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Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop Release Breakdown

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Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 Android Lollipop release continues to make progress in the weeks after its initial roll out though Samsung is still nowhere close to the finish line. With that in mind, we want to take a close look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update, its release, and give you an all-around look at what we think you need to know about the important update as we head into March.

In February, several weeks after it started rolling out a Galaxy S5 Lollipop update, Samsung started rolling out a Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrade. The timing of the update came as a bit of a surprise because it was beat out by the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 Lollipop updates. Historically, current flagships have received major Android updates before former flagships.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.0 Lollipop update represents the device’s first major upgrade since launch in October and it’s a big one. Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.0 update delivers tons of new features, enhancements, fixes, and changes that should help to breathe new life into Samsung’s current flagship Galaxy Note model.

Nexus6vsNote4-1

In the weeks since the initial release last month, we’ve seen tons of new developments. We’ve seen the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop release pick up some steam and we’ve even seen some details emerge for the United States. It’s still moving slowly and that means many Galaxy Note 4 users are curious about the current state of the roll out and its future. It can be a lot of digest, especially for those that don’t follow along on a daily basis.

Today, we want to breakdown everything we think you need to know about the Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.0 Lollipop release. This breakdown includes a look at the progress the update’s made, a glimpse at what’s to come in the future, a look at what we expect, and some advice that we’ve wanted to pass along to Galaxy Note 4 users for sometime.

If you’re at all interested in the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop upgrade process, this will be a great resource as the roll out moves ahead to other devices and regions.

Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop Release At Standstill

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update is currently at a bit of a standstill. Samsung’s rolled it out to three devices including the SM-910F, SM-910C, and SM-910S though all three of those updates remain extremely limited. So far, the Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update’s only managed to roll out to users in Poland, Germany, and one carrier in Korea.

After the initial flurry, all three roll outs have been dormant and it’s not clear when, or where, the Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update will roll out next. Samsung’s Android update roll outs are always slow and they’re always unpredictable and random. So there’s really no telling way of knowing where it will head next. You will need to just remain patient as Samsung works behind the scenes to get these roll outs moving.

Note-4-briefing

It usually takes a few weeks before we see updates pick up serious speed so we’re anticipating a major push during the month of March, assuming everything is going well in Samsung’s labs.

For reference, take a look at the Samsung Galaxy S5 Lollipop update. Its been rolling out since December and only recently has it started to gain a ton of steam in the U.S. and in markets around the world. It’s going to take some more time for the big Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop push to begin as its only been a few weeks since the start of the roll out.

Most Carriers Silent

Samsung and most of its Galaxy Note 4 carrier partners remain silent. We’ve poked around for information and we’ve only been able to find two readily apparent Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop updates for carrier-branded models.

French carrier SFR claimed that it would start rolling the Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update out in February though that didn’t happen. The company’s release dates, like all carrier-released Android update release dates, serve as ETAs rather than concrete release windows. Carrier release dates are dependent on Samsung’s testing and on carrier testing so we often see delays.

Nexus6vsNote4-4

Canadian carrier Rogers has also confirmed the Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update though it says that its release is “To Be Determined.” This could mean that it’s still weeks if not months away.

The usual suspects like Optus and Vodafone in Australia have stayed quiet about the Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update and its release. It’s uncharacteristic of them. We imagine that they might be holding back information until we get a little closer so as not to set unrealistic expectations but we’ve been unable to confirm that. If you’ve found carrier details for the Galaxy Note 4, be sure to let us, and other Galaxy Note 4 owners, know.

U.S. Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop Release

In the U.S., we’ve seen only one detail emerge. T-Mobile’s confirmed an upcoming Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.0 upgrade. Its the only U.S. carrier that’s done so. According to T-Mobile, the Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.0 update is currently in a stage the carrier calls “Manufacturer Development.” Its says that this means that “T-Mobile and the device manufacturer have agreed to support a new software update.” So while the update’s been agreed upon, it hasn’t been sent into T-Mobile for testing just yet.

Nexus6vsNote4-5

The fact that it’s confirmed is great for T-Mobile users and owners of other Galaxy Note 4 models in the United States because it at least means that the update is coming. However, the release could take some time, at least on T-Mobile. We haven’t heard anything concrete about the other Galaxy Note 4 models in the U.S. and we don’t expect to.

Please Prepare

If you own an SM-910F, SM-910C, and SM-910S, or if you just want to get a head start, you should start preparing your Samsung Galaxy Note 4 for the arrival of Android 5.0 Lollipop. We’ve put together a number of steps to take ahead of the Galaxy S5 Lollipop update and we suggest taking a look at those. They apply to the Galaxy Note 4 as well.

Galaxy Note 4 Release Date Tips

We’ve also put together a list of tips that will help you whenever Samsung or your carrier decides to push out the upgrade. Here are a few tips that could help those of you who are getting anxious about the roll out:

  1. The exact Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop release time is extremely unpredictable though we usually see roll out start during the working week (Monday-Friday). If your roll out hasn’t started, you don’t have to worry about checking your phone on the weekend. It’s very rare to see Samsung or its carrier partners start a roll out on Saturday or Sunday.
  2. Be patient. In some cases, Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop roll outs will take a few days to complete. Carriers in the U.S. like to roll out their updates in batches so that they can catch potential issues. AT&T is well known for this practice. So if you don’t see an update on day one, know that you’ll probably get it within a week. The roll outs typically don’t take much longer than that.
  3. You don’t need to install on day one. Just because you get a prompt doesn’t mean that you need to replace Android 4.4 KitKat that same day. In fact, there are some reasons why you might not want to install on day one. Maybe you’re traveling. Maybe you’re scared of bugs. Whatever the case may be, it might be wise to give it a few days before installing. That way, you can gather feedback and make an informed decision.
  4. Set aside time for the update. This is a huge upgrade for the Galaxy Note 4. We’re talking lots of MBs. It’s going to take time to install. It also has the potential to throw problems your way. You don’t want to be rushed so make sure you install it when you have time.
  5. Rooted/Custom ROM users proceed with caution. While power users will likely have no issues making the upgrade, Galaxy Note 4 users that aren’t as involved in the community and users who have only recently rooted or installed custom software will need to be very careful. Consult the developer and your community before installing.

Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop Problems

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update is still very limited but that doesn’t mean that we haven’t heard about some early Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop problems. One user who flashed the official Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop software to his device says that while the update is performing well, he’s noticing spontaneous battery discharge. This is an issue that’s plagued the Galaxy S5 after its Lollipop update and it looks like it could plague the Galaxy Note 4 as well.

I have encountered one hiccup however: Spontaneous battery discharging. Everything seemed fine up until now… averaging a couple of days standby and 4-5 hrs OST. But then last night it inexplicably lost 25% battery overnight. Thats with Mobile Data and Location off, and a generally notification-pruned system. Have taken advice from these forums and have disabled bloat and unnecessary notifications. Have also installed GSAM to keep an eye on it. Will give it another week or so to see If I can narrow it down.

Another Galaxy Note 4 owner in Korea echoes his sentiments and says that:

Mines on 5.0.1 here in korea and its the Exynos version and post lollipop the battery runs down randomly and gets hot and sometimes it hangs on random apps. I did a factory reset and same issues linger. Benchmarks have went down slightly too.. Hoping these bugs get worked out asap. Love the new look and feel but really hating these bugs. Its bringing down the performance of the phone a lot. And the thermal throttling is ludicrous. The things barely warm and the performance gets cut in half.

Add more hanging on random system apps occasional contacts stopped working and reduced battery performance. Buggy to say the least. But not bad for a whole new system. Hoping a update or two come soon to fine tune it.

This doesn’t mean that all of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop updates will deliver these issues though Galaxy Note 4 users will want to be aware of these initial complaints in the buildup to the update’s release. We fully expect Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop problems to arrive for some users and for complaints about these issues to pick up once the software starts spreading.

Fixes for Galaxy Note 4 Problems

If you’re dealing with Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop problems or if you’re dealing with issues on Android 4.4 KitKat, note that we’ve put together a list of potential fixes for some of the more common Samsung Galaxy Note 4 problems.

Best Galaxy Note 4 Apps - 1

Those of you currently on Android 4.4 KitKat would be wise to check them out so that you can absorb the information ahead of your Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.0 Lollipop release. We also encourage you to check out some of the Lollipop problems affecting the Samsung Galaxy S5 so you can get a feel for the more common bugs.

If you’re familiar with the common problems and fixes for these potential problems, you’re going to be in much better shape once the Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop release emerges for your device. Keep an eye out, March should be busy.

4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. Ed

    03/01/2015 at 7:14 pm

    I have a note 4 T-mobile 910 T but I am now with Cricket who do get the update

    • Brian Brooks

      04/14/2015 at 6:43 pm

      Update via kies

  2. Lucas

    03/02/2015 at 12:39 pm

    Same here. Only now I’m with AT&T with my 910 T You know you able to root and install a custom ROM like CyanogenMod, with Lollipop now with our version of the phone… But you inherited some weaknesses. Like the camera app from Google which to say the least very austere. Plus you be kissing goodbye to all the cool SPen features, although there are plenty of decent apps for that in the Play Store. I love Lollipop on the Nexus 6 that I also have, so I’m very anxious to have it on the Note 4 as well.

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