Samsung
Epic Reborn: Samsung’s Galaxy S3 and Note 2 run Android 14
Samsung’s legendary Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 devices can run Android 14. It sounds unbelievable as the likes of Galaxy S20 and Note 20 flagships are not eligible for this upgrade. Thanks to a developer who made it possible to install Android 14 ROM on these epic flagships.
A 3rd-party ROM developer (via AndroidAuthority) has posted Lineage OS 21 custom ROMs for Samsung’s Galaxy S3 and the Note 2. These firmware builds bring Android 14 to both smartphones, however, it requires custom ROM flashing, which is a tricky yet risky part.
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It’s worth noting that Android 4.4 KitKat was the last major upgrade for Galaxy S3 and Note 2. The devices got a handful of security updates as part of the company’s commitment. However, Android 14 comes as a surprise for our readers who have one of these models in their drawer.
To install Android 14-based Lineage OS, you first need to unlock your phone’s bootloader. Once done, you will require a custom recovery like TWRP through Odin or Heimdall, and then install (aka “flash”) this custom ROM through TWRP.
Due to its unofficial nature, the build has some bugs, which are not a bad deal. Also, there are some stability issues, and storage encryption is not working. Google Apps are not included in the custom ROM package, needing another app package flashing procedure.
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Samsung started mass production of 1TB QLC 9th-gen V-NAND semiconductor to gain an edge in the AI era. This achievement suggests Samsung is solidifying its leadership in the high-capacity, high-performance NAND flash market.
As the enterprise SSD market shows rapid growth with stronger demand for AI applications, Samsung will continue to solidify its leadership in the segment through our QLC and TLC 9th-gen V-NAND.
The South Korean tech giant plans to expand applications of the QLC 9th-generation V-NAND, starting with branded consumer products and extending into mobile Universal Flash Storage (UFS), PCs and server SSDs for customers.
Samsung’s QLC 9th-gen V-NAND brings several innovations. The area of the cells and the peripheral circuits have been optimized via TLC 9th-gen V-NAND. Adopting Designed Mold has improved data retention performance by nearly 20%.
In addition, the company’s QLC 9th-gen V-NAND has doubled write performance and improved data input/output speed by 60%. Data read and write power consumption decreased by about 30% and 50% respectively.
Summary:
The latest QLC V-NAND combines several breakthrough technologies, including Channel Hole Etching which enables the highest layer count in the industry with a double stack structure. Industry-first QLC and TLC 9th-gen V-NAND delivers optimum memory across various AI applications.
Galaxy A16 would be the most selling Samsung phone in 2025. It’s anticipated to lead the Android smartphone market throughout the next year. Ahead of the December debut, the Galaxy A16 design was revealed in leaked renders.
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy A16 in December this year. As revealed in renders, the device will have three rear cameras, a key island, and an Infinity-U display. The phone continues to flaunt Samsung’s signature design language.
Interestingly, the phone’s left side holds the SIM card slot. At the same time, the right side carries volume buttons and a power key that doubles as a fingerprint scanner. The bezles look fine-tuned while the chin is extremely thick.
The Galaxy A16 could be available in two different chips – Dimensity 6300 (SM-A166P) and Exynos 1330 (SM-A166E) – probably following market needs. It will be powered by a 5000mAh battery, supporting 25W wired charging.
Samsung has recently launched the Galaxy A06 smartphone. Chinese phone makers harmed Samsung’s market in key countries. However, the company is now aggressively targeting the entry-level and mid-range market.
We are seeing fruitful upgrades in newly released and upcoming entry-level handsets. The decision aligns with a long-term strategy to maintain an edge across segments. That said Galaxy A16 is all set to lead the Android smartphone market next year.
Apart from hardware, the Korean tech giant is also improving the One UI. Software experience remains a controversial point in Samsung’s non-flagship phones. However, the One UI Core is getting improved with time – following user feedback.
Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23 Ultra users in South Korea have recently received a major One UI 6.1 (based on One UI 6.1.1) update. Though the exact dates are not clear, One UI 6.1.1 update for the Galaxy S23 series will soon be available in more countries.
According to the information, One UI 6.1.1 is expected to make its way to additional countries within the next week. While the exact timeline for the wider rollout has not yet been disclosed, the update is expected to be available in more countries next week.
One UI 6.1.1 update brings Galaxy AI’s Sketch Conversion for turning drawings into artwork and Portrait Enhancements for improved photo styles. Samsung Keyboard now features text auto-completion, while real-time translation is available for calls and text in images.
The update also includes voice-to-text conversion, better PDF management, and dynamic wallpapers that change with weather and time. It installs the Android security patch to improve system security.
At the moment, Samsung Galaxy S23 users can enjoy these new features on their devices. Users in other regions can look forward to receiving the update soon, as Samsung rolls out updates gradually.
Aside from this, the Korean tech giant has also released One UI 6.1.1 update to Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series in Korea. The company will soon expand this major update to these devices in more countries.
One UI 6.1.1 update for Galaxy S23 rolling out with new AI features