A stock version of Android ROM has been made available to the Samsung's Galaxy S4 model.
The firmware is based on Google Play Edition v5.1.1 Lollipop OS and is void of all the TouchWiz bloat-wares, which we saw in official Samsung updates. With no bloat-wares, the phone is expected to perform buttery smooth just like a Google's affiliated Nexus device.
Salient features of GPE Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OS:
- Init.d Support
- Stock kernel
- External SD permission for apps
- Lockscreen carrier label alignment
- Tethering unlocked for most carriers
- Nexus UI sounds
- SuperSU integrated in to settings.
Prerequisites (things to remember before installing the Custom ROM):
- The new Android 5.1.1 Lollipop GPE has to be installed on Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505 with Snapdragon chipset) only; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
- Though installing custom ROM improves the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void and it will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
- Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation.
- Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back up data by installing TWRP in the smartphone.
- Make sure you have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (Google Nexus 5) will not be recognised by the computer.
- Make sure your device has more than 80 per cent battery, or else there is a chance of the smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted midway.
[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 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop GPE custom ROM on Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505)-
Step 1: Download Android 5.1.1 Lollipop GPE custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) in to your PC.
Step 2: Connect Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505) 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 GPE Android 5.1.1 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 is 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: Come 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: Return to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'
Step 10: Tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 5.1.1 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 re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.
Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.
Head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of Android 5.1.1 Lollipop GPE custom ROM.
[Credits: XDA Developer Forum & Team Android]
