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

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The Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update roll outs continue in the United States and elsewhere. Here, with just a few updates remaining, we breakdown the progress of these updates and take a look at the latest on the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean roll outs that have yet to occur.

In early September, just after the Android 4.4 KitKat announcement, Samsung took the stage and announced the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, its third-generation Galaxy Note and a device that had Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on board. This was significant because none of Samsung’s other devices had seen their Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates announced.

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At the event, Samsung did confirm a trio of updates for the Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, and Galaxy Note 2, updates that would bring them Galaxy Gear support, but the company did not say if they would be Android 4.3. In October, Samsung confirmed the updates to be Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates and said that they would be rolling out in the future.

Thanks to a leaked document from Best Buy, a document that proposed possible release dates in the United States, anticipation for the updates was high and the furor hit a new level when the document proved to be accurate with the first two Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates which arrived in late October on Sprint and Verizon. The high spirits soon wore off, however.

In the next few weeks, we saw major issues land for Galaxy S3 owners, we saw Galaxy S4 updates suspended and we saw those proposed release dates come and go without so much as a peep from Samsung or its carriers. The Samsung Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update roll out process remains incomplete in the United States, and elsewhere.

Here, ahead of the eventual completion of this roll out, we take a look at how the Android 4.3 update landscape currently looks for Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 users in the United States.

Samsung Galaxy S4

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AT&T

AT&T Galaxy S4 users were taken on a bit of a bumpy ride during the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update roll out process. Not only did the update miss its presumed roll out date, but AT&T was forced to suspend the roll out at Samsung’s behest due to unknown issues affecting the software. Users were never told what happened with the previous build but the carrier did issue a brand new update build at the end of the month and that update is currently rolling out to Galaxy S4 users on AT&T.

Yes, it is still rolling out and Galaxy S4 users will want to proceed with caution due to issues that users are still apparently having with the brand new build from AT&T and Samsung. Complaints range from Bluetooth stability to battery drain issues, the latter of which seem to be impacting quite a few users with AT&T’s smartphone.

Sprint

The Sprint Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 update was one of the first to roll out and given how long it has been since the update first started to push, we imagine that the update has completed.

We’re also hearing about issues with the Sprint Galaxy S4 update including battery drain and connectivity problems. Yesterday, Sprint rolled out a bug fix update to address a sleep mode problem though it could potentially fix some of the other issues that users are having. Often times, smaller updates like this will stabilize the software so for those that are experiencing issues, it might be an update worth considering.

T-Mobile

The T-Mobile Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update was the last major Galaxy S4 update to land in the United States and it did so at the end of November. T-Mobile says that the OTA update will roll out for the next few weeks which means that those who don’t choose to update with Samsung Kies might find themselves waiting.  Typically, we see roll outs finish well ahead of schedule so we doubt that T-Mobile will take as long as it said it would with the roll out process.

U.S. Cellular

The U.S. Cellular Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 update, like AT&T’s was suspended due to unknown issues. We still can’t confirm if the U.S. Cellular Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update has restarted, we’ve reached out to U.S. Cellular for answers, but given that the AT&T update has rebooted and other updates are reportedly rolling out again, the software should be proceeding as usual.

Verizon

Verizon’s update was among the first two to arrive in the United States and it has already rolled out. That doesn’t mean that the device isn’t experiencing any issues after the update. Users are complaining about a multitude of issues after upgrading to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean including crashes, connectivity issues and slow charging problems.

Verizon, like the other carriers, hasn’t announced anything when it comes to a bug fix update though we suspect that they could roll out bug fix updates to try and tackle some of these issues, prior to the arrival of Android 4.4 KitKat. As we’ve pointed out, it’s also possible that we will see Android 4.4 KitKat deliver Android 4.3 bug fixes of its own.

Samsung Galaxy S3

Samsung Galaxy S3 wireless charger Review - 004

AT&T

The AT&T Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update rolled out several weeks ago and by now, should be on most, if not all AT&T Galaxy S3 devices in the United States. The update, unlike the Galaxy S4 update, was not pulled due to issues. However, that doesn’t mean that we haven’t seen users complaining about problems.

We aren’t seeing widespread frustration swarm over AT&T Galaxy S3 owners and we’ve heard from several who are having a stable experience with the update. These pockets of issues with the software could prompt AT&T to roll out a bug fix update before the device receives another big Android update. AT&T, like these other carriers, will not announce release dates for bug fixes which means users, in the meantime, will have to rely on temporary fixes discovered by other users.

Sprint

The Sprint Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 update was seemingly delayed but it rolled out at the end of November, much to the delight of its users. It appears that the extra time that Sprint used on a new build was worth it because we haven’t seen, or heard, about any major issues impacting Sprint’s version of the Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile has rolled out the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update to its Galaxy S3 HSPA+ variant but it still hasn’t started the roll out for the LTE version of the Galaxy S3, despite a rumored release date pointing to the end of November. T-Mobile has not specified when the software would roll out, other than to say that it would be coming, so it’s tough to say when it will arrive.

It’s not a widely adopted device but it’s still an important one and owners should expect the software to roll out before the end of the year. Back in late November, it was expected to land soon. It should land soon.

U.S. Cellular

The U.S. Cellular Galaxy S3 received Android 4.3 Jelly Bean in late November and thus far, we haven’t heard about any major issues plaguing the software found on the device on the nation’s fifth largest carrier.

Verizon

The Verizon Galaxy S3 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update remains unreleased. It passed over its rumored November 22nd release date for unknown reasons and it remains unavailable to those on the nation’s largest 4G LTE service provider. We haven’t seen any information that suggests that it’s close which means that we could still be a little ways away from a roll out.

Verizon typically spends the most time in testing so this isn’t surprising. Hopefully, the long delay means that Verizon’s version of the software will be relatively bug free, though, we doubt that it will be flawless. Android software seems to always deliver bugs so even with the release date lag, we still should see complaints arise from Verizon’s user base.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2

December could bring the Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 update release in some regions, with Galaxy Note 3 features.

AT&T

The AT&T Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update appeared to be close a few days ago with Samsung listing the on board software as Android 4.3 though so far, we haven’t seen anything emerge from the shadows. Perhaps, AT&T was forced to go back into the lab to perfect something. Maybe it hit another type of snag. We’ve seen other updates face delays so it’s possible that Samsung needed to go back to the drawing board and carriers need additional time for testing.

Whatever the case may be, the AT&T Galaxy Note 2 is still without Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and it has missed its presumed release date by a long shot. Originally, owners thought that they would be seeing the software by November 20th. That obviously did not happen. We expect the update to be released before the end of the year and knowing AT&T, it will roll out, slowly, over the course of a week or so.

Again, we imagine that it’s close given that it was originally slotted into a November 20th release date.

Sprint

Unsurprisingly, the Sprint Galaxy Note 2 is the only variant with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on board right now. Sprint was very swift to these updates in 2013 and that trend has continued here. So far, we haven’t heard about anything terribly wrong with the update, so it should be safe to install once it arrives. Those who haven’t seen the update yet can install it manually with Samsung Kies.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update was thought to be coming yesterday. That clearly didn’t happen which means that it’s back to the drawing board for its owners. Again, we expect the carrier to deliver this update before the end of the year, but users should not expect the carrier to announce anything ahead of schedule.

The carrier, like Sprint, will likely make the update available OTA and thru Samsung Kies, giving users two ways of updating to the software. Our hope is that the software won’t miss December 2nd by too much but at this point, it’s clear that other carriers are struggling to hit their target dates so its release is completely up in the air.

U.S. Cellular

Back in October, U.S. Cellular promised the Galaxy Note 2 Android 4.3 update in the coming weeks. We still haven’t seen the update roll out. The nation’s fifth largest carrier has been doing a good job of keeping pace with its opponents so we imagine that it won’t be too far behind the other carriers when it comes to the Galaxy Note 2. In fact, it may beat some of these carriers to the punch.

The carrier hasn’t released any release date information and it, like the others, typically offers zero information ahead of time. We expect the software to roll out before the end of the year.

Verizon

Finally, the Verizon Galaxy Note 2 is still without Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. We have not seen any clues, hints, or rumors suggesting a release date for the software which means users are simply going to have to wait in the dark. The Galaxy S4 update came out of the blue and now that the update missed its rumored November 29th release, we expect this update to do the same.

Like the other updates, we expect Verizon to get the software out to Galaxy Note 2 owners before the end of the year though we wouldn’t be surprised if Verizon cut it close.

27 Comments

27 Comments

  1. Jeff Moline

    12/03/2013 at 11:03 am

    Anything for the VZW 4.3 on the S3?

  2. mobile lover

    12/03/2013 at 11:09 am

    Nothing about inyernational version ?

  3. dawn

    12/03/2013 at 11:11 am

    Weird I have a galaxy S3 from sprint and I didn’t get any updates? ?????

    • Beto

      12/04/2013 at 1:04 am

      Sprint already started with the Galaxy S3, I just updated mine on the weekend (11/29), you just have to wait for the update to hit your city (not all upgrades are done simultaneously across the US), I live in Ontario CA.

  4. JD

    12/03/2013 at 11:47 am

    I don’t believe that Sprint has rolled out Galaxy S3 updates in the US yet.

    • Juanita

      12/03/2013 at 3:38 pm

      Yes they have.. I have cousins on sprint that received the update last month.

    • Raynoldsk

      12/04/2013 at 9:12 am

      I have the Virgin Mobile version of the S3, and Sprint just pushed the upgrade to my phone this morning.

  5. Phillip Parsens

    12/03/2013 at 11:51 am

    Go to ebay (https://bit.ly/1jhDk7Y) search for the samsung s4 and click the auctions only button on the left of the search results, then look at the prices for this phone, try and grab a bargain!

  6. JD

    12/03/2013 at 11:52 am

    Or does this article contradict itself later on regarding Sprint Galaxy S3? It says later on that the Note 2 is the only variant that has been updated to 4.3. I’m not sure if that is saying only Sprint has updated the Note 2 or what. Either way the Galaxy S3 is not updated in Chicago, Minneapolis, or SE Minnesota (Rochester etc).

  7. Rudy

    12/03/2013 at 12:09 pm

    I spoke with T-Mobile this morning and they have no clue when the update is going to be rolling out for the S3 LTE version which I have. Pretty disappointing.

  8. Tom

    12/03/2013 at 12:17 pm

    Still no 4.3 re roll form us cellular on the gs4.

    • JT

      12/03/2013 at 1:46 pm

      Same for me for gs4 on AT&T

  9. David Barcena

    12/03/2013 at 12:37 pm

    My father bought the s4 with at&t for black friday and got the 4.3 update within a day or two. He is experiencing major battery drain even with powersaver enabled and data, gps, wifi off, but the update was so close to his purchase that it we cant definitively determine whether the update is related or contibuting to this issue

  10. edcatlett

    12/03/2013 at 12:51 pm

    Your information on Sprint GS3 updates is not correct. Another user here that hasn’t gotten an update or heard a single word from Sprint.

    • jackskellington6

      12/03/2013 at 6:43 pm

      I updated my Sprint GS3 using Kies since the Update Samsung Firmware did not yield any results.

    • Jennifer Moffatt Wright

      12/04/2013 at 2:58 pm

      my daughter got her update today, she’s on Sprint with s3, my hubby and I also have, in the same house with daughter, abs she’s the only one with the update so far

  11. lakendragr

    12/03/2013 at 12:54 pm

    I’m on sprint ,I have the note 2 and I still have not received the update… Samsung is full of it!!! I’m sick of waiting…

  12. Mike Doyle

    12/03/2013 at 1:11 pm

    December 3rd and I just downloaded Sprint’s Android 4.3 Jellybean. Not really long enough to indicate any problems, but seems to be fine. (updated 1 hour ago)

    • JD

      12/03/2013 at 2:34 pm

      What device?

  13. StrawBerry (@StrawBerry_Vine)

    12/03/2013 at 4:13 pm

    I’m on sprint with the galaxy s3. I got the update to 4.3 yesterday and installed it today. I’m noticing battery drain and it keeps giving me a download complete notification of two random files that came with it. I’m not impressed.

  14. djkoz78

    12/04/2013 at 6:16 am

    F*** Verizon

  15. William Succarotte

    12/04/2013 at 10:00 am

    I downloaded the Android 4.3 update today and I wish I didn’t. My batter won’t charge, even while plugged in it is dying. Also my email won’t work and other apps keep freezing. If anyone knows how to fix this please let me know.

  16. Chadwick

    12/05/2013 at 3:15 am

    AT&T SGS3 owners who updated to 4.3 and are experiencing battery drain issues should try factory reset..numerous users have claimed increased battery life than they had with the 4.1.2 version

  17. Sam Harris

    12/06/2013 at 2:38 am

    what the heck my apps look weird because I have some saved to my sd card and this happened after I updated it!

  18. rekil

    12/09/2013 at 11:50 am

    FYI all, yes the Note 2 4.3 update has been released in Canada, but you might be disappointed to learn that the galaxy gear does NOT work. Communication is dependent on S-voice, which seems to have a serious issue. Samsung Canada is only stating that they “are aware of the situation”. However, you can perform manual functions. If America gets the same rom, please be warned if you plan on purchasing a galaxy gear.

  19. Amrender

    12/11/2013 at 11:17 pm

    Now Download all paid android apps free on
    https://android2cloud.in/

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