The world of Android is incredibly unusual, but no less complex and diverse. As we all know, many developers are working daily to release new firmware that is more efficient and more customizable. And it's very difficult to navigate, because there are simple firmware that offer maximum battery life, and there are others that make it possible to customize Android as much as possible for your needs. It is precisely because of this that we decided to create this article in order to show you all the firmware that can be used daily and are of the greatest interest.
Each firmware featured here has been tested for one week to ensure reliable daily use.
Please note that if after flashing your smartphone constantly reboots or shows the initial logo image without subsequent download, then this is not the worst thing and with the right actions you will not have this, or the next time the firmware will be successful.
Attention: flashing a smartphone is a risky activity and therefore you are responsible for all your actions. As a result, we got a “brick” - it means that we did something wrong.
Once you have chosen the firmware version, you can start studying the instructions, which are available below. But first of all, have stock firmware for your Galaxy S3 just in case, so that you can return to the default settings.
Let's start with a quadrant test:
And a short video presentation (you can watch it behind the video sequence, as it is unlikely that you will understand something by ear):
Now you can go directly to the firmware and modifications.
ROM ICS 4.0.4
1.ParanoidAndroid
The image above shows a brief overview of the contents of the firmware. So it's clear that it runs on Android 4.0.4 and aims to combine the best tablets with the best smartphone in the world. In the end, it turned out quite successfully.
Indeed, the Galaxy S3's 4.8-inch screen allows you to experiment and use various menus. Let them seem small at first glance. This firmware is suitable for those who prefer to work with pure Android without the TouchWiz shell. Don't be surprised, though, that all the Samsung innovations (S Voice, etc.) are present here. And here is the result of the firmware test:
2.RGUI battery friendly
As you can guess from the name of the firmware, it was created on the basis of MIUI and is designed for the longest possible operating time. Even if you use the Galaxy S3 with the maximum load, the battery life will still please. We confirmed this in our tests.
This firmware gives a great opportunity for configuration settings. You can also apply different themes to the system. Icon design, modified themes, transition animations, customization of the notification bar - everything is here. As for the battery life, it really holds a charge for a long time. With normal use of the smartphone, he was able to last 1 day and 14 hours. With intensive use, the battery lasted for 23 hours. The only possible complaint about this firmware is that it looks too much like a jailbroken iPhone for our taste. Here is the screenshot:
And this is what the main screen looks like. Don't be surprised if you can't find the apps menu - it doesn't exist. Basically, everything is copied from the iPhone, when all the icons are collected on one screen.
We go into the settings menu and everything is as usual.
This is the notification menu. Here there is an advantage over the previous firmware - we have the maximum opportunity for settings as you wish. In addition, it should be remembered that the MIUI firmware has a tool for applying various themes. There is access to countless themes that will change your phone to the smallest detail in a split second. To complete the presentation of the firmware, let's look at the characteristics.
ROM Jelly Bean 4.1
1. ANDROID REVOLUTION HD 11.0.0
This is a new firmware that runs on the latest Android Jelly Bean. The good thing is that it becomes more and more stable. We chose it because we need to take a modification of Android 4.1 for comparison. And we were not disappointed in her, she is actually reliable.
We think that you should not post screenshots of this firmware, because it completely repeats the design of the official firmware from Samsung. Everything is just as simple, fast and smooth in animation.
If you want to improve the performance of your Galaxy S3, then this firmware is for you. You can download it from here.
2. SUPER NEXUS
The Samsung add-on has its advantages, which sometimes still turn out to be discredited. It's a personal matter to love or hate her.
Thus, this firmware offers a good alternative. Indeed, the new firmware will turn your Galaxy S3 into a real Galaxy Nexus. The operating system interface is user-friendly, it reacts smoothly, the animation effects are well done. If you want to discover a completely new interface completely developed by Google, then you can use this mod.
Obviously, this is almost pure Android and therefore there are no applications and options that are in the official Samsung firmware (Pop-up Play, S Voice, etc.).
Here are her screenshots and video:
You can download this firmware from this link.
3. OMEGA V27
OMEGA firmware has been known for a very long time and it has managed to firmly establish itself in the world of developers. Why? Simply because these firmwares are stable and with a wide range of settings. In addition, it is easy to switch from one theme to another. They are based on the main Samsung firmware and therefore the overall look of your Galaxy S3 will not change completely.
Here is what the Galaxy S3 interface will look like with this firmware:
The firmware is available for download.
Instruction
If you have already chosen the right firmware for your requirements, great. Now let's move on to the installation stage.
It's quite simple, but you must follow every step of the instructions unconditionally.
There are 2 options available to you:
1. If you have installed ClockWorkMod on your Galaxy S3.
Then the installation of the firmware is greatly simplified.
- one). Download the archive.
- 2). Copy it to the root of the smartphone's memory.
- 3). Then start CWM by pressing three keys in the following order: UP + POWER + HOME.
- 4). Select Install ZIP from SD Card and select the firmware file.
- five). Do a full memory wipe: Wipe cache partition / wipe dalvik cache / factory reset.
- 6). Restart your smartphone.
If you did everything correctly, then your smartphone should reboot in a few minutes. If this does not happen, then repeat the operation, starting from the second paragraph.
When the phone boots up and starts functioning, you may need to install GAPPS. This is a set of Google applications (Play Store, Gmail, etc.). To install GAPPS, follow the same steps up to step 4 and select the GAPPS file.
That's it, Galaxy S3 can celebrate its new birthday.
2. If you haven't installed ClockWorkMod on your Galaxy S3 yet.
Install ClockWorkMod and go to option 1.
Hello, today let me show you how to flash Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S3 standard firmware and rooted (or rooted?). Since the amount of information on this device is quite large, I decided that I will tell you about service codes, custom firmware and backup of this model next time. Everyone already knows what kind of beast this is - there are a lot of reviews and reviews on the Internet.
Initially, the device was supplied with android version 4.0.4 “Ice Cream Sandwich”, they still bring them with this old software, but you can already upgrade it to version 4.1.2 “Jelly Bean”, they also promise updates at the end of the year to version 4.3 - while waiting. Initially, on the first versions, the device was wildly buggy, hung, turned itself off, applications stopped working (processes terminated in an emergency), lost the network and died stupidly - it turned off for no particular reason and did not turn on again - they stupidly changed the boards on the servers under warranty (who was lucky) and They explained that this was a factory defect, but about a year later the situation leveled off and there were fewer such jambs that Samsung engineers could have corrected.
The main drawback of this device today is its fragility - I pressed it a little or pinched it and, God forbid, dropped it - a crack on the sensor is provided, and this is the replacement of the entire display module (up to 8,000 thousand rubles repair in some sharashkas). So be careful. And let's get down to the firmware.
ATTENTION!!! Before you start updating software, rooting, resetting settings and other manipulations with your own or, God forbid, someone else's device HIGHLY RECOMMEND read this one. In short, you have been warned and do not say later that you are hearing this for the first time.
Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S3 - software update and ROOT rights.
Before proceeding with the firmware, let's first prepare everything you need:
- Fully charge the battery;
- microUSB any cable is suitable, but it is better to take it from the kit;
- Firmware, latest version - I9300XXUGOE1 ;
- Flasher program - Odin3 v3.04 ;
- Drivers - install kies (when updating the software, do not run this application, but rather go to the task manager and kill all processes with the name kies). But it's better to install the drivers there and post about how to install them correctly;
- A personal computer or laptop of medium configuration with the WIN7 SP1 operating system should be enough;
- CF-Auto-Root-m0-m0xx-gti9300.tar - firmware file for rutting.
First, make a backup copy of all data, or use the KIES program to save all the necessary files to your computer. Soon there will be an article on how to make backup firmware - I'm already writing. You can download all files at the end of the article.
Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S3- factory firmware.
1 step:If you have not yet charged the battery, then it's time to do it, insert the battery into the phone and enter the device into the DOWNLOADING mode - to do this, first hold down the HOME (central) button, then the volume down key and then the power button of the device.
2 step:Information will appear warning us about possible problems with the phone when using modified firmware. And offers to either continue or restart the smartphone. Continue by pressing the volume key up. A green android robot should appear. We are on the right track.
3 step:Download the archive with firmware and flash driver and run the application Odin3_v3.04.exe.
4 step:Before us appeared the main window of the flasher program Odin3 v3.04.
5 step:And so, the smartphone is put into download mode, the battery is charged, important information is saved, the drivers are installed (do not forget to “kill” all kies processes if you installed it). We connect the cable to the phone - the com-port should be determined and a line with the word Added will appear - this is a good sign, it means that the device was detected by the PC.
6 step:Now it's the turn to configure ONE - select the firmware files:
PIT -mx.pit
Bootloader - BOOTLOADER
PDA - CODE _I9300XXEMG4_1314436_REV00_user_low_ship.tar.md5
PHONE - MODEM _I9300XXEMG4_REV02_REV04_CL1360150.tar.md5
CSC - CSC _OXE_I9300OXEEMH1_CL1359224_REV00_user_low_ship.tar.md5
BE CAREFUL - RECHECK SOME TIMES!!!
If everything is in order, press the START button.
8 step:"PASS"- in about five minutes the device will be sewn. Everything, Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S3 ready to use. You have the latest firmware version.
9 step:Reboot and check the software version by typing the following code on the phone keypad *#1234# .
Obtaining ROOT rights.
If you still decide to root your Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S3, it means you are aware of what you are doing and take full responsibility for yourself. And so let's get started:
1 step:Download CF-Auto-Root-m0-m0xx-gti9300.tar - this is a rootkit, so it will be necessary to disable the ANTI-VIRUS, unpack this archive. The final file must have a .tar or .tar.md5 extension.
2 step:We transfer the device to the DOWNLOADING mode - see the instructions above.
3 step:We launch Appendix Odin3 v3.04.exe.
4 step:Select the rootkit file and put it in the field PDA. If you have a version of androida 4.1.x, then you must uncheck the Auto-reboot checkbox.
5 step:We connect the phone with a cable to the computer and press the Start button. In a minute, the device will be sewn, and since we unchecked auto-reboot- turn off the device with the handles and enter it into recovery mode by holding the volume up button in turn, then the HOME button and the power button. Root rights are automatically installed.
Complete instructions for flashing a Samsung Galaxy S3 phone on CyanogenMod 11 with Android 4.4 KitKat.
Follow the instructions exactly and you'll be fine! At the beginning of the process, make sure that your smartphone is charged more than 50%! For those who already have custom recovery installed, they can immediately go to step number 8.
1. Immediately on the disk, create a folder with English letters or numbers for
desired files (for example: C/:i9300).
Download touch recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.4-i9300.tar.md5
Download Odin PC Odin3_v3.09.zip
Download google app bundle gapps-kk-20140105-signed.zip
Download SAMSUNG USB Driver for Mobile Phones v1.5.29.0.exe
Download rootkit CF-Auto-Root-m0-m0xx-gti9300.tar.md5
Download the default recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.3-i9300.tar.md5
Download the latest CyanogenMod 11 firmware
3. Disable everything unnecessary on the computer:
If the Kies utility is installed, then you have 2 options:
Delete Kies
Go to the application manager (ctrl + alt + del) and end all processes that say Kies
Disable the installed antivirus.
4. Install the programs needed for the firmware:
Install drivers SAMSUNG USB Driver for Mobile Phones v1.5.29.0.exe.
Unpack Odin3_v3.09 (Extract to Odin3_v3.09).
5. Transfer the smartphone to Download Mode:
Turn off your smartphone completely, everything should go out.
Press three buttons at the same time - Power, Volume down and Home
A warning will appear, you must press "Volume Up"
"Downloading" will appear with a green robot in the middle.
6.1. Set root rights for Galaxy S3:
CF-Auto-Root-m0-m0xx-gti9300.tar.md5, which you downloaded to the i9300 folder
6.2. Rooting
The installation process is quick
Then you will see the inscription "RESET" and the smartphone will reboot into root-rights installation mode
Then the smartphone will reboot into normal mode.
Disconnect smartphone from PC
7. Install recovery (cwn) on Galaxy S3:
Follow step 5!
Run Odin3 v3.09 which should be in Odin3_v3.09 folder
Click on the PDA box and find the file recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.4-i9300.tar.md5 or recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.3-i9300.tar.md5, which was downloaded to the i9300 folder
Connect the smartphone to the PC with the original cable, the first ID:COM field will turn blue.
If all previous tasks are completed and successfully completed, click "Start"
When finished, you will see the inscription "RESET" and the smartphone will reboot.
8. Install CyanogenMod 11 firmware on Galaxy S3:
Turn on your phone
Connect smartphone to PC in disk mode
Copy to the internal memory of the smartphone:
Firmware cm-11-20140123-NIGHTLY-i9300.zip
Google app suite gapps-kk-20140105-signed.zip
Turn off your smartphone completely
Press three buttons at the same time "Power + Volume Up + Home"
The smartphone should boot into recovery
In the downloaded recovery, do wipes in order:
Wipe data/factory reset
Advanced -> Wipe dalvik cache
Wipe cache partion
Mounts & storage -> format /system
Then install the firmware itself and utilities in this order:
Install zip from sdcard, find firmware archive cm-11-20140123-NIGHTLY-i9300.zip
Install zip from sdcard, find archive gapps-kk-20140105-signed.zip
Restart your smartphone. If you do everything right, you should have an animation of the loaded Cyanogenmod 11 and then the phone itself will load with the new firmware. The download itself will take longer than usual!
During the year of using Samsung Galaxy S3, I tried many firmwares, but none of them suited me even half.
To begin with, in standard firmware from Samsung, I could not put up with a terrible design, a bunch of unnecessary company services, an inconvenient dialer that opens with a terrible expectation, a phone book, messages, a standard browser. That is, we can say that almost everything had to be changed.
I began to try different firmware based on the drain, they did not differ much in appearance, and did not solve the problem. Then I installed CyanogenMod, and now, finally, I thought that I had found what I was looking for. "Naked" Android 4.2.2 at first was very pleasing, it had an excellent design and worked quickly. But there were 2 very big minuses: firstly, the Galaxy S3 on this firmware weakly held a battery charge, and secondly, the photos from the camera were noticeably worse in quality.
After that, I tried various custom and stock ROMs many times in search of my ideal, until I found MIUI V5, which for me personally was the best firmware for Samsung Galaxy S3.
MIUI V5 is based on the official firmware from Samsung, so it holds the battery well and takes great pictures, unlike its predecessor V4.
Battery life
As I said, this firmware is based on native Android 4.1.1 JRO03C, and shows quite good battery life. As well as firmware based on the drain. As usual, we tested how long it takes for a smartphone to “sit down” by 10%.A tenth of the charge was enough for 37 minutes of the screen on (most of the time the browser was used with Wi-FI at medium brightness, but "heavy" AnTuTU and Titanium Backup were also launched) and almost 2 hours of standby time. The result is very good.
In real life, this firmware saves your battery well, and the smartphone is enough for 1 day of very active use. Sometimes, with a sparing regimen, it lives up to 2 days.
Benchmarks
In the Antutu Benchmark test on the "default" core, the smartphone shows about 15,000 "parrots". It's not a lot, but it's not a little either. I have not looked at the results in benchmarks for a long time, but for the test I decided to do them.
Lock screen
Looking at how the lock screen is made in MIUI, you begin to understand how convenience and every little thing plays a role here. There are no "natural" effects like stock, but there are other very handy features.For example, if you hold down the Home key and hold it, the flashlight will turn on. A very convenient solution, because you do not need to look for a shortcut with the application and generally look at the screen.
Or else, if you tap the unlock icon 2 times, the player will start. It is also quite practical and convenient. In this firmware, it is much more convenient to open a camera, dialer or SMS through the unlock screen.
In addition to all this, it is also worth noting that you can quickly change your lockscreen by installing a different theme. At the same time, in some themes, your lock screen will completely change (animation, arrangement of elements, icons, sound, etc.).
Dialer, phone book, SMS.
The first thing that catches your eye is that the MIUI dialer opens in a split second, and there is no this terrible delay, as in the analogue from the drain. The second is its design. It is made in a beautiful style with elements of minimalism. With a swipe, you can move to the address book, groups and back. Everything is beautiful, it works quickly, and it is also accompanied by excellent animation.
The messenger is also well made, has a nice design and is easy to use. There are many settings, support for templates, emoticons.
Desktop
For those who don't know yet, MIUI doesn't have a list of all apps, and everything you install goes to the home screen, just like the iPhone. Some people like it, some don't, it's a personal matter.
All icons are beautifully drawn and large in size. The statusbar is transparent and looks very nice. This launcher does not have many settings, but everything you need is there.
Of the negative points, not smooth animation can be noted when closing folders and going to the settings. But if you take into account that the 5th version has just begun to develop, this bug should be fixed soon.
Notification panel
By default, the notification panel is divided into 2 tabs "Notifications" and "switches". From the name it is clear that the first displays all your notifications, and the second - the entire screen is crammed with convenient switches.
At the same time, again, there is a very convenient trifle - by default, the "Notifications" tab opens, but if they are not there, then "switches". It's just super convenient. You can switch between them using the swipe gesture to the right or left.
Oh yes, of course, the switch buttons are customizable.
File manager
The file manager in MIUI is the best I have seen, choosing from dozens of programs of this kind. It automatically groups all your data by type, making it easier to access.For example, if you need to open a document during an exam, then you do not need to look for it in 20 folders or on a memory card, but simply select the "Documents" section, where all files of this type will be collected. Convenient, agree.
Also below is displayed information about the state of the memory, and what type of data takes how much.
There is also a regular file manager that you just need to swipe to the right to go to it. The application works quickly and without brakes.
Player
The music player here is not as fancy as the stock one, it has fewer settings and functions. But in some respects it is more convenient, and has everything you need even for the most hardcore music lovers.
There is an excellent equalizer, different types of sorting, playlists, etc. What else do you need?
Gallery
MIUI firmware has an ordinary beautiful gallery that works quickly and performs its functions 100%. If you enter the application, the photos taken by the camera are displayed, and to go to the list of all albums, you must select the "Local albums" item.
Again, we note the thoughtfulness of the interface, because usually a person views or shows pictures from the camera. There is also a built-in photo editor that allows you to do elementary operations on images (make inscriptions, add effects, crop, retouch).
Browser
Up to this point, I used Google Chrome, but after 10 minutes of using the MIUI browser, I realized that now you can forget about third-party browsers.
It runs faster and smoother than Chrome. There are gestures, a huge number of settings, switching tabs with the volume keys, and ease of use - they made me change the browser.
Themes
One of the most interesting features of MIUI firmware is themes. In the online catalog of themes, you can download the skin you like and install it on your Galaxy S3. At the same time, it is worth noting that most of the themes change your gadget beyond recognition. That is, everything changes, icons, wallpapers, dialer, notification panel, lock screen, etc.
You can also install individual elements from the downloaded theme. For example, we can apply only new icons and lock screen.
This gives almost unlimited possibilities for customizing the interface.
Calculator
The usual calculator, there are 2 modes: basic and scientific.
Voice recorder
This application is also very simple, without any settings, but has everything you need: voice recording, pause mode, playback, recording playlist.
Radio
Radio lovers will not be disappointed when they launch the app of the same name on their Galaxy S3. Here you can add channels to favorites, enable playback through speakers, record sound in audio capture mode.
Clock
As with most devices, you have multiple alarms, multiple time zones, a stopwatch, and a timer available.
Compass
An indispensable tool for the traveler. In addition to its basic functions, it shows latitude, longitude, pressure and altitude.
Calendar
Perhaps the MIUI calendar is inferior to the Samsung S-Planner in some functions, but here it’s more like “taste and color ...”. Both applications are made just fine, and have all the necessary functionality.
Notes
MIUI V5 for Galaxy S3 has an excellent implementation of the notes app. All your data is displayed in the form of colorful stickers. You can set a reminder for the selected note, which in my opinion is very convenient. Personally, because of the possibility of synchronization, I use Google Keep.
Download Manager
The system has a built-in download manager that allows you to fully control the download of files. It is possible to upload files only when connected to a Wi-Fi network, limit the file size, etc. Great app.
Antivirus
Lately antivirus for Android smartphones is a "must have" application, especially for inexperienced users. MIUI firmware already has an excellent antivirus, and there is no point in looking for a third-party application.How to flash Galaxy S3?
Very often, owners of a Korean smartphone from Samsung strive to increase the performance of the device and its functionality by flashing it. Software updates help improve the technical characteristics of the gadget. In this article, we will look at how to flash a mobile phone using the Samsung Galaxy S3 as an example.
How to flash a smartphone yourself
Before starting work, charge the phone (preferably to the maximum) and make a backup copy of important information from it. To follow the instructions, you will need a computer or laptop with access to the global network, as well as a USB cable.
- First of all, you need to download a flashing program to your computer (this article material involves the use of a special Odin program), the latest firmware version for the phone model of interest, and a set of drivers for your smartphone (for example,). For convenience, place all downloaded files in one folder.
- To avoid unforeseen situations during software updates, we recommend disabling Anti-Virus for the duration of the procedure.
- It is also worth disabling the Kies program (in case it is installed).
- After downloading, install all the necessary programs on your computer. Unzip the firmware file.
- Next, you need to manipulate the smartphone, namely, put the phone in download mode. To do this, turn off the device and simultaneously press the following buttons - Menu (Home / Home), Power (Power) and Volume (Volume) with the slider up. Wait for the information message to appear on the mobile phone screen and press the volume key (slider up) again.
- After these steps, connect your mobile device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Launch the Odin program, then click on the PDA button and select the firmware file.
- Next, click the "Start" button and wait until the software installation is complete. The firmware process usually takes about five minutes. At this time, it is important not to disconnect the phone from the computer.
- As soon as the operation is completed, the smartphone screen will display the message "Pass" or "Reset", and then the phone will reboot.
- Disconnect the mobile phone from the computer, close the program and use the flashed smartphone.
It is worth noting that contacting a service center to update the software will entail considerable costs.
Self-flashing a mobile phone should not be difficult if you strictly follow these instructions. However, we warn you that if you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to entrust the operation to professionals. Please note that the editors are not responsible for incorrectly performed actions by the user.
You can find in our section.
