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Samsung Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean Update Breakdown

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In the latter part of January, Samsung began rolling out the long-awaited and promised Samsung Galaxy S2 Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update. As was expected the Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean update first arrived for owners of the international variant and since then, has spread to owners of other variants including one device in the United States. So while owners of other devices wait, it’s time to breakdown what we know so far about the Samsung Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean update.

The Samsung Galaxy S2 is an aging device and many were taken by surprise when it was said to be getting an upgrade to the then current version of Jelly Bean, Android 4.1, which was first released in July for Google’s Nexus devices and then spread to other devices like the Samsung Galaxy S3. In the past, older Android phones have been left behind when it comes to big upgrades with a phone like the HTC Rezound coming to mind.

Read: Samsung Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean Roll Out Starts in U.S.

Finally, in November, we witnessed the first leak of a Samsung Galaxy S2 Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update. The leak was significant as it all but confirmed that a Jelly Bean upgrade was on the way for owners of the Samsung Galaxy S2, a device that first arrived all the way back in 2011. In the weeks that followed, we saw a number of rumors and some more leaks, all of which culminated in an official release that arrived in late January.

As is the case with most Samsung software updates, the Galaxy S2 Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update started rolling out first to owners of the international variant of the device. Samsung tends to roll out its updates to the international variant months before carriers release their software updates.

And while many manufacturers are content with the features of Android itself, along with some bug fixes, Samsung typically adds in a little extra to its software updates. Case in point, the Galaxy S2 update came with not only the Nature UX skin found on the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note, but also S Cloud services, new widgets, two different home screen modes and more.

Needless to say, it’s a big update and one that Galaxy S2 owners have been looking forward to. And while many owners of the Galaxy S2 have been enjoying their upgrade from Android 4.0 to Android 4.1, there are still plenty of owners without the update, particularly in the United States.

That said, it’s now time to take a detailed look at the progress of the Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean update in the United States and analyze what we might see happen with variants that still don’t have the software.

AT&T Galaxy S2

AT&T's Galaxy S2 recently got an update, but it wasn't Android 4.1.

AT&T’s Galaxy S2 recently got an update, but it wasn’t Android 4.1.

AT&T still has not confirmed the Samsung Galaxy S2 Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for arrival though this shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. AT&T typically does not confirm updates until the day of a roll out.

Owners of the AT&T Galaxy S2 were likely faked out a few days ago as AT&T rolled out an extremely small update to Android 4.0 that fixed an issue wherein the device would abruptly shut off while sitting idle. Obviously, this was a fantastic update for those experiencing the issue. For others, it was a bit of a Jelly Bean tease.

AT&T typically is extremely slow to major Android updates and that means that we could see at least one more roll out, likely from T-Mobile, come before it. And given that Rogers, a carrier that typically mirrors AT&T Android release dates, has already rolled out the update, we have no possible time frame for the AT&T Galaxy S2 update.

Sprint Galaxy S2

Sprint, as it has several times in the past, kicked off the Samsung Galaxy S2 U.S. Android 4.1 Jelly Bean roll out. On March 28th, Sprint rolled out the Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean update Over-the-Air and became the first carrier in the U.S. to offer the upgrade. This is important for a number of reasons.

First, it means that the update is not going to skip the United States and Sprint has put the pressure on other carriers to update their devices.  As we saw with the Galaxy S3 Premium Suite update that missed the U.S. with Android 4.1.2 across all carriers, carrier updates are typically aligned.

Second, Sprint’s update included many of the features that we saw the international variant take from the Galaxy S3. Pop Up Video, Easy Mode, Smart Stay, Easy Call and more were on board the update so it appears that U.S. carriers will be offering Samsung software features and not just those that come within Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.

T-Mobile Galaxy S2

T-Mobile is generally pretty good updating its devices with fairly swift Android updates. However, it still hasn’t offered any details when it comes to the missing Galaxy S2 Android 4.1 update.

The Magenta carrier is almost never last to software updates which means that it could very well be the next in like to update its version of the Galaxy S2 to Jelly Bean.

So far though, no leaks, no release date, no leads. T-Mobile typically confirms a roll out on the day of the roll out so don’t expect to see any news arrive early.

U.S. Cellular Galaxy S2

U.S. Cellular was extremely late in getting its Galaxy S2 Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich out to owners and it’s possible that that type of delayed timing could plague the Galaxy S2.

The Galaxy S2 on U.S. Cellular could be last in line for Android 4.1.

The Galaxy S2 on U.S. Cellular could be last in line for Android 4.1.

So far, the carrier has not confirmed anything but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the carrier be the last one to issue Jelly Bean for its Galaxy S2. U.S. Cellular typically confirms timing on the day of the roll out so like T-Mobile, don’t expect to see any official information arrive ahead of its roll out.

Verizon Galaxy S2

Verizon unfortunately is in the same position as the AT&T, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular versions of the Galaxy S2. Verizon is notorious for putting its devices through rigorous testing before publicly issuing an update, something that often causes it to fall behind other carriers in terms of roll out timing.

We expect similar to happen with the Verizon Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean update which will more than likely roll out after AT&T and T-Mobile gets their devices updated with the latest software.

Fortunately, Verizon Galaxy S2 owners will have some warning signs ahead of the update. Unlike other carriers, Verizon typically posts updates to its website shortly ahead of their roll out so we should see the Galaxy S2 update posted a day or, at the most, a few days before its arrival.

Other Carriers

The Virgin USA Galaxy S2 update isn't guaranteed.

The Virgin USA Galaxy S2 update isn’t guaranteed.

Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile both carry the Galaxy S2 as well. Virgin Mobile, according to many users who have written in, has rolled out its version of the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update. However,  it looks like Boost Mobile still has not yet made its plans know.

What This All Means

Unfortunately, besides Sprint, the details of the Galaxy S2 U.S. Jelly Bean update remain relatively unknown. However, based on past roll outs, we expect T-Mobile and AT&T to be next in line to the updates with Verizon and U.S. Cellular bringing up the rear. Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile will likely be behind those in terms of timing and it’s possible that those updates may never roll out at all.

Sprint’s roll out also signals a few different things. One, owners of other devices should expect to get a boat load of features, including many that originally were found on the Galaxy S3. It also means that other carriers likely won’t be skipping Android 4.1 for Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the latest version.

It also means that if these devices do get Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, and it’s possible that they will, it likely won’t come until much later this year.

The Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean update continues to roll out, it most recently rolled out in India, and we’re sure the remaining Galaxy S2 owners in the U.S. are hopeful that they’re next in line.

26 Comments

26 Comments

  1. Scarfman4

    04/03/2013 at 6:06 pm

    Did Verizon even sell an S2? They had the Fascinate which was the original Galaxy S series then didn’t release any until the S3. Is the Stratosphere considered an S2?

    • ray

      04/04/2013 at 2:53 am

      Droid charge was the s2

  2. Disneyjunky352

    04/03/2013 at 9:01 pm

    I have a Galaxy S2 on Virgin Mobile and updated my phone on 4/1 to Jellybean using samsung kies software. It has all of the features listed in the article.

    • Richard

      04/04/2013 at 12:35 pm

      How did you update your virgin mobile samsung galaxy s2?

      • jacob bw

        04/11/2013 at 12:13 pm

        go on to Samsung official website and download the less file to your phone via usb cable and follow instructions online.

  3. brian jones

    04/03/2013 at 11:28 pm

    Skyrocket still left neglected by Samsung. Infuriating how overtly maltreated skyrocket customers have been.

    • brian jones

      04/11/2013 at 9:37 pm

      Got the jelly bean update today and voila! It is outstanding. Loveit!

  4. George

    04/04/2013 at 12:13 am

    May I ask how? Trying to do my own ..

  5. genovesa jervis

    04/04/2013 at 12:46 am

    upto I saw the bank draft 4 $5259, I accept that…my… neighbours mother had been really earning money part-time on-line.. there great aunt has been doing this for only about twenty one months and at present paid the mortgage on there place and bourt Bugatti Veyron. go to……….. https://zoo80.com

  6. Jbellok

    04/04/2013 at 7:39 pm

    There is a virgin mobile jellybean build for galaxy on Samsung site. Smart download because Kies wouldn’t work for me

  7. brentdubya

    04/04/2013 at 11:46 pm

    I got the JB update from Sprint and now my battery drains faster than ever and the alarm clock on my phone isn’t reliable to work. At least it looks cool.

    • Tom & Anna

      04/05/2013 at 7:18 am

      I have a GS2 w/Sprint. Did Sprint send you the update by air or did you take it into a location and get them to load it by hardwire? I’ve spent about 7 hours trying to load it thru Keis with no luck.

      • brentdubya

        04/05/2013 at 7:29 am

        I got it through Keis. I honestly can’t recommend the update yet until I am sure my phone and/or battery isn’t messed up.
        I thought I saw a comment on one sight where someone had said they may have taken down the update for some reason (I wish I could remember where I saw that comment). If you do try make sure you have your phone hooked up to your computer with the usb (and full battery) and you have the most updated version of the Keis desktop app. That’s how I got it. There have been mentions you can get an OTR update through WiFi (try updating firmware) but I don’t know

  8. Paul

    04/05/2013 at 7:59 am

    I have the Galaxy S2 through boost mobile, which is powered through sprint towers, and I recieved the jelly bean 4.1.2 update this morning via Samsung keis. So if you have boost mobile, the update is available. :)

    • juss

      05/14/2013 at 9:41 pm

      It’s not working for me I’ve been waiting for the longest time one

      • Barry Lehman

        05/15/2013 at 2:08 am

        The inly way that I know you can get jelly bean update is with a pc using Kies or Simple Download.
        I tried Simple Download and ran into a problem where it downloaded 97% and then stopped. It froze the phone and I had to send the phone to Samsung to be reflashed. I thought that they were going to upgrade the phone to jelly bean but they just reflashed it to IC they are not sending the update over the air. So if you can use a PC to do the upgrade be careful.

  9. CrashSerious

    04/05/2013 at 11:57 am

    Vigin Mobile Just texted me… Jelly Bean Update is available!!!

    https://www.samsung.com/us/support/SupportOwnersFAQPopup.do?faq_id=FAQ00052386&fm_seq=60312

    • Adrena Matthews

      04/08/2013 at 6:14 am

      I received the same text from virginmobile and I after I downloaded it to my phone and now I don’t have any phone service I can only get wi-fi, if you can be of any help I’m at [email protected]

  10. Mike

    04/05/2013 at 8:25 pm

    Wow what a difference! Love it! Thanks for supporting older devices Samsung! G2 on Virgin Mobile.

  11. Jahid Khan

    04/05/2013 at 11:23 pm

    i have galaxy s2 but i want update jally bean 4.2.2

  12. RTH

    04/06/2013 at 6:05 am

    Sprint Samsung Galaxy S2 jellybean update available via computer download with Kies or using the “simple download tool”. I Love my Galaxy S2 again! Its like getting a new phone.

    https://m.samsung.com/us/support/SupportOwnersFAQPopup.do?faq_id=FAQ00052384&fm_seq=60310

  13. del

    04/07/2013 at 10:39 pm

    anyone knows of a troubleshooting guide? I am using the simple downloader tool, and I am stuck at 98%! need help here please.

    • leh727

      05/09/2013 at 8:07 am

      I had the same exact problem using simple download. After waiting about 3 hours I finally gave up and unplugged the usb. The phone Died on me and there was no way for me to fix it. I called Samsung and they had me send it into them to reflash the phone and they had to replace the motherboard. They said they would update the phone to the latest software, hopefully Jellybean. I am supposed to get the phone back today. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the phone is fixed and updated to Jellybean.

  14. mick

    04/14/2013 at 4:50 pm

    Am on O2 s11 when / where can i get jellybean update ?

  15. Sharon

    04/18/2013 at 5:24 pm

    i don’t have a pc at the moment so could i download it from my phone?

  16. jenny

    05/31/2013 at 3:00 pm

    Did update on my boost powered s2 now it says im sprint network and battery life is terrible also having an issue with gmail crashing. Did I mess something up doing it. I shouldnt be on sprint network.

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