I9500XXUFNE7 Android 4.4.2 Stock Firmware Arrives for Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500)

The international variant (Exynos Octa) of Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500) can now be updated to the latest Android 4.4.2 stock firmware with build number I9500XXUFNE7, which brings a host of bug-fixes and feature enhancements in a stable release across the globe.

As the new KitKat firmware update is being rolled out by Samsung in phases, it may take some time before it arrives in your country or region.

The update is presently available via Over-The-Air (OTA) as well as through Samsung KIES in all regions across the world. However, those who missed the official OTA update notification and cannot access the update via KIES for some reason, can follow our step-by-step guide to install the same manually.

Android 4.4.2 I9500XXUFNE7 KitKat Firmware Details

Model: GT-I9500
Model name: GALAXY S4
Country: Russia
Version: Android 4.4.2
Changelist: 699287
Build date: Wed, 28 May 2014 14:23:46 +0000
Product Code: SER
PDA: I9500XXUFNE7
CSC: I9500SERFNB3
MODEM: I9500XXUFNA6

Note: As this is an unbranded firmware, it can be installed on any unlocked international variant (Exynos Octa) of Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500), 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 S4 (GT-I9500) 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 S4 has at least 80 percent battery charge.

6. The Android 4.4.2 I9500XXUFNE7 firmware is compatible with Galaxy S4 Exynos Octa (GT-I9500) only. Do not attempt installing it on incorrect variants as it may brick the device. Verify the model number of the Galaxy S4 by navigating to Settings >> About Phone.

Downloads Required

Android 4.4.2 I9500XXUFNE7 stock firmware for Galaxy S4 (Alternate Link)

Odin v3.09

Steps to Update Galaxy S4 with Android 4.4.2 I9500XXUFNE7 KitKat Stock Firmware

Step 1: Extract Android 4.4.2 I9500XXUFNE7 firmware zip file via WinRAR/7-Zip or WinZip to obtain a .tar.md5 file and some other optional files.

Step 2: Next, extract the Odin zip file to get Odin3 v3.09.exe along with a few other files.

Step 3: Power off the Galaxy S4 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 S4 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 light blue 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 with .tar.md5 extension

Step 8: In Odin, select Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options. But, uncheck the Re-partition option.

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 a green background appears in the left-most box at the top of Odin. Galaxy S4 will then reboot to the Home screen. It is now safe to disconnect the USB cable and remove the phone from the computer.

Your Galaxy S4 is now running I9500XXUFNE7 Android 4.4.2 KitKat stock firmware. Head over to Settings >> About Phone to verify that the firmware is installed on the device.

Troubleshooting: If the Galaxy S4 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: SamMobile]