The Jflte DevConnection (JDC) team has released the first ever Android 7.1.1 update for the ageing Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-i9505) smartphone, thanks to the latest build of Android Open Source Project (AOSP) custom ROM. The AOSP ROM brings the closest stock Android experience seen in Nexus devices without any modifications.
As the XDA senior member '+BB+' explains, the ROM has minimalistic features added from CyanogenMod and Codeaurora to keep it small, fast and pure.
Despite the minimalistic nature of the ROM, it has a few drawbacks or known issues as outlined below:
- ANT+ is not supported.
- Camera video recording is broken. However, you can download the Camu app from Play Store as a temporary workaround.
Interested users can install the latest Nougat-based AOSP ROM on their Galaxy S4 GT-i9505 by following the step-by-step guide provided below.
IBTimes SG reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after the AOSP custom ROM installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.
Downloads Required
Android 7.1.1 AOSP ROM for Galaxy S4 LTE i9505
TWRP Recovery v3.0.0-0 with F2FS support (JDC Themed)
Google Apps for Android 7.1 Nougat
ThemeReady GApps package for N arm
Prerequisites
- The instructions given in this guide are meant for LTE variant of Galaxy S4 (GT-i9505) and other supported variants including i9505G, i9507, i9508, i337, M919, I545, R970, L720, S970G and S975L. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone
- Ensure the phone has at least 80% battery chargeto prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM
- Back up data and settings using a recommended custom recovery tool, like ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup. In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore and tap Backup
- Verify correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on the computer (download Galaxy S4 USB drivers)
- Enable USB Debugging mode via Settings > Developer Options (if running Android 4.0 or above) or Settings > Applications > Development (if running Android 2.3 or earlier)
- Ensure that the device is rooted with TWRP v3.0.0 custom recovery installed and its bootloader is unlocked
- AT&T users must be running the UCUAMDB or UCUAMDL bootloader while the Verizon users must be on the VRUAMDK bootloader in order to use this ROM. Run the command 'getprop ro.bootloader' via Terminal Emulator or ADB shell to identify the bootloader installed on your phone.
Note: This ROM is dex-preoptimised, so do not wipe cache and Dalvik after flashing the AOSP ROM.
How to clean install Android 7.1.1 Nougat on Galaxy S4 i9505 via AOSP ROM
Step 1 - Download the AOSP ROM from the link provided above to your computer.
Step 2 - Download both the stock GApps package for Android 7.1 Nougat and the ThemeReady GApps package for N arm to the PC, before you proceed.
Step 3 - Connect and mount the phone's USB mass storage on computer with the USB cable.
Step 4 - Copy the downloaded AOSP ROM zip file to the root folder on the phone's SD card.
Step 5 - Power off the phone and disconnect its USB cable from computer.
Step 6 - Boot the device into Recovery Mode by pressing Volume up, Home and Power buttons on your phone.
Step 7 - Once the phone enters into CWM Recovery, perform a full data wipe task by clicking Wipe Data/Factory Reset. Use the Volume keys to navigate between options and the Power button to select an option in the Recovery Mode.
Step 8 - Return to the main recovery menu and choose Install Zip from SD card.
Step 9 - Click Choose Zip from SD card. Use volume keys to navigate to the AOSP ROM zip file that you copied earlier to your phone's SD card and choose it by tapping the Power button. Confirm the ROM installation on the next screen and the installation process will begin.
Note: Repeat Step 8 and Step 9 to install Google Apps (Gapps) for Nougat and the TBO ThemeReady GApps zip file.
Step 10 - Once both the Gapps and ROM are installed, choose "+++++Go Back+++++" and select Reboot System Now in the Recovery menu.
The phone will now reboot and the first boot may take about five minutes to complete. So, please be patient.
Your Galaxy S4 GT-i9505 is now running the latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat update via AOSP custom ROM. Go to Settings > About phone to verify the firmware version installed.
How to update over an existing AOSP N build on your Galaxy S4 LTE i9505
Step 1 - Download the updated build of AOSP ROM from the link provided.
Step 2 - Connect and mount the phone's USB mass storage on computer with the USB cable
Step 3 - Copy the downloaded AOSP ROM zip file to the root folder on the phone's SD card.
Step 4 - Power off the phone and disconnect its USB cable from computer.
Step 5 - Boot the device into TWRP Recovery Mode by pressing Volume up, Home and Power buttons on your phone.
Step 6 - Return to the main recovery menu and choose Install Zip from SD card.
Step 7 - Click Choose Zip from SD card. Use volume keys to navigate to the AOSP ROM zip file that you copied earlier to your phone's SD card and choose it by tapping the Power button. Confirm the ROM installation on the next screen and the installation process will begin.
Step 8 - Once the ROM is installed, choose "+++++Go Back+++++" and select Reboot System Now in the Recovery menu.
The phone will now reboot and the first boot may take about five minutes to complete. So, please be patient.
Your Galaxy S4 GT-i9505 is now running the latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat update via CM14.1 custom ROM. Go to Settings > About phone to verify the firmware version installed.
[Source: XDA]
