The Exynos 5 Octa-powered Samsung Galaxy S4 with the model number GT-I9500 started receiving the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat official firmware update recently. Although the update is being rolled out in phases beginning in Russia, users from South Africa can also download the firmware and install it manually on their devices.
To update the Galaxy S4 to Android 4.4.2 KitKat — version I9500XXUFNB3, users can download and install the firmware over-the-air by going to Settings > More > About Device > Software update. However, to update the handset manually, users are required to download the firmware from the links below. The update is 1.5 GB in size.
Here are the firmware details of the Android 4.4.2 KitKat for the Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500:
Model: GT-I9500
Country: Russia
Version: Android 4.4.2
Changelist: 699287
Build date: Thu, 13 Feb. 2014
Product Code: SER
PDA: I9500XXUFNB3
CSC: I9500SERFNB3
MODEM: I9500XXUFNA6
Download Links: Samsung-Updates, SamMobile
Before performing a manual installation, users should be aware of certain aspects:
– All data should have proper back-up.
– The handset must have at least 80 percent battery power.
– The USB drivers for the device must be installed on the computer and USB Debugging must be enabled.
– After flashing the firmware any installed custom ROM will be lost.
Tutorial
Step 1: Download the firmware package and Odin v3.09, and extract the zip files.
Step 2: Run Odin3 v3.09 as an Administrator.
Step 3: Switch off the Galaxy S4 and put it in Download Mode. To do this, press Volume Down + Home + Power buttons.
Step 4: Connect the Galaxy S4 to the computer via the USB cable while the phone is in the Download mode. Wait until a blue sign appears in Odin.
Step 5: Click on the AP button in Odin and select the .tar.md5 file that was extracted in Step 1.
Step 6: In Odin, select the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options, but make sure that the re-partition checkbox is not checked.
Step 7: Now, click on the Start button in Odin to begin the installation process.
Step 8: Once the installation is complete, the device will restart and a PASS message will appear in the left-most box at the top of Odin.
Step 9: Once you get the Samsung logo on the home screen, you can unplug the device from the computer and close Odin.
That’s it! You will now have Android KitKat 4.4.2 on your Samsung Galaxy S4!
Hey. Is there any reason why this won’t work with my S2 GT-I9100?
Hi,
Unfortunately – This only works on the S4.
Sorry
Are there any negative consequences to getting a russian firmware instead of the south african one? Warranty voided etc?
Hi AK,
To be honest, As soon as something new is released – I just go out there and test. If your device is still under warranty, I suggest you confirm before you do the update.
Has anyone else tried this and tested on cellc also i had issues on 4.3 with wi-fi on d-link router ?
I am keen to give it a go!
Hi Chechad,
I’ve also had issues with Android 4.3 in regards to wifi – one of the main reasons why I chose to upgrade. I’m using Vodacom though – works pretty good!
Thanks Lawrence just update now
You’re welcome Tebatso 🙂
Hello,
Will my warranty still hold if i install this firmware(russia)
Hi Sameshan,
You will have to confirm with your network provider regarding this.
– Lawrence
Hi
I have a vodacom device Samsung s4 GT I9500.
will this work?
I don’t like to loos my phone and it is still under warranty.
Hi Tiaan,
I also have a Samsung S4 GT I9500 with Vodacom and it worked perfectly! However, I’m not too sure about the warranty side of it. I also test apps and new software on my device – I’m not really worried about the warranty.
Why is it taking so long for this update (kitkat) to officially be released by Vodacom for the S4? I always use to install customs roms (I know kitkat is not a custom rom) on my phones etc. But they are making it really hard now not to start doing it again. PS, I know this was not relevant to the discussion.
if i install AndroidKitkat 4.4.2 saudi arabia version while i'm living in South Africa,will I be able to receive network recep?
Hi Desmond,
Yes you should be able to.
hi Lawrence,
with MTN. did the update and the version indicates 4.3. the phone now from time to time re-boots by itself. sometimes 3-4 times a day, some days not at all. Piet
Hi Piet,
I’m using vodacom and the update on my phone shows 4.4.2 – Doesn’t reboot at all.
Regards,
Lawrence
will i lose all my applications and data?
Hi Keenen,
Nope you wouldn’t lose anything at all.
Regards,
Lawrence
Hi Lawrence, I’m using an 8.ta SIM in my I9500 handset purchased through FNB. Ever tested yours with an 8.ta SIM??
Great blog.
Hi Siya,
Thank you 🙂
Unfortunately not – I’ve only used a Vodacom SIM in my handset.
Regards,
Lawrence
Do we have to download “Russia” ? I’m tempted to download the one for “UAE”
You can try that one 🙂
– I’ve only tried out the Russian download. Works Perfect!
I see there is a SA version available. would it not make more sense to download that version?
Galaxy S 4 (Exynos Octa) GT-I9500 XFA I9500XXUFNB4 Android 4.4.2 17.02.2014 699287
Hi Mikhail,
You can go ahead with the SA Version – The Russian Version was released well before the SA version, hence this article.
Regards,
Lawrence