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Android 4.2 Update Breakdown: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2 & More

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Last November, Google rolled out its second Android Jelly Bean update in the form of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The software, which debuted immediately for Google’s Nexus devices, has slowly begun hitting devices from manufacturers like HTC and Samsung. And while companies are far more quiet than they have been in the past, there is still enough out there to breakdown everything we know about the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean updates for devices like the Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, HTC One and more.

Every time Google releases a piece of Nexus hardware, it releases a piece of Android software to go along with it. In the case of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the original, it was the Nexus 7 that accompanied the update to shelves. And later in 2012, it was the Nexus 4, Nexus 10 and the Nexus 7 HSPA+ that arrived with Google’s second update of the year, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Android 4.2 Jelly Bean represented the second Jelly Bean update that Google pushed to Android users and while it wasn’t exactly on par with Android 4.1 in terms of features, it did come packing some interesting additions for smartphone owners.

Two of the highlights of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean include lock screen widgets and a useful Quick Settings menu that allows users to more easily tap into their Settings. Of course, the features of Android 4.2 aren’t the only things that Android device owners have been looking forward to.

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

For owners of non-Nexus devices, Android 4.2 has represented something much larger. For HTC device owners, it’s the addition of both Android 4.2 features and features from Sense 5. For Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 owners, it was an update that was destined to bring features from the Galaxy S4’s TouchWiz. For owners of Motorola’s Droid RAZR HD and Droid RAZR HD MAXX, it represents a second major update.

Problem is, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean has been slow to roll out. It also was recently replaced by Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, the latest update from Google, further complicating things for device owners still on Android 4.1. Furthermore, companies have been extremely reluctant to issue information in regards to updates for fear of getting burned by delays or cancellations.

With that in mind, here, we try and make sense of it all and breakdown everything that we know about the Android 4.2 update for the big name devices across manufacturers.

HTC One

The HTC One Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update is rolling out across the planet with a majority of variants, including carrier branded devices, receiving their update to the latest version of Android 4.2. Even the Verizon HTC One in the United States is running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean with its Sense 5 fixes and enhancements.

However, there is a trio of big name HTC One models that are without Android 4.2 at the moment, namely, the AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile versions of the HTC One. Neither of them has received the update though it’s for good reason.

Recently, HTC President Jason Mackenzie announced that the HTC One, across SKUs in the United States, would be getting Android 4.3, perhaps by the end of September.

He also confirmed that the AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile HTC One variants will be skipping Android 4.2 Jelly Bean in favor of Android 4.3. Mackenzie referred to the Android 4.2.2 update as small. So, hopefully HTC is able to stick to that timeline.

HTC One X+

The HTC One X+ Android 4.2 Jelly Bean has been rolling out for a few weeks in select regions and recently, it finally hit the United Kingdom as the software landed for the unlocked version of the device. The software not only brings Android 4.2 Jelly Bean but the promised Sense 5 update as well, adding BlinkFeed and Sense 5’s new look.

One place that it hasn’t rolled out yet is in the United States where the AT&T HTC One X+ still sits on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and Sense 4+. We’ve reached out to AT&T though it has not provided us, or users, with any answers. Given that other devices are skipping Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean in the U.S., we could see AT&T and HTC opt to move to Android 4.3. However, given that the device is old and that it wasn’t in on the original announcement, we have to think that Android 4.2 is likely on the way.

AT&T has been much slower than its foreign counterparts when it comes to HTC updates so it could be awhile before we see Android 4.2, or Android 4.3 roll out. At the very least, HTC One X+ owners won’t be stuck on Android 4.1 and an old version of Sense.

HTC One X

The HTC One X was recently upgraded to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and the Sense 5 update that HTC promised all the way back in February of this year. Like the HTC One X+, it got BlinkFeed and the new Sense UI but did not get the powerful HTC Zoe that has seemingly been reserved for HTC’s new smartphone lineup.

The update recently hit the United Kingdom, a sign that the roll out is progressing, but it still hasn’t hit the AT&T HTC One X in the United States leaving consumers with some questions.

The AT&T HTC One X should get Android 4.2, not Android 4.3.

The AT&T HTC One X should get Android 4.2, not Android 4.3.

While AT&T isn’t saying, LlabTooFeR, a noted HTC insider, claims that the AT&T HTC One X will get Android 4.2.2 and Sense 5, all but closing the door on the device skipping Android 4.2 to Android 4.3.

It’s also not clear when AT&T will get this update out. It was slow to Android 4.1 and it could be that it’s extremely slow to get Sense 5 and a new Android update out to its former flagship.

HTC One XL

It appears that HTC may have started to roll out the HTC One XL Android 4.2 and Sense 5 update in Germany as HTC Germany has seemingly confirmed the start of the roll out on its Facebook page.

The HTC One XL update will likely roll out slowly, much like the HTC One X and HTC One X+ updates, which means that it will hit select regions over the next few weeks rather than in the next few days.

French carrier SFR expects to roll out the update sometime in September while Australian carrier Telstra plans to get the update out on September 2nd specifically. This should give users an idea about what to expect from the timing in regards to the HTC One XL roll out.

HTC One S

The HTC One S Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update has been the source of much controversy after HTC seemingly cancelled the update and the promised update to Sense 5. While the company didn’t go into detail, we’ve heard that the cancellation had something to do with Qualcomm stopping support for the Snapdragon S3 processor inside one of the HTC One S variants. The other HTC One S, including the T-Mobile HTC One S, uses a Snapdragon S4.

This apparently left HTC engineers in charge of upgrading the Snapdragon S3′s drivers to work with Android 4.2, something that Qualcomm engineers would typically would do. Rumors suggest that HTC did not want to invest the resources into porting the update, an update that was already said to be having performance issues. HTC also likely didn’t want to alienate HTC One S owners with the Snapdragon S3 also called HTC VilleC2.

However, shortly after the cancellation, a ray of hope was injected into the situation as a noted insider claimed that HTC was thinking about issuing Sense 5 and Android 4.2 for the HTC One S with the Snapdragon S4.

We haven’t seen any movement on this lately but it does leave the door open for a possible update down the road. This doesn’t necessarily guarantee an upgrade from T-Mobile, which saw its device plagued by various issues after Android 4.1, and it would likely take awhile for the update to arrive, even if it’s being worked on.

HTC One SV

We haven’t seen anything emerge lately about the HTC One SV Android 4.2 and Sense 5 update but LlabtTooFeR continues to claim that the mid-range device will get Android 4.2 and Sense 5 which should mean that an update will roll out sometime this year.

Given its status in the hierarchy, the HTC One SV will likely be one of the last, if not the last, to get Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and Sense 5 should HTC opt to issue the update.

Droid DNA

HTC Droid DNA announcement

The Droid DNA should see Android 4.2 and Sense 5 by the end of September.

Verizon’s Droid DNA, its version of the HTC Butterfly, is still without Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and Sense 5 despite the update being available for the HTC Butterfly in Asia and elsewhere. Fortunately, it’s for good reason.

Like the HTC One, the Droid DNA will skip Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and head right to Android 4.3 with Sense 5 on board. And like the HTC One, HTC plans to get this update to customers by the end of September.

HTC and Verizon have not issued a specific date for the update.

Droid Incredible 4G LTE

The Droid Incredible 4G LTE was a device that was overshadowed by the Droid DNA launch and never really took off in the United States. It was recently put down in favor of the HTC One, just like the Droid DNA.

Awhile ago, we heard that HTC and Verizon would be updating the device to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and Sense 5 but thus far, we haven’t seen any confirmation.

HTC EVO 4G LTE

We also heard that Sprint’s HTC EVO 4G LTE, a widely adopted smartphone and HTC One X competitor, would get Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and Sense 5 at some point but thus far, we haven’t seen any activity and Sprint has yet to roll anything out.

LG

To be frank, there really aren’t very many big name LG devices available in the United States. The biggest of course is the LG Optimus G which is available on AT&T and Sprint, which updated their devices with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in April and March respectively.

The LG Optimus G remains on Android 4.1 in the U.S.

The LG Optimus G remains on Android 4.1 in the U.S.

We still haven’t seen Android 4.2 Jelly Bean hit LG’s Optimus G. And with the LG G2 coming with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on board, it could be that LG holds off on an update until the device is out on shelves. It wouldn’t want to overshadow it with an update to its older device.

Given all that, we can’t imagine that the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean updates for the AT&T and Sprint models are close so those who own one will want to temper their expectations.

Motorola

When it launched the Motorola Droid RAZR HD and Droid RAZR MAXX HD, the company promised to be more transparent when it came to the software upgrade process. We can’t argue that that hasn’t been the case because the company hasn’t had much to talk about.

The company’s software upgrade site has remained dormant for months after several Android 4.1 Jelly Bean roll outs. There is no mention of Android 4.2 on the site and we don’t see Android 4.3 anywhere either.

The Droid RAZR MAXX HD and other Motorola phones remain on Android 4.1.

The Droid RAZR MAXX HD and other Motorola phones remain on Android 4.1.

We’ve seen the company release the Moto X, Droid Ultra, Droid MAXX and Droid Mini with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean so it’s possible that we could see some movement now that those have hit shelves. But if Motorola is upgrading its older devices to Android 4.2 with new Moto UI features, it’s simply not saying at this point.

Samsung Galaxy S3

The Galaxy S3 likely won't get Android 4.2.

The Galaxy S3 likely won’t get Android 4.2.

Originally, the Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update appeared set for arrival. The software leaked out ahead of its arrival, revealing its Galaxy S4 software features on board. However, somewhere down the line, Samsung thought better of it, and it now looks like the device will be getting Android 4.3 Jelly Bean instead.

The notion was first brought forward in rumor and then, we saw German carrier Telekom confirm that it was skipping Android 4.2 in favor of Android 4.3 for its device. What this means is that Android 4.2 is unlikely and those waiting for Galaxy S4 TouchWiz features will likely have to wait for Android 4.3 to arrive before getting them.

So far, we haven’t seen a concrete time line for the update’s release but we did see November mentioned as a possibility when the rumors first emerged. if true, it could be that U.S. carriers don’t issue a major update until 2014.

Samsung Galaxy S2

Originally, the Samsung Galaxy S2 was believed to be getting Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and stopping there. Then, rumors suggested that Samsung was having issues with TouchWiz and that it would not be issuing Android 4.2 Jelly Bean for the Galaxy S2.

A glimmer of hope emerged when the Galaxy S2 Plus received its Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update, a sign that Samsung might actually be rolling out an update for its aging flagship.

If that’s the case, it’s not saying and even if it does push out the software, U.S. carriers are not likely to issue updates anytime soon.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Expect an improved camera with supporting software.

We haven’t seen Android 4.2 hit the Galaxy Note 2 in the U.S. And probably never will.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is in the same boat as the Samsung Galaxy S3. It was originally slated to get Android 4.2 Jelly Bean with new features though it’s now thought to be getting the Android 4.3 update instead. We saw carrier Telstra confirm that to the world, despite silence from Samsung, though those details have since been pulled for unexplained reasons.

We doubt that means that Android 4.2 is coming. Instead, we expect the Galaxy Note 2 to get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean later this year along with some of the Galaxy S4’s software. Don’t expect it to get outfitted with Galaxy Note 3 software in 2013 as Samsung will need those unique features to sell the Galaxy Note 3 to consumers.

Samsung Galaxy Note

Like the Galaxy S2, the original Samsung Galaxy Note was thought to be getting one last update in the form of Android 4.2.2. But with the Galaxy S2 update now in limbo and the Galaxy Note 2 moving to Android 4.3 due to possible issues with TouchWiz, the Galaxy Note upgrade path is unclear.

AT&T hasn’t issued any news on the whereabouts of the update and given that it was updated to Android 4.1 earlier this year, we don’t expect to see anything arrive soon.

Sony

While Sony has been talking about Android 4.3 Jelly Bean updates, the company hasn’t been clear on whether devices like the Sony Xperia S will be getting the bump up to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Sony's newer devices run Android 4.2. It's unclear what will happen to the older Xperia devices.

Sony’s newer devices run Android 4.2. It’s unclear what will happen to the older Xperia devices.

The company had loads of problems with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, forcing it to issue several bug fix updates for the Sony Xperia S, Xperia SL & Xperia Acro S and so, it’s hard to imagine that Android 4.2 is all systems go.

Hopefully, the company clears up the situation soon as owners of older Xperia devices are in need of some answers.

13 Comments

13 Comments

  1. ashleyprince (@ashleyp54315673)

    08/27/2013 at 8:51 pm

    my co-worker’s ex-wife makes $82 an hour on the laptop. She has been fired from work for 8 months but last month her check was $20801 just working on the laptop for a few hours. Here’s the site to read more…..WWW.ℛush64.COℳ

  2. michael chapman

    08/28/2013 at 6:41 am

    Us gs3 owners have been waiting long enough for a update. So samsung I hope that gs4 bits you in the ass because we are tired of your waiting game.

  3. Jim

    08/28/2013 at 9:15 pm

    I find it interesting that my tab 2 7 has received 4.2.2 and my note 2 is still on 4.1.2.

  4. knf

    08/29/2013 at 5:11 am

    iv been messed about twice with samsung now every time I upgrade a new galaxy s comes out ! I feel more mugged off this time being the s3 aint getting a update at all ! S4 upgrade …. no chance .

  5. ghulam jilani khan

    08/29/2013 at 7:29 am

    A very nice update.

  6. Airoff

    08/29/2013 at 11:03 am

    I’m done with android. Their lies about updates are no longer my concern. IPhone here I come. Eff android.

  7. nieuwendyk

    08/29/2013 at 2:58 pm

    It’s not Google;s fault, its the hardware maker (samsung,etc.) responsible for ridiculously long waits for updates. 4.1.2 was released in Oct 2012 and there have been 4 updates since that, samsung s3 and note 2 users have received none of them.

    • Airoff

      08/29/2013 at 3:29 pm

      I’ve had HTC and samsung devices. The promised updates never materialize.

    • shari

      10/14/2013 at 10:33 pm

      This is crap and lies all the money we pay for the phone with the service

  8. Arun

    08/30/2013 at 2:45 am

    I hate Samsung. The S3 and Note 2 needs it now. If this carries on, Samsung can kiss my ass because I will root and flash Cyanogenmod

  9. James

    08/30/2013 at 7:18 am

    If HTC want’s to be in business until the next version of Android it should stop angry it’s users and issue update. It’s almost a year from November until now, a lot of time to issue update to devices.

  10. John

    08/31/2013 at 12:50 pm

    I found and downloaded 4.1.2 onto my Samsung Note 1 via Kies. No problems so far. Something else tho.. my stylus has developed a life of its own… transmitting unwanted inputs/keystrokes to my keypad. How do I fix this ?

    • Josh

      09/17/2013 at 7:42 am

      Hahaa, why would you do such a thing? You need to go to an Android support forum, not a news article to get help.

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