Samsung Starts Android 4.3 for Galaxy S3 I9300: New Features

Samsung has just started rolling out the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean official software update for the international Galaxy S3 with model number GT-I9300, which currently runs Android 4.1.2. This update comes after Samsung seeded Android 4.3 for the Galaxy S4.

Galaxy S3 users have been waiting for quite a long time to experience the latest Android software version as Samsung did not update the device to Android 4.2 and it was still running on the older Android version, 4.1.2, same as the case with the Galaxy Note 2, notes Sammobile.

There is no official information as to why Samsung skipped the Android 4.2, although it internally tested a few Android 4.2 builds for the Galaxy S3 but, never released the update and seemed to have stopped the development midway.

Firmware details

Model: GT-I9300

Country: Ireland (Vodafone)

Version: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Changelist: 1902166

Build date: 26 October

Product code: VDI

PDA: I9300XXUGMJ9

CSC: I9300VFGGMJ5

MODEM: I9300BUUGMJ3

The official Android 4.3 build brings numerous changes and improvements for the Galaxy S3. It marks a major improvement over the previous Android 4.1.2. Among other key features is the user interface (UI). Samsung has changed the core UI, which is similar to that of the Galaxy S4 and the Galaxy Note 3. However, the UI still uses the same old original Galaxy S3 launcher and widgets. Also, the Settings app has been completely revamped with a new tabbed interface. The new Knox security technology has not been implemented but it might come in future Android 4.3 builds.

Samsung is yet to provide the official change log for Android 4.3, but after testing the following changes and improvements have been noticed.

Android 4.3 changes and improvements

Galaxy Gear support

TRIM support (makes the device much faster)

ANT+ support

Core UI elements updated to the one on Galaxy S4 (Galaxy S4's theme all over)

New Samsung keyboard

GPU drivers have been updated (Higher GPU benchmark scores)

New Lockscreen: Multiple widgets, improved ripple effect than Android 4.1., ability to change clock size and set a personal message

New Screen modes (from Galaxy S4): Adapt Display and Professional Photo

Daydream

Driving mode

Actionable notifications

Move-to-SD-card feature

New Camera mode: Sound and Shot

New Additions in Notification Center

Completely revamped Settings UI (Tabbed interface-exactly like the Galaxy S4)

Implementation of Voice controls (Lets you control various parts of phone using voice commands-Galaxy S4 feature)

New Samsung Apps: Calculator, Clock, Contracts, Gallery, Music

Full screen Samsung app

New S-Voice (from Galaxy S4)

The Android 4.3 for Galaxy S3 is being rolled out in phases and currently it may not be available in all countries. For now, the first Galaxy S3 users to receive the update are from Ireland. Those having carrier-branded devices may have to wait for a while as the update has to be approved by the carrier first after which Samsung will make it available for the device.

The Android 4.3 update with base firmware I9300XXUGMJ9 is available for download via OTA and through Samsung Kies server. Those who have not received the OTA notification may head over to, Settings>> More>> About device>> Software Update>> Update.

Click here for our step-by-step guide to install I9300XXUGMJ9 Android 4.3 on Galaxy S3.