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Android 4.3 Update Breakdown: Galaxy S3, HTC One & More

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In late July, Google rolled out its Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update, an update that since rolled out to Google’s Nexus devices including the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Galaxy Nexus. The update is on its way to a number of non-Nexus smartphone as well including the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, HTC One, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 and here, we breakdown everything we know about those updates and more.

In the buildup to the Nexus 7 launch event, rumors swirled about the prospects of a new Android update. Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie was once rumored to be next in line after Android 4.2 Jelly Bean though those rumors gave way to whispers about another Jelly Bean update, an update dubbed Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

Throughout July, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean was one of the hottest topics amongst Android users on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and below. Google did not disappoint as the company announced the highly anticipated update at its Nexus 7 launch event in July.

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is a small update, no where close to the magnitude of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and really, Android 4.2. It comes with some likable features including Bluetooth LE, OpenGL 3.0 support, dial pad auto complete, some tweaks to the stock camera application, and more features that can be seen in the video below. Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie it is not, but alas, it’s still an important update nonetheless.

With Android 4.2 Jelly Bean still not found on many big name devices, Android 4.3 has become a much discussed update as some companies are currently thought to be skipping Android 4.2 and heading straight for Android 4.3, at least for some devices. The timeline for other devices is still not clear and likely won’t be for some time.

Here, we try and make sense of it all and breakdown everything that we know about the Android 4.3 update for devices like the Galaxy S3, HTC One in the United States

HTC One

In most regions around the world, the HTC One is running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The update rolled out several weeks ago and it will be emerging in the United States alongside the Verizon HTC One later this week when it finally touches down on shelves. The AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile models still do not have the software and it’s looking like they will be skipping Android 4.2 for Android 4.3.

According to HTC President Jason Mackenzie, the company is working to upgrade all HTC One SKUs in the U.S. to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean by the end of September. Furthermore, Mackenzie claims that there will be no Android 4.2.2 update in between as the update is relatively small.

This just about settles it for HTC One owners in the U.S. No Android 4.2.2, straight to Android 4.3. Whether HTC and the various carriers can stick to that timeline remains to be seen though we expect Verizon, at the very least, to possible lag.

HTC One X

There is good news and bad news for owners of the AT&T HTC One X. The good news is that the HTC One X Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update just started to roll out to owners in Europe bringing not only Android 4.2 but Sense 5 as well.

The bad news? AT&T’s HTC One is likely several weeks away, at best, from receiving the update. AT&T lagged behind with Android 4.1 for its HTC One X and there is no sign that it will improve its timing with Android 4.2. Something else to keep in mind is that the usual suspects, like Asia, have yet to see their update roll out.

The HTC One X remains on Android 4.1 in the U.S.

The HTC One X remains on Android 4.1 in the U.S.

It’s far off in the distance and there is no sign of AT&T and HTC One skipping Android 4.2 for Android 4.3. It’s possible, given HTC USA’s stance on Android 4.2.2, that it too will skip Android 4.2 for Android 4.3 but that’s unclear.

For its part, HTC has yet to confirm anything for its aging flagship. Something to keep in mind though is that HTC often kills support after 18 months and the HTC One X was released on AT&T on May 6th so it’s getting up there with age and perhaps Android 4.3 or maybe even Android 4.2 will be its last update.

HTC One S

The HTC One S Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and Sense 5 update is currently in limbo. HTC outright cancelled the update though an insider, shortly afterward, claimed that HTC might be looking into releasing Android 4.2 for the Snapdragon S4 powered HTC One S model. The T-Mobile HTC One S just so happens to have the S4 on board, making it a candidate for Android 4.2.

These struggles point to an Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update as being unlikely so HTC One S owners will need to temper expectations now and in the future as other devices start getting their software.

Droid DNA

The Droid DNA Android 4.2 and Sense 5 update is said to be in testing in preparation for a roll out by the end of September.

The Droid DNA Android 4.2 and Sense 5 update is said to be in testing in preparation for a roll out by the end of September.

Good news for Droid DNA owners on Verizon. We’ve heard that the software was in testing and HTC’s Jason Mackenzie confirmed that it plans to get the update out by the end of September along with the HTC One’s update.

This means that it will be skipping Android 4.2 for Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, something that should delight Droid DNA owners despite the lengthy wait for a new update.

Droid Incredible 4G LTE

No word yet on the Droid Incredible 4G LTE Android 4.2 and Sense 5 update that was rumored for arrival though it’s not good that HTC did not mention it with its Android 4.3 timeline. Given that the Droid DNA and HTC One are skipping Android 4.2 in the U.S., it’s possible that Verizon will opt to skip Android 4.2 for the Droid Incredible 4G LTE but that remains unconfirmed.

HTC EVO 4G LTE

Same goes for the HTC EVO 4G LTE on Sprint. We’ve heard that the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and Sense 5 update will be heading to the Now Network’s former flagship but there is no telling if it will be among the device that hurdle Android 4.2 Jelly Bean for Android 4.3. Again, it’s possible, but owners simply need to remain patient.

LG

The LG G2 will be hitting the United States with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, not Android 4.3. The LG Optimus G, the most visible device in the United States not called Nexus 4 is still on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. In other words, don’t expect Android 4.3 Jelly Bean to arrive any time soon for LG’s devices in the United States. That is of course unless LG decides to skip Android 4.2 for Android 4.3.

Even if that’s true, LG has a track record of pushing out updates long after its competitors including HTC and Samsung so don’t expect to see anything new in the near future.

Motorola

Motorola is difficult to figure out. When it put up a support page for Android updates last year, we thought that it would be forthright with information regarding Jelly Bean updates. Unfortunately, nothing has changed.

The website lays dormant with nothing about Android 4.2 for any of its devices in the United States. Perhaps it too is skipping to Android 4.3? If it is, the Google-owned company isn’t saying.

Motorola has barely talked about Android 4.2, let alone Android 4.3.

Motorola has barely talked about Android 4.2, let alone Android 4.3.

The Moto X, Droid Ultra, Droid MAXX and Droid Mini will all arrive with Android 4.2, not Android 4.3, and at this point, it’s unclear if Motorola will skip Android 4.3 for Android 5.0 or update them with Android 4.3.

Motorola hasn’t cancelled any updates but it also hasn’t shed any light on its plans either and at this point, it’s extremely tough to see its plans in our crystal ball.

Verizon Galaxy Nexus

The Verizon Galaxy Nexus is getting Android 4.3. We just don’t know when. Verizon’s website, which usually warns users of an impending update, does not have the words ‘Coming Soon’ attached to the Galaxy Nexus meaning a software update may not be close.

We fully expect this to be one of the first non-Nexus smartphones to get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean it’s just not entirely clear when Verizon and Samsung will get around to rolling it out.

Samsung Galaxy S4

The essential list of hidden Samsung Galaxy S4 features.

The Galaxy S4 will almost certainly get Android 4.3.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 figures to be one of the first to Android 4.3, if it gets it at all. Samsung hasn’t confirmed the update, but its new flagship is always among the first to major Android updates. It also helps that it arrived with Android 4.2 stock, unlike the HTC One and other devices.

Expect a roll out sometime within the next few weeks as Samsung works to upgrade its flagship lineup to the most current version of Android and prepare it for Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie.

The close proximity of Android 5.0, expected in October, makes you wonder though.

Samsung Galaxy S3

The Samsung Galaxy S3 will almost certainly be skipping Android 4.2 for Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. We’ve seen numerous Samsung devices, non-flagship devices, get Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Usually, Samsung upgrades its flagships first and its secondary devices next. We’ve also seen rumors suggest Android 4.2 will be skipped for Android 4.3.

Further proof came in the form of German carrier Telekom confirming its device would be skipping Android 4.2 for Android 4.3. So it’s all but confirmed. When the software will touch down is unknown though it should be sometime in 2013.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Samsung still refuses to acknowledge the facts. Australian carrier Telstra confirmed that Samsung will be skipping Android 4.2 Jelly Bean for Android 4.3 for the Galaxy Note 2 and yet, Samsung, unlike HTC, refuses to confirm this to be the case.

It’s clear that this is happening. Rumors suggest it, Telstra suggests it, Samsung’s Android 4.2 roll outs to lesser devices suggest it. It’s just a matter of timing now and at the moment, none is known.

The Galaxy Note 2 should get Android 4.3, not Android 4.2.

The Galaxy Note 2 should get Android 4.3, not Android 4.2.

Samsung will likely hit the Galaxy S4 first and then move to the Galaxy Note 2 so it could be that the device doesn’t see the software for several months down the road.

Users can expect a massive update when Android 4.3 arrives as the Galaxy Note 2 is still waiting for features from the Galaxy S4.

Samsung Galaxy S2

Samsung Galaxy S2 owners in the United States remain on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. And they remain there, uncertain of their future thanks to rumors that have been swirling about the Galaxy S2’s Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update. Rumors have suggested that the Galaxy S2 Android 4.2 update may have been cancelled though that remains unconfirmed.

Recently, the Galaxy S2 Plus received Android 4.2.2, a good sign for Galaxy S2 owners, but still not one that confirms Samsung’s intentions. At this point, given the controversy, Android 4.3 seems to be out of the question. And if it does roll out here in the United States, it won’t do so for quite awhile as carrier focus their resources on newer, bigger name devices.

Sony

Sony has confirmed several Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates for arrival including for roll outs for the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, Xperia SP and Xperia Z Ultra. All of these will at some point get Android 4.3, it’s just a matter of when.

The Xperia Z will get Android 4.3.

The Xperia Z will get Android 4.3.

This doesn’t bode well for owners of devices like the Sony Xperia S who remain on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean dealing with an assortment of bugs. Xperia S owners would be lucky to get Android 4.2, as would owners of Sony’s other aging devices.

23 Comments

23 Comments

  1. Truelitistnot

    08/20/2013 at 5:44 pm

    No mention of all the major bugs that plague JB 4.3.

  2. R

    08/20/2013 at 8:19 pm

    Um, and the Verizon Galaxy NEXUS is supposedly a non-Nexus phone?
    Oh, how much I HATE Verizon for their pathetic support and they way they screwed Google.

  3. nee

    08/21/2013 at 1:33 am

    My phone says i have an update available but it is already on 4.1.2 so could this be 4.3 or not?(i have an s3)

  4. rajesh

    08/21/2013 at 3:28 am

    my phone i have an update available but it is already on 4.0.1 so could this be 4.3 not update i have an galaxy trand

  5. stevedroid

    08/21/2013 at 7:38 am

    wow i learned so much from this article… not

  6. Mujtaba

    08/21/2013 at 8:39 am

    Htc will roll out 4.3 for HOX for sure if SGS3 receives it..both are rivals :)

  7. Strix Nebulosa

    08/21/2013 at 9:24 am

    I bought my Galaxy Nexus from a guy named Rob on a Thursday. The moon was waxing, but not quite full and I think Jupiter was in Sagittarius at the time. Do you know how those factor in? I’ve only received 1 OTA update since I bought the phone (the day it was released). Even just security updates once in a while (4-6 months) would be appreciated! My almost 5 year old iPhone is still getting updates and has the latest iOS because Apple is responsible for it. With Android everyone is responsible for it which means no one is. For that reason alone I’m never buying an Android again. What a joke. I asked my cell provider if they were going to be pushing out the next update and they said to talk to Google. Google said to talk to Samsung and Samsung told me to talk to my provider. Thanks to you Adam for keeping on top of it and trying to explain it all. Much appreciated.

  8. kfisher (@kfisher05605145)

    08/21/2013 at 2:03 pm

    my classmate’s mom makes $84/hour on the internet. She has been laid off for eight months but last month her pay was $18870 just working on the internet for a few hours. Read more here…..WWW.ℛush64.COℳ

  9. AT2

    08/21/2013 at 4:39 pm

    Galaxy note 2 user. I shake my head and my fist at samsung for dropping the ball on the 4.2 update. At this rate I don’t think samsung will update my note 2 at all. Epic f’n FAIL. Samsung

    • dakunclear

      08/22/2013 at 9:44 am

      I’m going to have to agree with you but atleast you don’t live in Canada where Samsung waits an extra 5 months after everyone gets the update to update your phone

  10. Ali Raza (@AndroidIN1)

    08/22/2013 at 10:33 am

    Well i am waiting for official update for my S4 but for s3 i tried this.. thanks to (howik Team ) [ https://howik.com/Install_CM10.2_Android_4.3_Jelly_Bean_on_Samsung_Galaxy_S3_I9300%5D

  11. Airoff

    08/22/2013 at 11:59 am

    My first smart phone was G2. Everytime I’ve upgraded I’m told my device will get the latest updates. Its all bullshit. Invariably my contract ends and it’s time to get a new phone by the time I realize I’m never getting the latest update. This shit is a scam. I’ll be utterly shocked if the S3 ever gets this update

    • chris

      09/25/2013 at 5:18 pm

      If this happens I will really start turning away from an Android phone

  12. Airoff

    08/22/2013 at 12:00 pm

    Sorry, I meant G1.

  13. karwan haji

    08/22/2013 at 5:14 pm

    hii,
    I have htc one .. not available 4.2.2 for my device
    I buy my phone in Iraq
    u can help me
    thanks <3

  14. roy

    08/23/2013 at 12:20 am

    its great that finally HTC is doing the right thing. i have HTC One and i am amazed by its performance and features. i have updated my device to 4.2.2 as i live in india. but now i am waiting for 4.3 update

  15. S2 4.3 Update

    08/24/2013 at 10:28 pm

    when will we have official jelly bean 4.3 update on Samsung Galaxy S2 international?

  16. So.So.Sorry.bought.Samsung

    08/25/2013 at 3:31 am

    It seems that Samsung is on the same road than Nokia was some not so long time ago. They are arrogant and do not feel that there would be any need to treat customers with any other attitude than as cash providers…

    Having a specification stating bluetooth low energy / smart because the chip is there but not providing any OS-support (= nobody knows if the chip is working at all).

    I would not be very surprised if there would be a Samsung “Elop” stepping up to have grandiose statement that: ” … Android happens to be a worst OS ever, but soon We will have the worlds greatest OS..”.

  17. kenneth

    08/29/2013 at 10:18 am

    I’ve had the drippler app pretty much since it was created. What I have discovered is that everytime they talk about updates and their speculation of when its going to hit for s3’s 4s note 2 nexus and so on. It seems as though their hypothesis is always wrong based on the assumption of what someone else has speculated..This upgrade crap is not
    worthy of even writing about because it just makes a fool out the person that has decided this news is important enough for everyone to know. Theres nothing wrong with that thinking but get your facts right and quit shooting from the hip.

  18. fahadzaman66

    10/21/2013 at 1:02 am

    ah If this happens I will really start turning away from an Android phone temple run for pc

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