Skip Android 4.3, Update Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.4 OmniROM Update for Better Performance

By Staff Writer

Jun 08 2014, 00:42 AM EDT

Samsung Galaxy S3 owners in the United Kingdom including other regions have been upgrading to the Android Jelly Bean 4.3 update following its roll out. However, many users also reported about operating problems and bugs. S3 owners can skip these bugs and upgrade to a more stable update through the Android 4.4 KitKat OmniROM. According to reports, the KitKat ROM for Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-i9300 is more reliable than the official version of the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

The OmniROM team is behind the custom ROM. According to a report by Auto Mobile, the ROM offers more stable features than the official version of the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Nonetheless, it does have its share of problems including a messy camera and video playback. Users who are fine with the problems mentioned can proceed with the installation by following the steps provided.

Disclaimer: Users cannot hold providers of the update responsible for what happens to their devices following the update. The ROM is not official software from Samsung. Users can update at their own risk.

1. Check if the model number of the device is Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-I9300. Using the ROM on another variant can result to a broken or bricked unit.

2. Root Samsung Galaxy S3 and make sure it has a recovery program such as ClockworkMod Touch 6.0.32.

3. Back up all important personal information including other data and phone settings. Users can either back up manually or use Samsung Kies PC Suite.

4. Make sure the device's battery is charged at least 50%.

5. Enable USB Debugging. Do this by opening 'Settings > Applications > Development > USB 'debugging' or 'Settings' > Developer Options > USB 'debugging.'

6. Save all necessary USB drivers.

7. Download the OmniROM 4.4 file and PA Gapps package.

To flash the device, follow these instructions:

1. Connect the S3 unit to the computer via USB cable.

2. Copy the following packages to the SD card of the S3: OmniROM 4.4 and PA Gapps. Leave the files as they are.

3. Press and hold the following buttons to reboot the device to recovery mode: Volume, Power and Home. Wait until the Samsung logo appears. The touch controls or hard keys can be used to navigate through the recovery mode.

4. Make sure to create an Android backup of the present ROM. Do this by selecting 'backup and restore > backup' to save the ROM. It will be easier for users to return to their other ROM if they do not like the update.

5. Install the OmniROM and Google apps. Select 'install zip from SD card > choose zip from SD card > find OmniROM 4.4 file > confirm installation.

6. Repeat the same steps for Google apps.

7. Go back to the menu and do a factory reset by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset.'

8. Click 'reboot system now.'

The device is now updated.