The rumors about whether or not KitKat would make it to the Galaxy S3 got us thinking about the best custom ROMS for the Galaxy S3 on the KitKat code base. Even if the firmware does now look like it will arrive in some parts in the next couple of months it could still be months longer before it has filtered out to everyone. Even then there's no guaranteeing it won't be chock full of bugs like the Galaxy S4 firmware. But why wait when you can install one of the many custom ROMs already available?
Of course we'll start proceedings with the most popular custom ROM cooked especially for the World's Most Popular Android. The latest version of this ROM, CM 11, is based on the stock Android 4.4 firmware. Among the advantages of this ROM, in addition to the numerous and timely updates, are improved battery notification, profiles and themes, and the ability to overclock (modify the rate at which processor cores work).
CyanogenMod isn't perfect – there have been some camera app issues reported – so many users looking for an alternative turn to OmniROM. OmniROM is actually built largely by former Cyanogen developers, and despite being recently launched is already achieving great success. Among the novelty of this ROM is the possibility to optimize battery life by creating profiles. Check the latest nightlies available for the Galaxy S3 on the OmniROM website.
SlimROM's team launched a cooked ROM based on Android 4.4.2 KitKat which is interesting because it is supposed to be lighter, hence the name. SlimKat aims to set your device's memory free in order to offer your Galaxy S3 more freedom to use dynamic applications. The latest version,RC3, was launched few weeks ago and has been performing well. Those who have installed RC3 say it is smooth and offers interesting options for customization. We tend to agree.
The Resurrection Remix ROM is based on the latest draft AOSP (Android Open Source Project), and comes from the point of view of open source everything: so you'll find features taken fromAOKP, CyanogenMod, Paranoid Android, and manufacturer stock ROMs. The great advantage of this ROM is that it offers the best of each of the most popular custom ROMs. There's a lot going on though, so you'd want to be right into your ROMs to make the most out of this one.
NeatROM is another Android 4.4.2-based AOSP ROM that comes from the hand of a recognized developer called Sale from XDA Developers. It is available for both the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S2.NeatROM is like a tricked out SlimKat with tons of customizations and characteristics such as those found in NOVA Launcher as well as some typical features such as the KitKat camera widget on the lock screen and the classic transparent notifications bar.
Has anyone tried these ROMs on your S3? If so, please let us know your favorites and why!
15 custom XDA ROMs for your Samsung Galaxy S4 GT I9500
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is almost a year old now and only recently it was updated to the Android Kitkat v4.4. However, the amount of bloatware that Samsung gives along with your smartphone firmware is enormous. Most of these ‘free’ apps pre-loaded on the smartphone is unwanted unless you really make use of each one of them. These unwanted apps run in the background, make your phone sluggish and also occupy precious space in your phone’s internal memory.
Most Android phone users suffer with these ‘free’ apps, but some go a step ahead, root the phone and get rid of the bloatware completely. Some even change the original firmware, upgrade or downgrade the Android versions, remove and install their own UI or home launchers or simply delete all unnecessary applications and services to make their phones blazing fast.
As for Samsung Galaxy S4 users, the process of tweaking the firmware is simple, but do note; you will lose warranty (if any). And if you tend to make mistakes while flashing the phone, you might end up with an expensive paper-weight.
Disclaimer:Rooting your phone will lose warranty and can permanently damage your phone. Do this at your own risk.
Here is some good news for Samsung Galaxy S4 users. The XDA Forums have plenty of custom built ROMs foe the GT-I9500 model. While some ROMs are based on stock, others are AOSP-based and a few are completely ported from other devices. Here are a few you can try out.
Presently, I am using MIUI and am most happy with it. I tried most of the custom ROMs out there and found features that I require on my phone which MIUI offered.Some features are not available across all ROMs. In that situation, it is best to make use of third-party apps to fulfill your needs. I keep changing my phone’s ROMs every week to try out newer ROMs. Personally, Samsung’s official Kitkat update is not satisfactory, so I preferred to roll back to Jelly Bean v4.2.2 and stick to MIUI.
Samsung USB Drivers or Samsung Kies.(if you dont have Kies installed simply grab the Samsung USB Drivers from HERE.
Make sure to Enable ‘USB Debugging’ from phone Settings>Developers Options.
At least charge your phone up to 60%.
Back-up all your data.
How to Root Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-i9500 Running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat Using CF-Root Method
Step 1: Download all the required files from the above given links and keep them in a easy to access place by unzipping them on Desktop.
Step 3: Install Samsung USB Drivers(You don’t need them if you have Kies installed in your system).
Step 4: Now turn off your phone to enter the (Download Mode) by pressing and holding the (Volume Down + Home + Power buttons) at the same time for a few seconds and release it when you see a warning message on your screen.
Step 5: Next you will be prompted to press volume up button to continue just do it.
Step 6: When you are successfully entered into the (Download Mode) take a deep breath and Open Odin3 app on your desktop.
Step 7: Now connect your phone to the computer, let the USB drivers load and wait for Odin ID:COM port to turn blue along with a message on Odin saying Added. This shows that you are successfully connected to Odin and good to go further for flashing.
Step 8: Click on the (PDA) button located on Odin App and browse the CF-Root package that you unzipped, select the tar.md5 file.
Step 9: Finally hit the (START) button in Odin to initiate flashing the CF-Root package.
Step 10: Just wait for a minute or two to let Odin flash your phone with the rooted kernel, Once the process will be completed you will be prompted with a (Pass) message on Odin App and your Phone will reboot automatically.
Congratzzzz You just safely Rooted Samsung Galaxy S4 on Android 4.4.2 KitKat. To confirm your phone’s Root status, simply install Root check App from Google Playstore it will let you know either you have a Root Access or not. Once you are confirmed look out for what can u do with a Rooted Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-9500 on Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), well i guess you just uncaved a beast to get the most out of it. Move on to try some new custom roms and have fun with your phone. Come back to us for more rooting articles and share your views in comments
