The long-awaited and highly anticipated has finally arrived! All it started with rumors followed by some leaks and then finally confirmed by Samsung itself the last week when the manufacturer published the details of it. Yes, I am talking about the official Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean upgrade for the Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9300 which would surely have put a big smile at the pining faces of the Galaxy S2 users.
Samsung has already started rolling out the Android 4.1.2 firmware update. The Galaxy S2 users in Spain are lucky this time to get the OTA update first. It does not mean, however, that all non-Spanish SGS2 owner will not be able to taste the latest update. The released firmware is meant for unbranded phones and, therefore, it can be installed on any international Galaxy S2, irrespective of country or region.
Features of Android 4.1.2 Update:
The Android 4.1.2 update for the Galaxy S2 comes with an overload of new features and improvements as it combines the enhancements introduced to the Galaxy S3 with Android 4.1.1 and 4.1.2. If you were also expecting the Multi Window feature or Ripple effect on the lockscreen, the update will disappoint you. Here are some of the main features:
- Google Now: to access fast, press and hold the options button (left), or put a search widget on homescreen
- Notification Panel: a sleeker look now, has the capability to show notifications and preview
- Project Butter: buttery smooth UI, performance and great stability
- Enhanced TouchWiz: has the Nature UX of the Galaxy S3
- Lockscreen: added Facebook Ticker and other customization options
- Two New Homescreen modes: Basic Mode and Easy Mode (see Settings> Homescreen)
- Blocking Mode: lets and block call and message notifications
- Some New Apps: Google+, Google Talk, Group Cast, Music Hub, Video Hub, Play Books, Play Movies
- Camera: many new features and inprovements added
- New Widgets: added from Galaxy S3
- New Features: Direct Call, Smart Stay and Pop-up Play
- Added new settings options in phone and call.
Screenshots:
Download Android 4.1.2 Firmware for Galaxy S2:
This is unbranded firmware officially for the Galaxy S2 users in Spain, but you can install it on your Galaxy S2 model number GT-I9300. Do not try to flash it if your phone is carrier-branded or SIM-locked. The size of the firmware zip is 541.3 MB that expands to about 700 MB on being extracted.
- PDA: I9100XWLS8
- CSC: I9100FOPLS3
- Android Version: 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
- Date: December 16, 2013
- Regions: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom
How to Install Android 4.1.2 Firmware on Galaxy S2:
The manual installation method of the official firmware on Samsung Galaxy S2 is the same that uses the Odin flasher. If you have ever installed a stock firmware on to your Galaxy S2, you must be familiar with it. But if you are new to such things, we have given some simple steps that will help you install the Android 4.1.2 firmware.
- Download the Odin firmware flasher and extract the zip on your desktop: Odin3-v3.07.zip
- Download the Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean firmware in zip from the link above and extract it on your desktop. Inside the extracted folder, you will get a file with .tar.md5 extension which shall be used later.
- Make sure that either Kies or Samsung USB Drivers is installed on your computer. If it is not, download and install now: Download
- Open phone Settings and turn on USB Debugging from Developer Options.
- Backup your contacts, messages, apps, call-log, etc. using these free apps.
- Now launch the Odin program. You will see a window like shown below.
- Boot your Galaxy S2 into Download Mode. If you do not know how to do it, follow these instructions: turn off the phone, press and hold the Volume Down+Home (center) keys simultaneously and then press the Power button for few seconds. Your device will ask you to press the Volume Up key to proceed, do it.
- Now it’s time to connect your Galaxy S2 to the computer using the USB cable. Wait for a few seconds till you see the ID:COM box at Odin turn light blue and “Added!” text at the message box below. This show that the phone is connected and ready to download the firmware via Odin.
- Make sure that only two options, namely “Auto Reboot” and “F Reset Time” are checked on Odin.
- Now click the “PDA” button and browse to the .tar.md5 file inside the firmware folder and select it.
- Throw a final look at the Odin and when you are satisfied that all things have been considered, click on “Start” button.
- Odin will now start flashing the firmware to your Galaxy S2. If you have grown a little nervous, do not worry. It is a natural symptom.
- Wait till the firmware is flashed and you get “PASS!” message at Odin. Your device should reboot now automatically.
- Disconnect the USB cable and get ready to embrace your Galaxy S2 with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.
The first boot will take a longer time that usual boot. You will see “Android is upgrading” message followed shortly by the lockscreen.
What to do if you get a bootloop?
Your Galaxy S2 should reboot normally but if it is stuck on the bootscreen and not starting, do th following things:
- Remove the back cover of your phone and pull out the battery. Wait for 20 seconds and reinsert the battery to its place.
- Now boot your Galaxy S2 in Recovery mode: press and hold the Volume Up+Home (center) keys simultaneously and then press the Power button for a few seconds till the screen turns up and you see a black background with blue text.
- In the Recovery Mode, use the volume keys to scroll up or down and the Power key to select an option.
- Scroll down to “wipe data/factory reset” option, select it and perform the wipe.
- Then go back to the main menu and select “reboot system now”
Your phone should now reboot normally. Cheers! If you have a question or doubt related to the topic, feel free to leave us a comment.
How to Change the CSC of Galaxy S2:
Suppose you have flashed a firmware that was actually not meant for your country and you are concerned about the future Over-the-Air updates, you can change the CSC (Consumer Software Customization) code of your device as per your country to avail the official software updates. Here is how you can do it. If you do not know what the CSC of your country is, head over here.
Recommended Reading:
Root Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Firmware
i have samsung galaxy s2 (gt-i9100) i need to install china language how i can do it plz ???
Hi, there are two ways you can have Chinese language pack. Open Settings> Language and Input> Language and select Chinese if it is present there. If it is not there, download it from Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.caynax.alarmclock.languagepack.chinesesimplified
Can I use this method to Flash jb om my note. I have stock ics 4.0.3
No, do not dare flash it. Wait for the 4.1.2 firmware to arrive.
is this stable? bug free?
There is nothing perfect in world. The ROM is stable and cool.
Hi, is it possible for me to use the China Firmware on my S2 purchased from Singapore?
Thanks in advance..
Yes, 100% Sure.
Hi, i failed to install the firmware. Wondering is there any things I need to do prior to reboot?
This is unbranded firmware officially for the Galaxy S2 users in Spain, but you can install it on your Galaxy S2 model number GT-I9300. It should be GT I9100.
Great post BTW