SlimSaber KitKat ROM Brings Android 4.4.4 Update for Galaxy S2 I9100

Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100 users can now enjoy the latest Android 4.4.4 KitKat custom features in a fast and stable release, thanks to the release of SlimSaber KitKat ROM from SlimROM team.

The new SlimSaber custom ROM is reportedly based on original Slim Bean source and compiled with a custom toolchain Sabermod for improved performance and longer battery-life.

The SlimROMs developer has reportedly confirmed that the ROM has been further optimised with a handful of goodies to enable flawless functionality of the firmware.

Android 4.4.4 KitKat SlimSaber ROM Features

• Compiled with a custom toolchain Sabermod for more performance and better battery life.
• Compiled with the most GCC optimization level -O3.
• Compiled with strict-aliasing compiler optimization.
• Added patches to fix GCC strict-aliasing violation rules.
• Added ARMv7 and Cortex-A9 optimized string handling routines for more smoothness and more memory optimization.
• Added zzmoove governor to the SlimKernel.
• Added some AOSP fixes and improvements.
• Added some VanirAOSP fixes and improvements.
• Disabled SQLite fsync to increase I/O performance.

Known Issue

• Music player stops playing music from sdcard after some time

Those who wish to enjoy the most stable KitKat release on their Galaxy S2 I9100 can follow our step-by-step guide to install Android 4.4.4 KitKat via SlimSaber KitKat ROM

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

Pre-Requisites

• The SlimSaber KitKat ROM and the instructions given in this guide are meant for the Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 models only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
• Back up data and settings using a recommended custom recovery tool, like ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup. In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore and tap Backup.
• Verify correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on the computer (download Galaxy S2 I9100 USB drivers).
• Ensure USB debugging mode is enabled on the phone, by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (NOTE: Tap the phone's Build Number seven times to unlock or reveal the hidden Developer Options under Settings.) Then select the checkbox to enable USB debugging mode under Settings > Developer Options.
• Make sure the phone has at least 80% battery charge t o prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM.
• Ensure the device is unlocked (not locked to a specific carrier) and rooted with latest ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery (v6.0.4.5) or install CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightly which includes CWM recovery v6.0.4.5.
• If the device is stuck at booting or experiencing boot loop issues, perform Wipe Cache Partition and Wipe Dalvik Cache a few more times before rebooting.
• Allow newly installed ROM to stabilise for five minutes before you start working on it.

Downloads Required

SlimSaber Android 4.4.4 KitKat ROM for Galaxy S2 I9100

Google Apps (if this does not work, try Google Apps Full)

CWM Recovery 6.0.4.5 for I9100

Steps toInstallAndroid 4.4.4 KitKat on Galaxy S2 I9100 withSlimSaber KitKat Stable Build

Step-1: Download Android 4.4.4 SlimSaber Kitkat stable build for Galaxy S2 I9100 to computer

Step-2: Download Google Apps package

Step-3: Connect the Galaxy S2 to computer via USB cable. Without extracting, copy the downloaded firmware zip and Google Apps zip files to the root folder of the phone's SD card.

Step-4: Power off the phone and wait for 5 to 10 seconds until the device shuts down completely.

Step-5: Press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together, until the Galaxy S2 logo appears on screen.

Step-6: Release all three buttons at the same time to boot into recovery mode. NOTE: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select the desired option.

Step-7: Perform Wipe data/Factory reset (this will delete all apps and their settings and game progress) and choose Yes on next screen to confirm the action.

Step-8: Return to CWM recovery main menu and select Mounts and Storage > Format System and click Yes on next screen to confirm. Then perform Wipe Cache Partition. From the main menu of CWM recovery, go to Advanced and choose Wipe Dalvik Cache. Then hit Yes on next screen to confirm.

Step-9: Select Install Zip from sdcardand then click Choose zip from sdcard. Browse to the location of the CM11 M8 stable build file which you copied earlier to your phone's SD card. Choose Yes on next screen to confirm the firmware installation.

Step-10: Repeat the previous step to install Google Apps as well.

Step-11: Once Google Apps is also installed, select "+++++Go Back+++++" and reboot the phone by tapping reboot system now from the recovery menu. Your Galaxy S2 I9100 will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy S2 I9100 is now running on Android 4.4 KitKat via SlimSaber KitKat stable build. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

[Source: XDA]