Galaxy S3 Gets I9300XXUGND2 Android 4.3 Official Firmware Update

The international variant of Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300) has just received a new Android 4.3 bug-fix and maintenance update with build number I9300XXUGND2, which is a follow-up release to I9300XXUGND1 that was released just a few days ago.

The new Android 4.3 stock firmware, I9300XXUGND2, is being rolled out to Galaxy S3 users in phases, starting with Russia. The update is now available for download via Over-The-Air (OTA) as well as through Samsung KIES in select countries.

Those who missed the OTA update notification or cannot access the same via Samsung KIES for some reason can still install the same manually, using our step-by-step guide.

Android 4.3 I9300XXUGND2 Firmware Details

Model Number: GT-I9300
Model Name: GALAXY S3
Country: Russia
Version: Android 4.3
Changelist: 2429075
Build date: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 22:45:56 +0000
Product Code: SER
PDA: I9300XXUGND2
CSC: I9300OXEGND1
MODEM: I9300XXUGNA8

NOTE: As this is an unbranded official firmware, it can be installed on any unlocked international variant of Galaxy S3 (GT-I9300), regardless of the country or region.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

1. Install necessary USB Drivers for Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 on the computer.

2. USB Debugging Mode should be enabled on the phone by navigating to Settings >> Developer Options.

3. Back up your important data to avoid potential data loss during firmware installation.

4. Ensure the phone is factory unlocked (not locked to any specific carrier).

5. Verify Galaxy S3 has at least 80 percent battery charge.

6. The Android 4.3 I9300XXUGND2 firmware is compatible with Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 model only. Do not attempt installing it on incorrect variants as it may brick the device. Verify the model number of the Galaxy Note 3 by navigating to Settings >> About Phone.

Downloads Required

Android 4.3 I9300XXUGND2 Jelly Bean official firmware (Alternate Link)

Odin v3.09

Steps to Update Galaxy S3 with Android 4.3 I9300XXUGND2 Jelly Bean Official Firmware

Step 1: Extract Android 4.3 I9300XXUGND2 firmware zip file via WinRAR, 7-Zip or WinZip to obtain a .tar.md5 file and some other optional files.
Step 2: Next Odin zip file should be extracted to get Odin3 v3.09.exe along with a few other files.
Step 3: Turn off the Galaxy S3 and boot the device into Download Mode. To do so, press and hold Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until a construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on screen. Then keep tapping Power button to progress into Download Mode.
Step 5: Launch Odin on computer as an Administrator.
Step 6: Now connect Galaxy S3 to computer with USB cable in Download Mode. When Odin detects the device and a pop-up message reading "Added!" appears on screen, the ID: COM box will turn yellow with the COM port number.
Note: If the Added message fails to appear, then try re-installing USB drivers or changing the port on computer.

Step 7: In Odin, click on AP button and select the firmware file (I9300XXDLJ5_I9300ODDDLI7_INU.tar.md5) with .tar.md5 extension.

• Click on 'CP/Phone' and select file named 'MODEM'.

• Click on 'CSC' and select file named 'CSC'.

• Click on 'PIT' and select the .pit file.

Note: Ignore the last three steps in Step 7, if the file is not found.

Step 8: Now choose Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time checkboxes in Odin. Leave the Re-Partition option unchecked.
Step 9: After ensuring that Step 7 and Step 8 are done correctly, hit the Start button in Odin to begin installing the firmware.
Step 10: After the firmware is installed, a PASS message with green background appears in the left-most box at the top of Odin. Galaxy S3 will then reboot to the Home screen. It is now safe to disconnect the USB cable and remove the phone from computer.

Galaxy S3 is now running I9300XXUGND2 Android 4.3 Jelly Bean official firmware. Head over to Settings >> About Phone to verify the firmware installed on the device.

Troubleshooting: If the Galaxy S3 is stuck at boot animation after Step 10, then boot into recovery mode (press and hold the Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together), and perform Wipe data/Factory Reset and Wipe Cache Partition task before choosing the Reboot System Now option.

Note: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select the option. Performing data wipe task will erase your device's internal memory and not external SD card data.

[Source: Team Android]