Industrious folks at SamMobile has leaked the latest test firmware, I9505XXUFNA5 Android 4.4.2, for the international variant of Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505) with a host of UI tweaks, bug-fixes and performance improvements over the previous release.

Root Galaxy S4 (LTE) on I9505XXUFNA5 Android 4.4.2 Leaked Test Firmware
Galaxy S4 LTE can be rooted on I9505XXUFNA5 Android 4.4.2 test firmware using Chainfire's CF-Auto-Root

Those who have already updated their Galaxy S4 to the latest test firmware can root the same via CF-Auto-Root tool released by Senior XDA recognised developer, Chainfire.

NOTE: Rooting is essential to install third-party root apps, custom ROMs and latest system tweaks on your device. Though rooting a device will void its warranty, you can reclaim warranty status of device by reinstalling the latest official firmware or by resetting the flash counter using Triangle Away app.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after the firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

1. Install USB Drivers for Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE GT-I9505 on computer.
2. Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone via Settings >> Developer Options.
3. Backup all your important data and settings on the phone before proceeding.
4. Ensure the Galaxy S4 is factory unlocked and not locked to any particular carrier.
5. Verify the phone has at least 80 percent battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown during firmware installation.
6. The CF-Auto-Root tool is compatible only with the LTE variant of Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505). Attempting to install this on incorrect models may brick the device. Verify the device model number by navigating to Settings >> About Phone.

Downloads Required
1. CF-Auto-Root for Galaxy S4 I9505 (CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.zip)
2. Odin 3.07

CF-Auto-Root Package Contents

  • SuperSU binary and APK
  • Stock recovery

Steps to Root Galaxy S4 Running on I9505XXUFNA5 Android 4.4.2 KitKat Test Firmware

Step 1: Extract CF-Auto-Root and Odin 3.07 files using winrar/7zip or winzip.
Step 2: Switch off the Galaxy S4 and then boot it into Download Mode. To do so, press and hold Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until a construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on screen. Now tap Volume Up button to enter Download Mode.
Step 3: Open Odin on computer as an Administrator.
Step 4: Connect Galaxy S4 to computer via USB cable while the phone is still in Download Mode. Wait until Odin detects the device and when the device connects successfully, the ID: COM box will turn light blue with the COM port number.
Note: At this moment, if the Added message fails to appear, then try re-installing USB drivers or changing the port on the computer.

Step 5: In Odin, click PDA button and choose the CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.tar.md5 file.
Step 6: Verify that Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options are enabled in Odin. But, the Re-Partition option must be unchecked.
Step 7: Verify step 5 and 6, and then hit Start in Odin. The root installation process will now begin.
Step 8: After the root installation is done, your phone will reboot and a PASS message with green background appears in the left-most box at the top of Odin. It is now safe to unplug the USB cable and disconnect the phone from computer.

Your Galaxy S4 (LTE) GT-I9505 is now rooted on I9505XXUFNA5 Android 4.4.2 leaked test firmware. It is now possible to install any app that requires root permission. Root status of your phone can be verified by downloading Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

[Source: XDA]