Last Updated on April 12, 2017 by Mathew Diekhake
It may come as a surprise for many that the Samsung galaxy S5 is still rolling on the Android 4.4.2 KitKat software and not a fresher version. We’ve seen many smartphones and tablets take it two notches further with 4.4.4, but the good news is that Europeans are receiving a newer Android 4.4.2 firmware version namely XXU1ANG2 rolling out OTA.
The new firmware is a stock version issued by Sammy and the phone carrier so it is fully above board. The file size is roughly 200 MB and is what we consider to be a medium update. Sometimes we see double or even triple that amount. However, if it is carrying weight into the hundreds of MB then we know it is a new build worth upgrading to that will carry new features along with it.
Rumor has it that the South Korean company are planning on bringing out the latter stages of Kitkat towards the end of the month. However, with the current size involved in this update, that people are saying carries mostly performance enhancements, it may elect to skip the 4.4.3 and 4.4.4 completely and wait for the real-deal Android L instead. I don’t see that as a real positive or negative choice because the latter stages were nothing special; they only carried some security bug fixes and a few minor features and changes to the OS. More importantly, it gives us even more reason to take the time to install what we have here.
The S5 was fortunate enough to see the Android 4.4.2 TouchWiz UI fresh off the shelves. With it came white status bar icons, help tip pop-ups, multi-window tray for multiple new applications, new Google+ User Locations widget, cloud printing, Media Player cover art, lock screen changes with Google and Email icons going and being replaced by the camera app. In addition, we noticed color Emoji, landscape keyboard improvements for typing, a new font in the notification tray, transparent status icons such as WiFi, Signal strength and battery monitor, plus a great deal more.
- The specs include the baseband of G900FUUU1ANG2, the kernel version of 3.4.0-2089850 and the build number KOT49H.G900FXXUaANG2. The kernel date is Thursday, July 3 14:11:03 KST 2014.
- The guide is only made for the model number given in the post. Do not try and install the same firmware on a different S4 variant or any variant of any other smartphone or tablet either. It will not work and it can potentially cause damage by soft-bricking the handset.
- If bricking occurs it is likely because you didn’t follow the instructions correctly. There are ways around it which generally entail heading over to the XDA Forums and searching for developer help.
- Official firmware like we have here doesn’t usually result in soft or hard-bricks. A more likely scenario is a loss of data because the handset shut down unexpectedly before the flashing had a chance to finish. if that happens, you need to make sure you backup your data before starting the guide or else risk losing everything.
- Furthermore, if you want to backup the data use apps from Google Play such as Titanium or Helium and save the data to the internal storage space. The S5 comes with 32 GB built-in and also offers customers an additional 128 GB of external storage space by suing one of the MicroSD, microSDHC or microSDXC memory card options. The slot for this pre-exists. All you have to do is buy the card from the local retailer or an online shop such as eBay.
- Have the correct USB Drivers by Samsung before starting. Some prefer to install, then along with Samsung Kies. That is fine if you do too, but turn off Kies before starting the steps.
- Visit the Developer Options and authorize USB Debugging mode. There is no reason for it now showing up this time because it is only hidden in 4.2 Jelly Bean.
- Turn off any security programs that you are running to help protect you from threats. I have tested the files and can safely say no threats have found inside. However, if we do not put a stop to antivirus programs it can interfere with the proceedings; therefore, temporarily disable them for now. That also includes any spyware or malware, protecting from the Android OS too.
- The guide uses the Odin tool made by real Samsung developers. It needs a Windows PC to run. It does not work on Apple’s Mac units or Linux machines.
- The battery for these handsets last for 21 hours talk-time and 16.2 days standby time. It also has a capacity of 2800 mAh and comes with USB charging as a stock feature. The feature means that when plugged into the computer system unit it will turn on and start charging the battery pack automatically; as if it were a second charger instead of the usual wall outlet. That means if USB charging is working and you keep the phone plugged in, there is no need to reserve a certain battery percentage before starting. USB charging won’t be working for some people though, and if you are one of them, then make sure you have at least 50% power before starting to avoid unnecessary shutdown. They can result in data loss like I previously mentioned.
How To Setup Samsung Galaxy S5 G900F With Android 4.4.2 KitKat OTA Official Firmware
1. Commence proceedings with the phone switched off.
2. Download and install the G900FXXU1ANG2 Android 4.4.2 firmware file from here.
– use the desktop for the saving location and delete if after the guide finishes.
3. Download the freshest Odin 3.09 here.
– use the C: Drive is you want to keep it longer than today.
– use the desktop if you plan on deleting it soon after.
Note: Have Odin open and waiting for when we connect to it soon.
4. Turn the phone on in Download Mode.
– Press Volume Down + Power + Home keys at the same time.
– do not let go until the logo shows up on the new screen.
5. Find the USB cable.
– look at the wire connecting the phone charger if you can’t find it.
6. Plug one end of the cable into the smartphone and the other into the computer system unit in any available working slot.
7. Click the AP key exclusively found on the 3.09 version.
8. Upload the tar.md5 file to this location.
9. Leave the default settings the way they are.
– it includes Auto Reboot and F reset Time options marked as though they are in the on position.
– do not check the re-partition option unless using pit files.
10. Press the start key to begin the flashing.
11. Do not touch any keys until it finishes and reboots.
– it will say pass on the computer monitor and the ID: COM port changes a favorable colour choice.
12. Visit the ‘safely remove hardware’ icon from the system tray and stop the USB Mass Storage Device.