Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 for Galaxy S2 - Overview

Android KitKat 4.4 for Galaxy S2

And yes, the long-awaited Jelly Bean is finally available for the Galaxy S2 as well, but for now only as a Test ROM, so there are some more minor flaws. But even though it’s a test ROM, users are thrilled and can’t wait for the stable version.

After such a long wait, I also tried JB on my Galaxy S2 phone and I can say the same as the others - great!

In this version, SGS2 users will be able to enjoy the options that SGS3 and  Note 2 have, such as Project Butter and Google Now, as well as software applications  Pop-up play, Smart Stay, and Direct Call, which I will separate below. explain. There’s also the new TouchWiz, S-Cloud, Notification Bar ….

First, some major changes you may notice at a glance…

"Curtain" with notifications

Lots of improved notifications, some more quick shortcuts added, the ability to expand notifications, quick access to settings… I like expanding notifications the most. So, if you receive a message (mail), you can extend the notification and read (almost) the whole message. Just drag it down with two fingers. You also return, just pull up.

Screen lock

Although we all expected that the screen would unlock as with SGS3, it is not the effect of touching the water, but it is more similar to ICS. What I noticed is that the screen unlocks faster and much easier. One useful option has been added, and that is shortcuts on the lock screen. You can place up to 3 shortcuts (apps) at the bottom of the lock screen and when you drag them, the screen unlocks, and the app launches.

Another very useful option is to launch the camera from the Lock Screen. Just hold the screen and turn the phone, the camera will be ready to take pictures!

To enable this option, do the following: Settings > Lock. screen > Lock options screen > Quick camera access - ON (at the bottom of the list)

Another small novelty is the sound of unlocking the screen, it is much more pleasant and sounds like dripping water. Also, there are options for adding hours and weather forecasts.

Google Now

Eh yes, that famous Google Now has arrived on S2 as well. No more typing, just say what you want and Google will find it. Of course, in Serbian! There are several ways to launch Google Now, and one of them is to hold down the Home button and click on the Google icon.

Pop-Up play

Another novelty that comes to us from S3 and Note 2 devices, and is Pop-Up play. So, release the clip, click Pop-up and the video will move to the upper right corner of the screen and you can use the phone quite normally while the clip lasts. You can easily move the window around the screen, and if you tap it twice, you will return to the player.

Smart Stay

The screen will stay on while you look at it! Yes, as long as you look at it, it will not turn off after the set screen shutdown time interval. This is done using a front camera that detects the eyes, if the phone screen needs to be turned off, the camera checks if you are looking at it and if you are looking, the screen stays on, if it does not recognize the eyes, the screen turns off. This option has a couple of limitations, e.g. does not work in the dark if there is very light behind you, if the front camera is already in use…

You can enable this useful option as follows: Settings > Display > Smart and awake

Direct Call

And you may have seen this with the S3 phone. When you open e.g. message from a contact, just put the phone to your ear and the contact will be called automatically. Great, isn't it? :)

You can enable this option as follows: Settings > Motion > Direct calling

Blocking mode

Set to not receive calls, messages, notifications, timers, alarms, etc. Block certain numbers, or just allow some. Lots more, lots of settings. So, just adjust how it suits you and when you don't want anyone to bother you, turn this option on and you're done.

You can find this option in Settings.

Battery saving

I can say that this option is much improved and helps a lot. It is already known that JB consumes fewer batteries, but even when this option is turned on, forget about charging :) I'm kidding of course. But I noticed that my battery lasts a lot longer, which makes me very happy.

You can check battery consumption by going to Settings > Battery.

At ICS, the "Android System" process was around 30-40, and here only 8%! While the screen is still in the first place :)

That would be some bigger newspaper at first glance.

As for the bugs, I noticed one, and that was when unlocking the screen. Namely, when I want to unlock the screen by swiping my finger across the screen, sometimes it won't register a touch. This "problem" happened to me maybe 3-4 times. Now, if that happens, just press the Home button and try again. If it fails, lock the screen and turn it on again.

And that would be it, everything else works great for me, at least for now.

I like Stock Launcher, I won't install any extras because this one is absolutely great and fast. The only thing that bothers me is the app screen because the apps and widgets are separate, and the widgets have to be added to the home screen right from there. But well.

Installing JB on Galaxy S2

Now, if you want to install JB on your Galaxy S2, you can download .zip from THIS link, unpack it and use ODIN to insert it into your phone (more details)

If you are not experienced in this, look for detailed instructions online.

And that would be it. So, this was a brief overview of Jelly Bean ROM on the Galaxy S2 phone. And in the clip below, you can watch the video prepared by SamMobile.

Enjoy!

Additionally

ICS 4.0.3 for Galaxy S2 - Review

[I9100] [ROM 4.1.2] Stock 4.1.2 JB - XDA

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