Samsung Galaxy S2 Jelly Bean Update: Coming Soon, Grab A Firmware If You Can't Wait

The Samsung Galaxy S3 might have brought Samsung unprecedented fame, but it was the Galaxy S2 smartphone that kick started the South Korean electronics manufacturer's momentum - so don't think Samsung has forgotten about all of you Galaxy S2 users. Samsung is hard at work on releasing Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean for the Galaxy S2, but if you can't wait, you can download a leaked firmware. 

This firmware is by no means official, and is instead a pre-release build. Just know that there's always the inherent risk that your phone won't be covered by your warranty when you decide to take a smartphone's upgrade into your own hands.

You can download firmware I9300XXLSJ through SamMobile if you still please, and SamMobile does state that the build has been tested and is extremely stable, although there are minor bugs still existent.

Android 4.1.2 is not the latest version of Android, nor does it offer a noticeable upgrade over Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean. It is still a nice gesture, however, from Samsung since the newer Galaxy S3 is still receiving its wave of Android 4.1.1 updates. 

Android 4.1.2 will mark the Galaxy S2's entry into Jelly Bean territory, so there are still a couple features to take note of: Google Now and Project Butter. Google Now is Android's version of Siri and will tell you how long your morning commute will take and can even give you the latest sports scores. Project Butter ramps up the frame rate and system performance for a silkier interface that gets rid of a lot of Ice Cream Sandwich's lag. Welcome upgrades for the Galaxy S2, which has officially been running Ice Cream Sandwich, a version of Android that lacks these features. 

Samsung is expected to begin rolling out its official Android 4.1.2 update for the Galaxy S2 smartphone before the end of 2012. As usual, this will come in batches, and not everyone will have access to it, so if you're willing to risk your Galaxy S2, the firmwares can provide services that might take awhile to hit - especially if you're an owner of a U.S. carrier-tied variant.