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Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Update Breakdown

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Back in October, Samsung announced that it would be rolling out Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates for the Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Several weeks later, those updates continue to roll out in the United States and elsewhere, and here, we breakdown the current progress of the those three Android 4.3 Jelly Bean upgrades.

All the way back in September, Samsung revealed that it would be offering upgrades to Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, and Galaxy Note 2 users, upgrades that would bring Galaxy Gear support. In October, Samsung confirmed those upgrades to be Android 4.3 Jelly Bean upgrades and said that they would arrive with Samsung KNOX and various other enhancements and fixes.

Samsung did not comment on the release dates or roll outs for these software updates though the company did start rolling out the updates shortly after it announced them. Samsung started with the Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update, logical given that the device is the company’s flagship smartphone and the one that features the most souped up and advanced hardware.

Shortly after that, the Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update emerged from the shadows and a few days later, we saw the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update emerge. And while that makes it seem like a seamless process, Samsung’s Android 4.3 Jelly Bean roll out has been far from fluid. In fact, it has been the exact opposite.

Not only have we seen Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates suspended, we’ve seen possible release dates come and go without any sort of roll out, leaving many owners looking for answers. Overall, communication between Samsung, its carriers and its users has been extremely poor. With that in mind, we want to provide as many answers as we possibly can to users and here, we breakdown the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 updates in the United States and offer as much information as we can for users in other parts of the world as well.

Samsung Galaxy S4

We could see a metal Samsung Galaxy S4 in early 2014.

AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 update started rolling out for the AT&T Galaxy S4 earlier this month though, we quickly learned that AT&T pulled the update at the behest of Samsung due to issues that are still unknown. We’ve seen and heard a number of complaints from AT&T Galaxy S4 owners who claim that, among other things, Wi-Fi connectivity is broken.

We still aren’t sure when the update is going to go live again. AT&T remains mum on the subject, likely because it is awaiting a new build from Samsung. And it’s likely that Samsung hasn’t released specific release date information just yet. Our guess is that the roll out will begin sooner rather than later due to the arrival of Black Friday.

Samsung wants to sell a lot of Galaxy Gears this holiday season and that means getting a functional version of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on board these devices as fast as it possibly can. Expect the roll out to continue soon.

Sprint

The Sprint Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update was one of the first to roll out and thus far, the roll out doesn’t appear to have been affected. We’ve seen several users report that they’ve received the Over-the-Air update, even after AT&T was forced to suspend its roll out. So it appears that Sprint is letting that update’s roll out complete.

We could, however, see a bug fix update roll out to owners in the near future to address any issues that might be on board the Sprint Galaxy S4’s Android 4.3 Jelly Bean software.

T-Mobile

The T-Mobile Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update has indeed rolled out and because the update is so new, we can’t say whether or not there are any issues on board. T-Mobile says that the OTA update process will last until February so those who are looking to get it now will want to pull the update through Samsung Kies.

U.S. Cellular

Like the AT&T Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 update, the U.S. Cellular Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 update was stopped for unknown reasons. When pressed for answers, here is what the carrier told Gotta Be Mobile:

We have suspended the release of the Android 4.3 upgrade for the Samsung Galaxy S 4 at the request of Samsung.   This was a global decision made by Samsung and we are working with them on a new resubmission of the software and will have more details soon.

Again, we think that soon in this instance actually means soon though we probably won’t hear about any release date ahead of time. Instead, look for Samsung and U.S. Cellular to quietly start pushing out the update again, though it could be a new build.

Verizon

Verizon was, surprisingly, the first Galaxy S4 carrier to roll out the update. We imagine that this roll out has been over with for awhile now considering that it rolled out in late October.

Other Carriers

Unfortunately, Samsung doesn’t release update information for carriers and leaves it to carriers to announce their own information. That means that users on smaller carriers outside of the big five are going to have to depend on them for confirmation and info. As of right now, we haven’t seen any other carriers confirm updates and we likely won’t. Carriers typically wait until the day of their release to announce anything and that’s what users on carriers like C-Spire should expect.

Major carriers tend to get updates several weeks in advance so owners should be on the look out as we get closer to the end of the year and the start of 2014.

Other Parts of the World

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update is slowly moving to other parts of the world. In fact, just recently, carriers in Canada began rolling out the Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update. Bell, Rogers and TELUS have all started to push Android 4.3 Jelly Bean upgrades to their users and those that are on those carriers should head into the settings and see if there is an update waiting in the wings.

Samsung Galaxy S3

Samsung-Galaxy-S3-wireless-charger-Review-006-575x380

AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean roll out has been a little more tricky thanks to credible rumored release dates that have, for whatever reason, missed the mark. One such release date was the one for the AT&T Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update which was thought to be coming out in early November but instead rolled out much later.

The good news is that the roll out doesn’t seem to have the same issues that we’ve seen arrive for owners in the United Kingdom. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t bugs but from what we’ve heard, the software is relatively stable. Same goes for the Over-the-Air update process. The update should still be rolling out given how new it is, and those who are still on Android 4.1 will want to keep an eye out, if it hasn’t arrived already.

Sprint

Last week, Sprint finally started rolling out its Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update. The Galaxy S3 update had been scheduled for early November though Sprint did not roll it out until last week for reasons that remain unknown. Sprint originally said that the update’s roll out process could take up to a few weeks so that should mean that the OTA update is still rolling out. Those who don’t have the update just yet will want to be on the lookout through the device’s settings. Users can also reportedly install the update using Samsung Kies.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile was the first carrier to offer the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update though it’s roll out is still not over. While the HSPA+ version of the phone has already received Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, the LTE model is still without the upgrade. T-Mobile has said that it will be arriving soon, and today is the rumored date for the software’s roll out.

Whatever the case may be, it’s clear that the second piece of the T-Mobile Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update is coming soon and users of the LTE model will want to be on the lookout for the update which should be arriving in the near future.

U.S. Cellular

Last week, U.S. Cellular delivered the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 update and it should be rolling out to owners over the next week. The carrier has done a fantastic job of keeping pace with the major carriers as it looks to carve out more appeal amongst mainstream smartphone users.

Verizon

Verizon’s Galaxy S3 remains on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and there are currently no signs that suggest that anything is close. The update was originally thought to be coming on November 22nd but that clearly didn’t pan out so now the release is up in the air. Again, we saw delays at AT&T and Sprint and Verizon is notorious for its software testing. So, it could be that the carrier just needed a few extra days. We don’t expect the software to be too far off in the distance, given that Black Friday is just around the corner.

Other Carriers

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about small carriers and unfortunately, there are only a few answers and no concrete release dates. Carriers like MetroPCS, Boost and Virgin Mobile haven’t confirmed anything yet but we do know that progress is being made for the models on Boost and Virgin. Sources for those updates have reportedly dropped on Samsung’s Open Source Release Center, a sign that the OTAs should be coming out in the future.

Those carriers, like the major ones, likely won’t announce anything until the actual roll out has begun. So, users shouldn’t expect anything, including information, to emerge ahead of time.

Other Parts of the World

One of the focal points of the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update in other parts of the world has been the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update in the United Kingdom. The update was one of the first to roll out though users started complaining about a myriad of issues shortly after the roll out process began. The issues were large enough that Samsung suspended the update and currently the roll out and Galaxy S3 owners with the update on board are in limbo.

The latest suggests that Samsung is currently looking into the issues and is likely working on fixes for the problems. Problem is, it hasn’t said when the update will start rolling out again. The issues don’t seem to be impacting other parts of the world.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Video -  020

AT&T

Finally, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 update, an update that has rolled out for some variants internationally, but one that is far behind the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3 in terms of of area covered. One place that is lacking is the United States. Thus far, we’ve only seen one Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 update start to push. Unfortunately, it’s not the AT&T Galaxy Note 2 upgrade.

Originally, November 20th was thought to be the day, though that day came and went without any update. We do know that the software is close, the software appeared on Samsung’s website, but it’s still not clear when it might be rolling out. We’ve heard from a couple of device owners who claim that AT&T reps told them it will roll out in early December though we can’t confirm that and reps are usually unreliable when it comes to software upgrades.

With that in mind, we should see a roll out soon.

Sprint

Sprint is the only carrier that has rolled out the Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update. It did so just a few short days ago, and the upgrade process should take the carrier at week or more to complete. Thus far, we aren’t hearing about any crazy issues impacting Galaxy Note 2 owners and that’s a good sign for users on other carriers.

T-Mobile

Rumor has it, the T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update will emerge on December 2nd and thus far, we haven’t heard or seen anything that suggests that the company will miss that date.

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular announced that it would be rolling out the Galaxy Note 2 update in the coming weeks, though that announcement came several weeks ago. It currently does not have a rumored roll out date though we imagine that it will get its upgrade around the time that the remaining carriers get their upgrades, that is if the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3 updates are any indication.

Verizon

Verizon’s Galaxy Note 2 is rumored to be getting the update on November 29th, otherwise known as Black Friday. That could certainly be the case given how important Galaxy Gear sales are to Samsung and these carriers. Nothing new here, unfortunately, but we expect the upgrade to be close.

Other Carriers

In the United States, the Galaxy Note 2 did not arrive on any of the smaller or regional carriers that populate the landscape.

Other Parts of the World

We still haven’t seen the Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update spread like wildfire and there are still plenty of places that haven’t seen it. It’s a good sign when a U.S. carrier rolls out an update and we suspect that carriers in other regions will see the update before the end of the year.

Again, French carrier SFR and Australian carrier Telstra say that they will be updating their devices in December and at this point, it looks like there will be plenty of devices that get their software next month.

31 Comments

31 Comments

  1. prashant saxena

    11/25/2013 at 12:32 pm

    Do you ever have to say something about unlocked and unbranded versions ? What about international models ???? Nobody talk about them… these type of news are available on the internet on several sites.

    • mhannigan

      11/26/2013 at 12:32 am

      It’s really great to hear that the T-Mobile 4.3 update made it on time. And you’re absolutely right. I don’t think I’ve heard a single complaint about the T-Mobile 4.3 update on the S4. Hmmmm… Wonder why?? Bcausey it hasn’t rolled out yet you ignoramus. Reporters these days or whatever her you call yourselves are pretty terrible.

      The November 18th has come.and gone
      …it has been a week and still they won’t even acknowledge it to customers. THIS is the sort of information we need someone in the press to take an interest in.

  2. testing123

    11/25/2013 at 12:44 pm

    test

  3. dareen

    11/25/2013 at 12:49 pm

    like Karen answered I cant believe that any body able to earn $5623 in one month on the internet. learn the facts here now……… https://iop.li/5zg

    • Madeline Schwarzerose

      11/25/2013 at 5:54 pm

      please… only relevant comments…

    • grmrsan

      11/25/2013 at 11:10 pm

      Are you on drugs?

      • mokkakorva

        11/26/2013 at 1:45 am

        yes

  4. Steven Manos

    11/25/2013 at 12:57 pm

    you mentioned that TMobile is rolling 4.3 out to the S4. “T-Mobile also rolled out its Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update and thus far, we haven’t seen anything in regard to its roll out.” I do not see anything official nor has my updatedor able to be updated via Kies, Can you tell us how and when you got this update and why is nothing official mentioned anywhere else?

  5. Michael Lynady

    11/25/2013 at 1:50 pm

    T-Mobile has NOT released 4.3 for the s4 not have they started why they didn’t on 11/18-reporters need to fact check once in awhile-jeez

  6. AbdullaTwT

    11/25/2013 at 3:20 pm

    Note2: the samsung server is set for an update on 24 or 25 Dec 2013,
    No now features from note3
    The rotation, battery, slowness might be better or worse.
    Android 4.4 they say on March or April 2014 will be delivered 2015 gaire 2 capabilities hahaha.
    From UAE

  7. Mampoo

    11/25/2013 at 3:30 pm

    So… I think they will got their KitKat update

  8. david bond

    11/25/2013 at 4:50 pm

    Yea T-Mobile never released it on the S4..but they did on their S3..

  9. Brandon

    11/25/2013 at 4:51 pm

    No go for sprint Note 2 here in Houston.

  10. david bond

    11/25/2013 at 4:53 pm

    It would be nice if they updated us straight to KitKat by January but I doubt that

  11. Brent

    11/25/2013 at 5:10 pm

    I received the Note 2 update on the 22nd. At 9pm I saw the icon telling me to update. I am in the Chicago area.

  12. Brandon

    11/25/2013 at 5:20 pm

    called Sprint customer care and the lady I talked to mentioned that the Sprint customers would get the update in January

    • Brent

      11/25/2013 at 11:32 pm

      The Sprint rollout already started. Just Google it. Also I have received the update from Sprint.

  13. david bond

    11/25/2013 at 5:31 pm

    No dice here

  14. Arianna

    11/25/2013 at 6:02 pm

    So tempted to go with iphone! Can’t keep playing these games. Promises promises!

    • david bond

      11/25/2013 at 7:42 pm

      I know what u mean Arianna it’s just i love android so much..I can root but I shouldn’t have to

  15. Chris

    11/25/2013 at 8:51 pm

    You might want to fac5 check the T Mobile Galaxy S4 4.3 update. They never released any updates for the S4 and there hasn’t been any mention of it other than that predicted release date of November 18th that came and went. Can somebody clear that up for us?

  16. Jithendra

    11/25/2013 at 9:56 pm

    Samsung sucks…. no update for S3 from the day it is launched ….. LG and Sony is doing much better in this prospective….

    soon samsung will loose it’s share in APAC region tooo….

    • bart

      11/26/2013 at 2:19 am

      You are correct

    • James

      11/26/2013 at 9:27 pm

      Um are you dumb? I have just received the 2nd or 3rd ota update for my S3 in the last year and a half

  17. Casey Mills

    11/26/2013 at 3:19 am

    I switched from HTC to Samsung because Samsung had better communication and supported their devices longer. I feel like I’m getting screwed again with my Verizon S3.

  18. Samuel Kirkendall

    11/26/2013 at 7:42 pm

    I feel like I am being screwed over by Verizon also with my S3. I have an iPhone 4S still and if they don’t get the update out soon I will be swapping my S3 with my iPhone 4S.

    • david

      11/26/2013 at 7:58 pm

      In Texas Just got the OTA update today for the T-Mobile S4…not allot of changes but the images and text are a bit clearer….interface is super smooth…no problems at all..I don’t mind waiting am extra week to make sure it’s gonna work well

  19. Chris

    11/26/2013 at 11:20 pm

    Just wondering if anyone with a T Mobile Galaxy S4 4.3 update haa had any issues or problems with it yet?

    • david

      11/26/2013 at 11:23 pm

      Not one whatsoever.. but I will continue to monitor it tomorrow…it’s so smooth..it feels like a new phone..love the new browser

  20. Brandon Little

    11/27/2013 at 1:49 pm

    I’m in Washington, NC and I’m receiving the update on my note 2 thru us cellular. check your phone people!

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