Samsung Galaxy S3 Gets Android 4.1.2 Update Via Verizon

The software version VRBMB1 is 150MB in size and should now be available OTA on Verizon powered Galaxy S3 handsets. Users can check for the update if it has not yet landed on their handset by going to Settings > About Phone > Software Updates and tap on “check for updates.”  Android Geeks recommends updating the smartphone while connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot to accommodate the firmware update’s large size.

Changes in Android 4.1.2 are minimal, but still effective, and stand to streamline the everyday performance of Verizon’s Galaxy S3. Users should find improvements in their keyboards auto-correct mechanism as well as enhancements in Bluetooth performance and email syncing. A manual refresh button has been added to the lock screen ticker while VZ Navigator and Amazon have been added to stub applications. What is likely the coolest aspect of this update, users can now take pictures while on a call.

Android 4.21. Update: What Happened to Premium Suite?

Many have noted that while the Jelly Bean update is now available, it was rolled out without Samsung’s Premium Suite software that has previously been released on Galaxy S3 devices.  

Having been introduced in May 2012, Premium Suite was an update separate from OS updates that brought a host of new features to the Galaxy S3 and other popular devices like the Galaxy Note. The four-fold spec enhancements included updates in contextual awareness, enhanced features, powerful multimedia, and new features and better accessibility.

According to Gotta Be Mobile, other Galaxy S3 handsets have seen a Premium Suite update alongside their Android 4.1.2 update; however, none of those have been on U.S. carriers. Sprint has rolled out the Jelly Bean update on its Galaxy S3 without Premium Suite, while AT&T, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular have yet to release the update on their S3 handsets.

So Many Flavors of Jelly Bean, so Little Time

With several new developments for Samsung expected in the upcoming months, only time will tell when U.S. customers will receive Premium Suite update. The Android 4.1.2 update for the Galaxy S3 is quite behind, as several other devices, not only Verizon’s network, have already received capability for later Jellybean versions such as Android 4.2.1 and are also planning on updates to Android 4.2.2.

Tech informant, @WinDroidGuy mentioned Sunday that Verizon’s Galaxy Android 4.2.2 update is now available; the handset has not received an official update since it got Android 4.1.1 in September 2012.

Samsung is currently preparing for its Unpacked event that takes place March 14 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, where the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S4 is expected to be unveiled. The Galaxy S4 is also expected to run Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean natively. Soon after that, Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie is expected to be unveiled at the Google I/O conference May 14.