Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 and GT-I9505G Get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean via JWR66V Test Firmware [How to Install]

A newly leaked Android 4.3 test firmware is now available for the Google Edition of Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505G), while the Android community eagerly awaits the launch of Google's latest Jelly Bean iteration at its highly-anticipated Android press event in New York on 24 July. The new test build JWR66V is a follow-up release to the recently leaked Android 4.3 JWR66N test firmware for Galaxy S4 Google Edition.

According to SamMobile, the latest Jelly Bean test firmware has been leaked via XDA forums as an Odin package for Google's flagship device, the Galaxy S4 GT-I9505G. However, the leaked firmware has been successfully tested and confirmed to work on international-LTE variant of the Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505) and a few American variants as well. The latest build of Android 4.3 test firmware reportedly brings a few bug-fixes and performance enhancements over its previous build.

The new firmware fixes the issue which prevented the CPU from entering idle state and caused severe battery drain. In addition, the latest test firmware is said to be much faster and smoother than the previously leaked JWR66N firmware.

Android 4.3 JWR66V Test Firmware Details

Model: GT-I9505G
Country: United States of America
Version: Android 4.3
Changelist: 1081152
Build date: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 19:23:28 +0000
Product Code: XAR
PDA: I9505GUEUBMG8
CSC: I9505GXARBMG8
MODEM: I9505GUEUBMG8

Pre-Requisites

• Android 4.3 JWR66V leaked firmware is compatible only with the following Galaxy S4 models: I337, I337M, M919, GT-I9505G and I9505. Do not attempt installing this firmware on any other variant, as it may inadvertently damage or brick the device. Verify the device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
• Galaxy S4 AT&T users should be running either UCUAMDL or UCUAMF3 baseband firmware on their devices in order to install the JWR66V test firmware. In case the baseband version is different, than flash the updated modem on your device via stock Odin.
• Ensure that the phone is rooted with ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP recovery installed and running.
• Though the test firmware is Odexed and mirrors stock-like experience, it can be fully customised with mods or tweaks once the installation is complete.
• Take a NANDROID Backup of existing ROM, so it can be restored if the new ROM fails to work or if you want to return to the previous ROM.
• Enable USB Debugging mode on the phone by navigating to Settings > Developer Options
• Instructions provided in this guide are meant for reference purpose only. IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable if the device is damaged or bricked during or after firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

How to Install Android 4.3 Jelly Bean JWR66V Leaked Test Firmware for Galaxy S4 Google Edition via CWM Recovery

• Download the leaked JWR66V test firmware for your Galaxy S4 (based on its model number) via XDA Developers (check source link below).
• Once the download completes, connect the phone to computer via USB cable.
• Copy the downloaded ROM zip file to the root folder on phone's SD card.
• Wait until the file transfer completes and then disconnect the phone from computer.
• Power off the phone and boot it into CWM recovery mode. To do so, press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together until the screen flashes and the recovery logo appears. Now release all three buttons and let the device enter main Recovery mode menu.
• In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore option and then click Backup on next screen to initiate NANDROID Backup.
• Once the backup is done, click Wipe Data/Factory Reset and hit Yes on next screen to confirm.
• Choose Install Zip from SD card and click Choose Zip from SD card.
• Browse and select the JWR66V Android 4.3 zip file, and confirm the installation on next screen.
• After the ROM is installed, return to main recovery menu and tap Reboot System Now. The phone will reboot automatically and the first boot may take about five minutes to complete. So, do not interrupt the process.

The Galaxy S4 is now running on the latest Android 4.3 JWR66V Jelly Bean test firmware. Go to Settings > About Phone to confirm the firmware version installed.

How to Flash Android 4.3 Jelly Bean JWR66V Leaked Test Firmware for Galaxy S4 Google Edition via TWRP Recovery

• Download the JWR66V leaked test firmware for Galaxy S4 (based on its model number) via XDA Developers (check source link below).
• Wait until the file download completes and then connect the phone to computer via USB cable.
• Copy the JWR66V firmware zip file to the root folder on your phone's SD card. After the file is copied, disconnect the phone from computer.
• Power off the phone and boot it into TWRP Recovery. To do so, press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together until the screen flashes with recovery logo. Now release all three buttons and let the device enter main Recovery mode menu.
• In Recovery, choose Backup and take a NANDROID backup of existing ROM.
• Once backup is complete, tap Wipe and then choose Factory Reset. Confirm the action by swiping the blue sliders appearing at the bottom of screen.
• Now choose Install and browse for the JWR66V firmware zip file that you copied earlier to your phone's SD card.
• Confirm the firmware installation on next screen and wait for a few minutes until the installation process completes.
• Return to the main TWRP Recovery screen, choose Reboot and then tap System. Now wait until the Galaxy S4 boots into normal mode.

The Galaxy S4 is now running on the latest Android 4.3 JWR66V Jelly Bean test firmware. Go to Settings > About Phone to confirm the firmware version installed.

[Source: XDA Developers]