Update Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 to Android 4.3 via XXUEMI8 Leaked Test Firmware [How to Install]

First Android 4.3 based leaked test firmware arrives for Galaxy S4 LTE GT-I9505

Galaxy S4 (LTE) GT-I9505 users can now enjoy the latest Android 4.3 XXUEMI8 test firmware with a handful of bug-fixes and feature enhancements, thanks to an unidentified Samsung insider who has reportedly leaked the firmware to SamMobile.

Samsung is rumoured to release its official Android 4.3 update for the Galaxy S4 LTE smartphone in October or November. Android users who cannot wait so long can proceed with the manual installation of the leaked firmware using our guide below.

According to SamMobile, the new XXUEMI8 test firmware is reportedly quite stable with significant performance boost for a faster and lag-free Jelly Bean experience than Android 4.2.2. The firmware offers native Samsung features such as Samsung Knox and Samsung Wallet, besides a new Reading Mode which optimises the screen for reading and a new improved keyboard.

Though Samsung Knox has been tested and confirmed to be working fine, Samsung Wallet is still unavailable for download from Samsung servers. Apart from a few minor UI changes, the firmware is said to offer improved colour reproduction of the display along with sharper looking text messages.

Android 4.3 I9505XXUEMI8 Firmware Details

Model: GT-I9505
Country: Open Europe
Version: Android 4.3
Changelist: 1715731
Build date: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 18:48:24 +0000
Product Code: OXA
PDA: I9505XXUEMI8
CSC: I9505OXAEMI8
MODEM: I9505XXUEMI8
Download: I9505XXUEMI8_I9505OXAEMI8_I9505XXUEMI8_OXA.zip

Key Points to Note

The test firmware will not increase the device's binary counter nor void it of its warranty.
This is a pre-release firmware and not an official release from Samsung.
The firmware is fully tested and is confirmed to work as good as any other official firmware.
Rooted devices will lose root access after installing this test firmware.
Instructions provided in this guide are meant for reference purpose only. IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any device damage during or after test firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-Requisites

The Android 4.3 I9505XXUEMI8 leaked test firmware and instructions provided in this guide are limited to the Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 model. Do not attempt installing this firmware on any other device, as it may permanently damage or brick the device. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the device model number.
Ensure the correct USB drivers are installed for the phone on computer (download Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 USB drivers)
Disable Samsung KIES as well as any security software installed on the computer.
Back up important data and settings on the phone to avoid data loss during firmware installation.
Ensure the device has at least 80% battery charge before you proceed.

How to Update Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 to Leaked Android 4.3 XXUEMI8 Test Firmware

Extract the downloaded firmware zip file to a new folder on desktop.
Download Odin3 v3.09 from here and extract the zip file to the new folder on desktop.
Launch Odin on computer and restart the phone in Download Mode (press and hold Home, Power and Volume Down together).
Connect the phone to computer via USB cable and wait until a blue sign appears in Odin.
Click the AP button in Odin and add the file: AP_I9505XXUEMI8_1715731_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
Tap BL button in Odin and load the file: BL_I9505XXUEMI8_1715731_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar
Hit CP button in Odin and add the file: CP_I9505XXUEMI8_1715731_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
Click CSC button in Odin and load the file: CSC_OXA_I9505OXAEMI8_1715731_REV06_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
Ensure that the repartition option is unchecked or disabled.
Then click Start button and wait for the firmware installation to complete. The process may take several minutes to finish, so do not interrupt it.
Once the ROM is installed, the phone will automatically reboot in normal mode and the Home screen will appear. Now, it is safe to unplug the device from computer.

Troubleshooting

1. If Odin freezes or stops responding during installation, then do the following: Power off the phone forcefully by removing its battery and then re-insert it. Power on the phone and repeat the entire tutorial.

2. If the phone gets stuck at boot animation or encounters boot loop issues after installation, then perform a factory reset from recovery mode as follows:

Power off the device and boot it into recovery mode by pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together. Release all three buttons when the recovery mode screen appears.
Choose Wipe Data/Factory Reset (erases all data on phone including the SD card contents) and confirm the action.
Tap Reboot System Now once the wiping process completes and let the device boot into normal mode.

Check out the Android 4.3 update preview in the demo video below: