Samsung Releases Android 4.3 for Galaxy Note 2: New Features and Improvements

Samsung has just started seeding Android 4.3 Jelly Bean software update for both the 3G and LTE versions of the Galaxy Note 2 bearing model numbers GT-N7100 and GT-N7105 respectively. The official roll-out comes following the leak of an Android 4.3 test build.

The Galaxy Note 2 was first shipped with the Android 4.1.2 and until now the device is still running on the same older version. Samsung has neither released Android 4.2.2 update for the Note 2 nor tested Android 4.2.2 build for the Note 2, according to Sammobile.

As for new features, the Android 4.3 brings an array of changes and performance improvements over the previous Android 4.1.2. The new update is very stable than the Android 4.3 for Galaxy S3. Besides, the update makes the Note 2 quite fast.

The core UI has been changed, which is like the one found in the Galaxy S4 as well as the Galaxy Note 3. Even the Settings app has been completely revamped with a new tabbed interface. Interestingly, Samsung has added Knox security feature, which is absent in the Android 4.3 update for Galaxy S3. Below are the list of features and improvements of Android 4.3.

Android 4.3 features and improvements

Galaxy Gear support

TRIM support (Makes the device much faster)

Samsung KNOX

Samsung Wallet (Pre-loaded)

Better RAM

Core UI elements updated to the ones on Galaxy S4 (Galaxy S4's theme all over)

New Samsung keyboard

GPU drivers have been updated (Higher GPU benchmark scores)

New Lockscreen: Multiple widgets, improved ripple effect than Android 4.1.2, ability to change clock size and set a personal message

New Screen modes (From Galaxy S4): Adapt Display and Professional Photo

Daydream

Driving mode

Actionable notifications

Move-to-SD-card feature

New Camera mode: Sound and Shot

New Additions in Notification Center

Completely revamped Settings UI (Tabbed interface-like Galaxy S4)

Implementation of Voice controls (Lets you control various parts of phone using voice commands-Galaxy S4 feature)

New Samsung Apps: Calculator, Clock, Contracts, Gallery, Music

Full screen Samsung app

New S-Voice (from Galaxy S4)

Samsung is rolling out the software in phases, therefore, the update might not be available in all countries currently. However, it is expected to arrive soon. Those who are having carrier branded device will have to wait for some time since the update has to get approved by the carriers first and then it will be released by Samsung.

To receive the Android 4.3 update users may connect the Galaxy Note 2 to computer and use Samsung KIES or use OTA (Over-The-Air) service. Head over to Settings>> More>> About device>> Software update>> Update to download and install the official build via OTA.

Firmware details for GT-N7100

Model: GT-N7100

Country: India

Version: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Changelist: 2099172

Build date: 10 November

Product code: INU

PDA: N7100XXUEMK4

CSC: N7100ODDEMK1

MODEM: N7100DDEMJ9

Firmware details for GT-N7105

Model: GT-N7105

Country: Nordic countries

Version: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Changelist: 2118172

Build date: 13 November

Product code: NEE

PDA: N7105XXUEMK5

CSC: N7105NEEMK1

MODEM: N7105XXUEMJ9

The Android 4.3, as the firmware details suggest, is now available for the 3G Galaxy Note 2 (N7100) users in India and for LTE (GT-N7105) variants in Nordic countries. Both firmware builds, N7100XXUEMK4 and N7105XXUEMK5 are unbranded version of firmware and can be installed manually on the respective devices (unlocked models).

Must read: Update Galaxy Note 2 N7100 to Official XXUEMK4 Android 4.3 Firmware [How to]