Samsung Galaxy S4 in a picture illustration in Seoul , 2013
A Samsung Galaxy S4 (front) and Apple iPhone 5 are seen in this picture illustration taken in Seoul May 13, 2013. REUTERSReuters

A new Android v4.4.2 KitKat ViSiON-X Custom ROM has been made available to the 2013 flagship model- Samsung Galaxy S4 I337 (AT&T model).

The custom ROM (ViSiON-X) is said to be Deodexed, Zipaligned and comes with loads of customization options like-

  • Extended power menu
  • 5x6 app drawer
  • 4x5 home screen
  • Modified SystemUI
  • AdAway Ad remover
  • Menu button kill app
  • Stock Email app
  • Clean Buld.prop
  • Initd support
  • Samsung firmware
  • TouchWiz launcher
  • Performance enhancing tweaks and many more improvements to enhance user-experience

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM in to the device):

  • Though installing custom ROM improve the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
  • This custom firmware (ViSiON-X) has to be installed on the Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 (AT & T) model only; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
  • Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of whole data in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
  • Make sure to install USB drivers on the PC, or else the phone (Samsung Galaxy S4 I337) will not be recognized by the computer.
  • Make sure the device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted.

[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. International Business Times, India Edition cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]

Step-by-step installation procedure of Android v4.4.2 KitKat ViSiON-X Custom ROM for Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 (AT & T model):

Step 1: Download Android v4.4.2 KitKat ViSiON-X Custom ROM (here) in to your PC.

Step 2: Connect Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 to PC via USB cord.

[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, be sure that you have installed USB driver software, if not, click here to download the firmware]

Step 3: Place Android 4.4.2 KitKat zip file into the phone's SD card memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, not in any other folder.]

[Note: Before installing the custom software, be sure that the device must have been rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery tool.]

Step 4: Turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.

Step 5: Perform the regular Recovery Mode sortie by press holding 'volume (up)', 'home' and 'power' buttons.

Step 6: After entering the RECOVERY mode, perform full data wipe, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset'

[Note: use Volume keys to navigate and power button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]

Step 7: Now, clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition'

Step 8: Then to go back to ClockworkMod recovery, and select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache' [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that user will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation]

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Step 9: Come back to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'

Step 10: Tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 4.4.2 ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure to install the Google Apps [Note: use Volume keys to navigate and power button to select options]

Step 11: Once done with the installation process, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.

Now, the device (Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337) will take at least five minutes (only for the first time) to complete the booting process.

Head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of Android v4.4.2 KitKat ViSiON-X Custom ROM.

[Credits: Team Android]