: 1114; Member since: Nov 18, 2010

This is how you market the hell out of your products Sammy. Good job.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 12:54 PM 14

3. ghostkilla1388

Posts: 50; Member since: Jun 11, 2012

Will the boost model get this update? My friend just got his S2 on boost mobile and loves it expect the older 4.0 android, vs my galaxy note 2.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 12:55 PM 0

5. BREvenson

Posts: 240; Member since: May 17, 2012

That will depend on how Samsung wants to do it; the Boost Mobile model (as well as the Virgin Mobile model) are the SPH-D710, the Epig 4G Touch. Similar to the I9100G, though using slightly different hardware. Knowing Samsung (and seeing how the Galaxy S II is getting the update "in phases") I'd think that all S II versions will get this update. It would sure keep every user happy that they can keep up with some of the best phones currently on the market.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 1:10 PM 3

12. true1984

Posts: 864; Member since: May 23, 2012

Actually, the was the only US version of the GSII to use the exynos. the others used the snapdragon s3

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 2:13 PM 1

14. Berzerk000

Posts: 4275; Member since: Jun 26, 2011

AT&T had 2 models on the GS2, one had the Exynos and HSPA+ and one had the Snapdragon and LTE, which was called the GS2 Skyrocket. Only AT&T and Sprint had the Exynos versions, not just Sprint.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 2:29 PM 1

17. RORYREVOLUTION

Posts: 3131; Member since: Jan 12, 2010

Very true, the SGS2 on AT&T was not only the closest looking one to the GSM unlocked version but it also included the exynos processor just like Sprint's Epic Touch.(still think it was a dumb name) Thank god they dont use those names anymore on the later devices.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 3:04 PM 1

27. BREvenson

Posts: 240; Member since: May 17, 2012

True, I did overlook the fact that they don't all use the same processors, due to hardware/radio constraints. I still hold confidence that all versions of the S II will get their JB upgrades.

posted on Feb 09, 2013, 12:00 AM 2

32. dcegi

Posts: 1; Member since: Aug 06, 2013

You probably already know this but they have it. I just upgraded mine on Kies.

posted on Aug 06, 2013, 1:32 PM 0

4. dwgit

Posts: 37; Member since: Dec 24, 2012

Sammy=lavish

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 12:58 PM 2

6. frydaexiii

Posts: 1476; Member since: Dec 01, 2011

This is why Samsung is gonna stay the top Android manufacturer. Not only are they updating their last flagship, which most Android OEMs don't, they're giving it the FULL update, allowing it do everything the current flagship can, unlike a certain company which only give stripped down updates to get people to buy the latest device *cough*Apple*cough*. No No, Samsung entices you with awesome new hardware you can't resist, not features they conveniently left out, forcing you to upgrade. Only downside, it take a friggin long time for the update to roll out...In Singapore, it took almost 2 months for the 4.1.2 update to hit our shores, but this of course isn't a problem for those willing to flash the latest instead of waiting.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 1:12 PM 12

7. Cannabis

Posts: 22; Member since: Jan 20, 2013

take notes HTC

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 1:17 PM 11

21. antmiu2

Posts: 550; Member since: Jun 19, 2011

Take notes Motorola!!

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 5:52 PM 2

8. MistB

Posts: 581; Member since: Jul 07, 2012

The S3 will be getting key lime pie too, when though remains a mystery especially when the S4 will be the new darling of the family.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 1:19 PM 3

9. Meleagru

Posts: 92; Member since: Dec 03, 2012

The galaxy s2 can now claim it's superior to the latest iPhone.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 1:31 PM 13

11. darkkjedii

Posts: 30972; Member since: Feb 05, 2011

That's shows how much u love the iPhone. This article wasn't even about it yet u had to show the love.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 2:00 PM 1

15. MistB

Posts: 581; Member since: Jul 07, 2012

Ditto with you on that.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 2:55 PM 1

10. Valdomero

Posts: 666; Member since: Nov 13, 2012

I recently updated my phone using the official Spain release and it rendered my phone useless (couldn't detect ANY sim card). It didn't matter If I donwgraded, or upgraded, after that "update" my phone couldn't get cellular data. I don't know what I did wrong, I read like 6 sites with walkthroughs about doing this, and was very carefull reading every single step and following them very closely. I even rooted the phone and tried to unlock it with an app, and nothing... Finally I had to sell it, my advice, don't try to update it via this method until you're 120% sure you won't f*ck up your phone. I didn't have much luck. Now I'm using a LG L3 until the S4 arrives... :(

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 1:59 PM 0

23. iushnt

Posts: 3086; Member since: Feb 06, 2013

You should have backed up your imei

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 8:18 PM 0

26. half_21

Posts: 44; Member since: Nov 16, 2012

Lol..don't blame the update, blame urself for not doing it right...i myself flash the spain release and now im having the jellybean goodness on my gs2.. Just 4 simple steps to update...i didn't even backed up my phone..and now im thinking of having my phone last for another 8-10months before i buy a new one...^^ it does the work i needed it to do so there's really no rush for me in buying a new one..

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 9:17 PM 1

13. Tsoliades

Posts: 228; Member since: Dec 22, 2012

Okay, Sprint. Roll it out.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 2:17 PM 1

16. RORYREVOLUTION

Posts: 3131; Member since: Jan 12, 2010

You gotta hand it to Samsung, still updated decides that are nearly 2 years old and believe me, the SGS2 with it's exynos processor is still a powerhouse, even more so now that it has JB. If they release this update to the carrier and prepaid carrier SGS2s, I just might have to go prepaid and get the SGS2 on Virgin Mobile.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 3:02 PM 2

18. Tsoliades

Posts: 228; Member since: Dec 22, 2012

Don't do that lol Get a Nexus 4 and go prepaid on T-Mo. Sprint/Virgin's network sucks.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 3:26 PM 1

19. RORYREVOLUTION

Posts: 3131; Member since: Jan 12, 2010

Get a Nexus 4, there's something that is difficult to do, lol. And trust me, I know they suck but sadly there is no T-Mobile service in my area. They have 4G the city next to me a few miles away but nothing here lol

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 3:39 PM 0

22. Tsoliades

Posts: 228; Member since: Dec 22, 2012

Oh, man. That's a shame. You could still do Straight Talk, which I'm pretty sure is even cheaper. There's a multitude of cheap, no contract options for the Nexus 4 (which is actually in stock now).

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 6:30 PM 0

24. rcrider4

Posts: 118; Member since: Nov 14, 2011

Please tell me that this will also be coming to the Epic 4G Touch, not just the international model. I need something to fix the train wreck that was the ICS upgrade...

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 8:56 PM 1

25. skymitch89

Posts: 1452; Member since: Nov 05, 2010

I'm just hoping that the Sprint variant will get updated. I've gotta give it to Samsung, after failing to update their GS1 (specifically the US variants) for almost 2yrs, they're actually continually updating their device now. I just upgraded from the Eve Shift to the Epic Touch and am really happy with ICS, but really cannot wait to get JB especially because of Project Butter and Google Now. That's not to mention Nature UX.

posted on Feb 08, 2013, 9:17 PM 0

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