A new Halcyon custom ROM version has been released to Samsung's 2013 flagship smartphone Galaxy S4 3G model.
This new firmware is created by senior XDA Developer Forum member, who goes by the moniker HAYLCION (aka Hamed Ameli). It is based on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and comes with numerous personalisation options like:
- Titanium SQLite Binary
- Dyanamic Zipalign with each boot
- Fully deodexed
- RAM tweaks
- 5-way reboot menu
- VoLTaqe/Halcyon/Stock kernel option in aroma
- Fixed lollipop RAM leak
- Fixed overall SystemUI lag
- Multilanguage and localizations for Countries worldwide
- Latest stericson busybox
- Latest SuperSu Binary
- Knox removed
- Performance tweaks and many more features are added to enhance the user-experience on Samsung Galaxy S4
Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)
This new Halcyon Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM has to be installed on the Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 3G (with Exynos chipset)models only; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation.
Users must install USB drivers on the PC or else the computer will not recognise the smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500).
Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to keep a back up of all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
Also, make sure your device has more than 80% battery otherwise the smartphone may get bricked temporarily if the installation process is interrupted mid-way.
Though installing custom ROM improves 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].
[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. IBTimes India 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.]
Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure for Halcyon Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Custom ROM on Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500)-
Step 1: Download Halcyon Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) in to your PC.
Step 2: Connect Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500) 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 v5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM zip file and Google Apps .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 users' begin installing the custom software, be sure that the device must have rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery/TWRP 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, clear the phone memory, by selecting 'wipe data/factory reset'
[Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]
Step 7: Clear the cache memory by choosing 'wipe cache partition'
Step 8: 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]
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 5.1 Lollipop ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure for Google Apps installation [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 restart the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.
Now, your device (Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.
Users then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of Halcyon Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM.
[Credits: XDA Developer Forum, HAYLCION (aka Hamed Ameli) , Team Android]
