Galaxy S2 I9100 users can now enjoy the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat features in a lightweight package, thanks to the release of SlimKat SlimSaber v4.8 ROM by XDA Senior member, fusionjack.

Update Galaxy S2 I9100 to Android 4.4.2 KitKat with SlimSaber ROM [GUIDE]

SlimSaber ROM is the result of constant user requests and suggestions on XDA Developers' forum. It is built based on the popular SlimKat ROM source code for I9100 and compiled using SaberMod toolchain.

The source code for the ROM is available at Slimroms github. As the developer notes, the SlimSaber ROM borrows latest KitKat features from top custom ROMs such as Slimbean, AOKP and CyanogenMod.

Though the ROM and its kernel have been reportedly tested for full functionality, it may harbour a few untested bugs which will be fixed in the future updates.

Some of the key changes and improvements ported to SlimSaber ROM are listed below:

  • 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

Interested Galaxy S2 I9100 users can go ahead and install the SlimSaber ROM on their phones by following our step-by-step guide provided below. IBTimes UKreminds 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

  • The SlimSaber ROMand the instructions given in this guide are meant for the Galaxy S2 GT-I9100model only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
  • Back up data and settingsusing 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 driversfor the phone are installed on the computer (download Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 USB drivers).
  • Ensure USB debugging mode is enabledon the phone, by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (NOTE:Tap the phone's Build Number seven times to unlock or reveal the hidden Developer Optionsunder Settings.) Then select the checkbox to enable USB debugging mode under Settings > Developer Options.
  • Make sure the phone has at least 80% battery chargeto prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM.
  • Ensure the device is unlocked(not locked to a specific carrier) and rootedwith latest ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery (v6.0.4.5 or above) installed. If you are installing the CWM recovery for the first time, check out the video tutorial below, courtesy of The Android Soul:
  • 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

Steps to Install Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update on Galaxy S2 I9100 with SlimSaber ROM

Step-1: Download Android 4.4.2 SlimSaber v4.8 ROM 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.

The Android 4.4.2 SlimSaber ROM can be installed on the Galaxy S2 I9100 using either CWM or TWRP recovery. Follow any method based on the recovery mode installed on your device.

How to Install Android 4.4.2 SlimSaber ROM via ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery

  • Power off the phone and wait for 5 to 10 seconds until the device shuts down completely.
  • Now press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together until the Galaxy S2 logo appears on screen and the device boots into Recovery mode. NOTE: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select the desired option.
  • If installing SlimSaber ROM for first time then do steps a) and b) (else if upgrading from previous build, then skip to next step):

a) 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.

b) Return to CWM recovery main menu and select Mounts and Storage> Format / data and click Yes on next screen to confirm.

  • From the main menu of CWM recovery, perform Wipe Cache partition. Then go toAdvanced and choose Wipe Dalvik Cache. Then hit Yes on next screen to confirm.
  • Select Install Zip from sdcard and then click Choose zip from sdcard. Browse to the location of the Dirty Unicorns ROM firmware file which you copied earlier to your phone's SD card. Choose Yes on next screen to confirm the ROM installation.
  • Repeat the previous step to install Google Apps as well.
  • Once Google Apps is also installed, select "Go Back "and reboot the device by tapping reboot system now from the recovery menu. Your Galaxy S2 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 4.4.2 KitKat via SlimSaber ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

NOTE: If the device gets stuck at boot loop (while rebooting), then just do a factory reset from recovery mode to fix the issue.

How to Install Android 4.4.2 SlimSaber ROM via TWRP Recovery

  • Power off the phone and wait for 5 to 10 seconds until the device shuts down completely.
  • Now press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together, until the device boots into Recovery mode. NOTE: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select the desired option.
  • Perform Wipe data/Factory reset (this will delete all apps and their settings and game progress). To do so, tap on Wipe and scroll down to the bottom of the screen and do a Swipe on "Swipe to factory reset" option.
  • Now perform a System format by selecting Wipe > Advanced Wipe and then tap onSystem option. Scroll to the bottom of screen and do a swipe on "Swipe to Wipe" option.
  • Tap on install and navigate to the SlimSaber ROM zip file you copied earlier to your phone's SD card. Scroll to the bottom of screen and do a swipe to confirm the action and begin installing the firmware.
  • Repeat the previous step to flash Google apps as well.
  • Once Google Apps is also installed, select reboot and then tap on System to reboot your device. Your Galaxy S2 will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot to complete. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy S2 I9100 is now running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat via SlimSaber ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

[Source: XDA]

We Recommend