Galaxy Note 2 N7100: Update Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Test Firmware

Elvind Anderson October 27, 2013 Galaxy Note 2, Samsung

Great news guys. Samsung is getting closer to release Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for Galaxy Note 2 as well as Galaxy S3 after the release of Android 4.3 to Galaxy S4. We knew Samsung is working hard on it. SamMobile has released a Android 4.3 test firmware for Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100 international version. The test firmware here indicates the release of official firmware of Android 4.3 is close which expected to happen on November.

Android 4.3 is a significantly “big” update for Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 as both models has been released more than a year with still old UI. The new android 4.3 will includes more similar S4/Note 3 features to Note 2/S3, such as tabbed settings, Samsung Knox security features, Samsung Wallet, new notifications quick toggle and more. We are excited to see the test firmware has included the above mentioned new features.

GalaxyNote2 android4 3 test firmwareGalaxyNote2 android4 3 test firmware 1GalaxyNote2 android4 3 test firmware 3

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Back to the test firmware, it is similar to the official release firmware, it doesn’t change your binary counter when you flash the firmware package. Hence, basically and theoretically, you do not need to erase your device data for a fresh installation. However, since the changes are pretty significant, you may experience minimal compatibility issue which need you to reset to factory settings. Try and test it on your own risk. Backup is always recommended before firmware upgrade.  Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is a high end smartphone with 5.5 inches Super AMOLED display 1280 x 720, Qualcomm Quad-Core 1.6GHz Cortex A9 processor, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, 13MP rear and 1.9 MP front facing camera. It run Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean out of the box and upgradable to 4.3 in future.

How To Update Samsung Galaxy Note 2 to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Test Firmware

We have total 3 ways to update your devices officially. They are update via OTA (Over-The-Air), update via Samsung Kies and manual update via Samsung Odin. But as of now, we need use the 3rd method to update the test firmware manually.

Disclaimer: It’s always a risk to modify your device. We, Android Teen are not responsible for any damage or bricks on your device. Your device warranty may void with any mod. Check your devices warranty’s term & conditions before start. (HTC, Samsung, LG, Sony, Motorola). Use this guide on your own risk, contact us for help if you face problem.

Pre-requisites & Requirements

  1. Samsung Galaxy Note 2 N7100 (Ensure correct device model and firmware; Check device model – Go to Settings -> About Device -> Model Number)
  2. Windows-based computer or laptop
  3. Download Samsung Galaxy Note 2 USB driver for Windows and install in your computer. Connect device to computer with USB cable to complete installation. Skip this step if you have installed the USB driver.
  4. Enable USB Debugging on your device. How to Enable USB Debugging Mode on Android Devices.
  5. Make sure your phone is charged to 60% 80% to avoid battery blackout and interruption during this tutorial.
  6. We recommend you make a backupon your data and media files before the tutorial. You may restore the data and files if necessary.

Reminder: Firmware upgrade should not delete your device data yet you may experience inconsistent performance after upgrade. Optionally, we recommend you to make a backup and do a clean upgrade. Ensure you meet the requirements before proceed. Contact us if you face problem.

Choose Your Update Methods:

Instructions: How To Update Samsung Galaxy Note 2 via OTA (Not Available Yet)

  1. Ensure you have stable internet connection (Wifi or data network) on your devices.
  2. Power up your device, go to android apps drawer, select Settings.
  3. Under Settings menu, select About device under System.
  4. Select Software update under About device.
  5. Select Update (Check for updates).
  6. You should see an update available, press OK to download and install. (Caution: Download with 3G will incur additional charges to your phone bill!)
  7. Your device will reboot automatically and complete installation.
  8. If you see “The latest updates have already been installed”, you have to wait for Samsung to release the OTA update.
  9. Check out manual updates which give you the fastest and latest firmware update.

Instructions: How To Update Samsung Galaxy Note 2 via Samsung Kies

(Not Available Yet)

  1. Ensure you have stable internet connection on your computer.
  2. Download and install Samsung Kies on your computer.
  3. Power up your device and connect it to computer with USB cable.
  4. Open up Samsung Kies on your computer.
  5. Wait for Samsung Kies to detect your device.
  6. You should able to see New Firmware Upgrade is available at the home of Samsung Kies.
  7. Press on Firmware Upgrade button to proceed.
  8. Check the box to agree all the T&C about the upgrade and Press Start Upgrade to proceed.
  9. Wait download and installation to run. Do not disconnect your device at this moment.
  10. You should see your device running upgrade and reboot automatically.
  11. Upgrade is complete. (Check device firmware – Go to Settings -> About Device –> Android & Baseband version)
  12. If you see “This is the latest firmware” in Samsung Kies, you have to wait for Samsung to release the update via Samsung Kies.
  13. Check out manual updates which give you the fastest and latest firmware update.

Instructions: How To Manual Update Samsung Galaxy Grand Note 2 via Odin

The firmware information is listed as below:

Download:

Model: GT-N7100
Country: Open Asia
Version: Android 4.3
Changelist: 1903221
Build date: Wed, 16 Oct 2013 23:49:26 +0000
Product Code: OLB
PDA: N7100XXUEMJ5
CSC: N7100OLBEMJ4
MODEM: N7100XXUEMJ5
Download: N7100XXUEMJ5_N7100OLBEMJ4_N7100XXUEMJ5_OLB.zip (1.2GB)

  1. Download and extract Odin3.09.zip in a folder in computer.
  2. Download and extract firmware.zip to get *.tar or *tar.md5 in a folder in computer.
  3. Power off your device.
  4. Enter Download Mode by pressing and hold the Volume Down key, Home button, and Power button.
  5. You should see a warning triangle sign, press Volume Up to continue.
  6. You should see Odin Mode at the top and Downloading… , Do not turn off target!!
  7. Launch Odin executable file by double-clicking on Odin3 v3.07 exe.
  8. Connect your device to your computer with USB cable.
  9. Wait until Odin to show an “Added” message at the lower-left message box.
  10. After your device is detected by Odin, click on the PDA button and select the *.tar or *.tar.md5.
  11. Make sure the Repartition option is not checked under Options & checked on Auto Reboot.
  12. Click Start button to flash *.tar or *.tar.md5 to your device. Monitor the flash progress on Odin.
  13. A green “PASS” message should show for a success flashing.
  14. Your device shall reboot automatically.
  15. Upgrade is complete. (Check device firmware – Go to Settings -> About Device –> Android & Baseband version)
  16. If you fail to flash *.tar.md5 firmware, remove the extension of *.md5 with only *.tar and try to re-flash again.
  17. If you encounter boot loop or frequent force close, we suggest you wipe your phone data / factory reset it to get normal performance, but it will erase your device data entirely.
  •  us or give us a  if it works for you.
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By Elvind Anderson
A 18 years old young android enthusiast who loves Android (Big fans of David Beckham too). He enjoys learning, testing and sharing on Android latest technologies. He likes to play around with custom ROM flashing, customize theme, discover new applications, system tweaking and more. Now, he owns Galaxy Note 2, HTC One, Nexus 7, Nokia Lumia 520 and iPhone 5.