Since the developer preview built of Android 5.0 Lollipop was out, different custom ROMs were developed for various smartphones and tablets. The updates are not stable yet and it can’t be used on a daily basis, but at least you can test the latest features and looks that are included on this major Android release. That’s great, especially for devices that will not be updated to Lollipop and also for other devs who will bring further platforms for us.
Anyway, what we will do during the following lines consists in checking how to install a new Android 5.0 Lollipop port on Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300. As mentioned already, this is a custom ROM and not an official update. Moreover the ROM is still in development stage so it will be hard to imagine that you will be able to use Lollipop on your Galaxy S3 on a daily basis. Of course, all the problems will be soon fixed and then, when a stable variant of the firmware will be pushed out, we will not talk about testing phase or other similar situations.
This Lollipop custom ROM is developed and offered by arter 97 so we should thank him for this step by step tutorial. According to those who have aready tested Lollipop on Galaxy S3 by using this custom ROM, there are problems related to Radio, Camera, Sensors, Internal and External storage, WiFi, GPS and few other minor issues. Don’t worry the bugs will be resolved, though this version of the software will be just perfect if you want to get in touch with Android 5.0.
In order to make things right and for being able to test this unofficial firmware, first you should make a Nandroid backup for saving your current ROM. Then you can safely flash the Lollipop platform (which comes also as a Nandroid backup) for testing the same. In the end, you should return to your previously Android OS by re-using the Nandroid backup you have performed before completing this step by step guide.
Of course, this will be an unofficial update operation and you will lose the Samsung Galaxy S3 warranty by completing the same. Also, root access must be ensured on your phone, while a custom recovery image must be installed. Else, you won’t be able to apply the guidelines from below for updating your smartphone.
If you are used with these kinds of operations, then you know that a backup is a must. During the installation process, you will lose everything that’s saved on the internal storage memory of your Galaxy S3. So, if you have something you might need afterwards, you shouldn’t go any further without using compatible backup and restore apps. These apps can be used for saving anything you want including internet settings or EFS folder.
Afterwards you need to make sure that a computer is near you as you will have to use it – of course you need to use your SGS3 and your phone’s USB cable too. On your handset enable USB debugging option by going to “menu – settings – developer options” and avoid any unpleasant situations by temporarily deactivating security protection from your computer. Moreover, charge your phone before going any further. If your device gets turned off in the middle of the update process, it might also get bricked.
This ROM isn’t including any kernels. So, after applying the Nandroid backup, flash the provided kernel via custom recovery menu. Remember that this tutorial is compatible only with the I9300 model of Samsung Galaxy S3 so don’t use the steps from below in case you own a similar or different smartphone or tablet – because you will end up in bricking your device.
How to Install Custom Android 5.0 Lollipop On Samsung Galaxy S3
- Download the Android 5.0 Lollipop custom ROM file from here and place the same on desktop.
- Also download arter 97 custom kernel from here.
- Unzip the file.
- Connect your Galaxy S3 with your computer by plugging in the USB cable.
- Place the Nandroid backup file on /sdcard/clockworkmod/backup.
- Unplug the USB cord and turn off your smartphone.
- Enter recovery mode on Galaxy S3.
- From recovery first of all select “wipe data factory reset”, “wipe cache partition” and “wipe dalvick cache”.
- Then choose Backup and Restore option and just restore backup in order to install Android 5.0 Lollipop.
- Don’t forget to flash the kernel in the end – just select “install zip from SD card” followed by “choose zip from SD card”.
There you go; that’s how you can choose to test Android 5.0 Lollipop on your own Samsung Galaxy S3. So, what do you say are you going to try this method, or you rather wait until a stable custom ROM comes out? Do share your thoughts with us by using the comments field from below.