Firmware for smartphone Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S III. Detailed review of the Android smartphone Samsung Galaxy S III (GT-i9300) Size and weight information of the device, presented in different units of measurement. Used materials, suggested colors, certificate

Among the dozens of smartphone models produced annually by one of the market leaders - Samsung - the manufacturer's flagship devices attract special attention. As for the software part of Samsung flagships, here we can talk about the widest possibilities for its variability. Let's consider the Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S III model in this aspect - the methods of flashing the device will be discussed in the material below.

A high level of performance and a large margin of performance, thanks to the use of the most advanced achievements of the industry, make it possible to use Samsung's flagship solutions without problems for many years, without a critical drop in performance. Some attention requires only the software part of the device. However, for interacting with system software, up to its complete replacement, there are convenient tools and proven methods.

All manipulations according to the instructions below are performed by the user at his own peril and risk. The author of the article and the Site Administration do not guarantee the achievement of positive and desired results by the owner of the device, and are not responsible for possible damage to the smartphone as a result of incorrect actions!

In order to carry out the process of reinstalling the system software in the Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S3 as quickly and efficiently as possible, it is necessary to carry out several preparatory procedures. This issue should be given due attention, because only after proper preparation, you can count on a positive result of the firmware and the quick elimination of errors that may occur when installing Android into the device.

Drivers

Almost all procedures that involve serious interference with the system software of an Android smartphone require the use of a PC and specialized utilities as tools that allow manipulation. Therefore, the first thing to take care of when you need to flash the Samsung GT-I9300 is the correct pairing of the device and the computer, that is, installing the drivers.

USB Debugging Mode

In order for Windows applications to interact with the software components of a smartphone, a special mode must be activated on the device - "USB Debugging". This option will need to be activated in almost any manipulation involving access to data in the phone's memory. To enable the mode, do the following:

Root and BusyBox

Without obtaining Superuser rights, it is impossible to carry out serious interference with the software part of the Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S III. At the preparatory stage, root rights will make it possible to create a full-fledged backup, and in the future they will allow almost any manipulations with the system software, up to its complete replacement.

To get privileges on the model in question, one of the software tools is used: KingRoot or KingoRoot - these are the fastest and easiest tools that make it easy to root the device. The choice of a specific application is up to the user; in general, they work equally effectively and are easy to use.

In addition to root rights, many operations with the Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 model require the device to have installed
BusyBox is a set of console utilities that allow you to perform manipulations that require the connection of additional OS kernel modules. An installer that allows you to get BusyBox is available from the Google Play Market.

backup

Theoretically, after installing the drivers to perform manipulations with the Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S III through programs for interacting with memory sections, there are practically no obstacles left, you can start installing Android, but, as you know, this process may not always go smoothly and can lead to damage to individual software components of the device, not to mention the fact that all user data will be deleted as a result of the procedure and it will be necessary to restore everything necessary - contacts, photos, applications, etc. In a word, it is highly not recommended to start reinstalling Android without a preliminary backup.

User data

To save the information accumulated in the phone's memory during operation, the easiest way is to use the Samsung Smart Switch proprietary tool mentioned above when describing the driver installation process. We perform just three simple steps and all information will be archived into a backup copy:

It should be noted that recovery from a backup created using Samsung proprietary software will only be possible on a smartphone running official firmware. If you plan to switch to custom or if you want to additionally be safe from data loss, you can use one of the instructions for creating backups offered in the material at the link below:

EFS Section

An extremely important system memory area of ​​smartphones is "EFS". This section contains the serial number of the device, IMEI, GPS ID, MAC addresses of Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth modules. Damage or removal "EFS" in the process of manipulating system partitions for various reasons, it will lead to the inoperability of network interfaces, and in some cases to the inability to turn on the phone.

For the model in question, creating a backup "EFS" before reinstalling the system software is not just a recommendation, but a mandatory requirement! Ignoring the operation to create a dump greatly increases the risk of getting an inoperable smartphone!

In order to always be able to quickly restore the partition "EFS" in Samsung Galaxy S3, we will create an area dump using a specialized software tool - EFS Professional.

Recovery "EFS" tab is used "Restore" in EFS Professional. After connecting the smartphone in the same order as when creating a backup, and going to the program recovery section in the list "Select a backup archive to restore" you need to select a backup file, check the presence of marks in the checkboxes of the field "Archive Backup Contens" and by pressing the button "Restore", wait for the procedure to complete.

Firmware

One of the notable features of Samsung's flagship devices is the availability of a huge number of modified unofficial firmware for them. The use of such solutions makes it possible to completely transform the shell and get new versions of Android. But before moving on to installing custom, you should learn how to install official versions of the system. In case of problems, this skill will allow you to restore the software of the model to its original state.

Method 1: Smart Switch

The manufacturer Samsung has a rather tough policy regarding interference with the software of its own brand devices. The only thing that it allows you to do officially regarding the Galaxy S3 firmware is updating the system version through the Smart Switch proprietary software, which we already use above when installing drivers and creating a backup copy of information from a smartphone.

1. Install and run Smart Switch. We connect the smartphone launched in Android to the USB port of the computer.



2. After the model is determined in the application, the version of the system installed in the phone is automatically checked against the edition available on the Samsung servers, and if an update is possible, a corresponding notification is displayed. Click "Update".



3. We confirm the need to start updating the version of the phone system - the button "Continue" in the appeared window-request with the numbers of editions of the installed and available for installation system software.



4. After reviewing the conditions under which the update is successful, click "All Confirmed".



5. Further, Smart Switch will carry out the necessary manipulations automatically, reporting what is happening in special windows with progress bars:
   

   

6. After receiving confirmation of the successful completion of the OS update in the Smart Switch window

   

   Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S3 can be disconnected from the USB port - all system software components are already optimized.

Method 2: ODIN

Using the ODIN universal tool to replace system software and restore Android in Samsung devices is the most effective method of manipulation. The application allows you to install official firmware of two types - service and single-file, and the installation of the first version of the package is one of the few ways to "revive" Galaxy S III that are not functional in terms of software.

Before using ODIN to overwrite Samsung GT-I9300 memory partitions, we recommend that you read the instructions for reinstalling system software using the application in the general case from the material available at the link:

Service package

A special type of package with system software used in service centers and intended for installation in Samsung Android devices through ONE is called "multi-file firmware" due to the fact that it includes several system component files. You can download the archive containing the service solution for the model in question at the link:

1. We translate S3 into Odin mode. For this:
2. We launch ONE and connect the phone to the USB port. We make sure that the device is defined in the program in the form of a field filled in blue with the number of the COM port through which the connection is made.



3. We add the components of the multi-file firmware to the program from the folder obtained as a result of unpacking the archive downloaded from the link above.

   

   To do this, press the buttons one by one and specify the files in the Explorer window in accordance with the table:

   

   After loading all the software components into the program, the ONE window should look like this:

   

4. If you plan to repartition the device's memory, specify the path to the PIT file on the tab "Pit".

   

   Re-partitioning is advisable to carry out only in critical situations and when errors occur during the operation of ONE without a PIT file! Initially, you should try to reinstall Android by skipping this step!

   We press the button "PIT" on the tab of the same name in ODIN and add the file "mx.pit", present in the directory with the proposed package.

   

   When using a PIT file in the process of reinstalling Android on a Samsung GT-I9300, on the tab "Options" ODIN must be checked "Repartition".



5. After making sure that all files are added to the appropriate fields and the parameters are set correctly, press the button Start to start transferring files to the machine's memory.



6. We are waiting for ONE to overwrite the memory areas of the smartphone. Interrupting the process is unacceptable, it remains only to observe the progress indicators in the flasher window and, at the same time,

   

   on screen S3.



7. After the indication field of ongoing processes in ODIN displays "PASS",
   
   

   The machine will reboot and the OS components will be initialized.



8. The Android installation is completed, and as a result, we get a device cleaned from the remnants of the previous operating system,

   

   which demonstrates the same level of performance as when you first turned it on after purchase.

   

Single file firmware

If you need to simply reinstall Android, update or rollback the version of the official Samsung GT-I9300 OS, a single-file package is usually used. You can download the latest version of the official OS for Russia in order to install it through ONE, using the link:

Installing such a solution is much easier than a service one. It is enough to follow the same steps as in the instructions for working with a multi-file package, but instead of points 3 and 4, you need to do it using the button "AP" adding a single file *.tar, contained in the directory obtained as a result of unpacking the archive with a single-file firmware.

Method 3: Mobile ODIN

Many users of Android devices are interested in the possibility of reinstalling the OS on the device without using a PC. For Samsung GT-I9300, this action is possible using the Mobile ODIN tool, an Android application that allows you to seamlessly install official single-file firmware.

You can get the tool in the device by downloading it from the Google Play Market.

Successful execution of Mobile One functions is possible only if root rights are obtained on the device!

The software package used in the example below can be downloaded from the link:

1. Install Mobile One and place the package that will be installed into the internal memory of the Galaxy S3 or onto the memory card installed in the device.



2. We launch the application and grant Mobile ODIN root rights.



3. We download additional components of MobileOne, which provide the ability to install packages with system software. You will be prompted to upgrade the first time you run the tool. We confirm the need to download add-ons by tapping on the button Download and wait for the installation of the modules to finish.



4. Before installation, the firmware file must be loaded into Mobile ODIN. Scrolling through the list of options on the main screen of the application, we find and press "Open File...". We select the storage where the firmware is copied to, then we specify the file intended for installation.



5. If the system version is rolled back, you must first clear the device's memory partitions. To do this, check the checkboxes Wipe data and cache, and "Wipe Dalvik cache".

   

   In the case of an update, data cleaning can be omitted, but the procedure is recommended, as it allows you to remove "software garbage" from the system, and also prevents many errors during the installation of Android and its further operation!

6. Click Flash and confirm the application requests that appear.



7. Mobile Odin performs further manipulations without user intervention. The last thing left to do is to watch:



8. After the welcome screen appears, we perform the initial configuration of the OS parameters.



9. Everything is ready to use the Samsung GT-I9300 Galaxy S III running a reinstalled official Android.

Method 4: Custom firmware

The above methods for installing the official editions of Android in the Samsung S3 allow you to bring the device to the factory state and solve a lot of problems that arise for various reasons in the process of using a smartphone. If the goal of the firmware of the device is to completely transform the software part, introduce new functions into the device and turn the phone into a truly modern device, at least with regard to the OS version, the device should be paid attention to the possibility of installing one of the custom firmware.

Since the level of popularity of the model in question is extremely high, a large number of different unofficial system software solutions based on Android versions of KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow and Nougat have been created for it. Below are the most popular modified shells for S3, and their installation can be divided into two stages - equipping the smartphone with a modified recovery, and then directly installing the unofficial Android.

Installation, launch, configuration TWRP

In order to be able to install a modified unofficial OS on the model in question, the device must be equipped with a special recovery environment - custom recovery. Several solutions are available for the device in question, including ClockworkMod Recovery (CWM) and its updated version of Philz Touch, but TeamWin Recovery (TWRP) is considered the most functional and convenient product today, and should be installed to get results, as in the examples below.

For all Samsung flagship solutions, the TeamWin team has officially developed and released recovery packages that can be installed using several methods. Two of them have already been described in the articles on our website.

In an effort to get the latest versions of Android on the Samsung GT-I9300, many owners of the device ignore the possibility of using one of the most beautiful and functional shells for the device in question - MIUI. Meanwhile, this particular product is considered one of the best solutions, despite the fact that it is based on the outdated Android 4.4.

The MIUI packages intended for installation in the model in question are posted, among other things, on the sites of well-known development teams miui.su and xiaomi.eu.

Information about the make, model, and alternative names of a particular device, if any.

Design

Information about the dimensions and weight of the device, presented in different units of measurement. Used materials, suggested colors, certificates.

Width Width information refers to the horizontal side of the device in its standard orientation during use.	70.6 mm (millimeters) 7.06 cm (centimeters) 0.23 ft 2.78in
Height Height information refers to the vertical side of the device in its standard orientation during use.	136.6 mm (millimeters) 13.66 cm (centimeters) 0.45 ft 5.38in
Thickness Information about the thickness of the device in different units of measurement.	8.6 mm (millimeters) 0.86 cm (centimeters) 0.03 ft 0.34in
Weight Information about the weight of the device in different units of measurement.	133 g (grams) 0.29 lbs 4.69oz
Volume Approximate volume of the device, calculated from dimensions provided by the manufacturer. Refers to devices with the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.	82.94 cm³ (cubic centimeters) 5.04 in³ (cubic inches)
Colors Information about the colors in which this device is offered for sale.	White Blue Brown Red Black Grey
Housing materials The materials used to make the body of the device.	Plastic

SIM card

The SIM card is used in mobile devices to store data that certifies the authenticity of mobile service subscribers.

Mobile networks

A mobile network is a radio system that allows multiple mobile devices to communicate with each other.

Mobile technologies and data rates

Communication between devices in mobile networks is carried out through technologies that provide different data transfer rates.

Operating system

The operating system is the system software that manages and coordinates the operation of the hardware components in the device.

SoC (System on a Chip)

System on a chip (SoC) includes all the most important hardware components of a mobile device in one chip.

SoC (System on a Chip) A system on a chip (SoC) integrates various hardware components such as a processor, graphics processor, memory, peripherals, interfaces, etc., as well as the software necessary for their operation.	Samsung Exynos 4 Quad 4412
Technological process Information about the technological process by which the chip is made. The value in nanometers measures half the distance between the elements in the processor.	32 nm (nanometers)
Processor (CPU) The main function of the processor (CPU) of a mobile device is the interpretation and execution of instructions contained in software applications.	ARM Cortex-A9
Processor bit depth The bit depth (bits) of a processor is determined by the size (in bits) of registers, address buses, and data buses. 64-bit processors have higher performance than 32-bit processors, which, in turn, are more productive than 16-bit processors.	32 bit
Instruction Set Architecture Instructions are commands by which the software sets/controls the operation of the processor. Information about the instruction set (ISA) that the processor can execute.	ARMv7
First level cache (L1) Cache memory is used by the processor to reduce access time to more frequently accessed data and instructions. L1 (level 1) cache is small and much faster than both system memory and other cache levels. If the processor does not find the requested data in L1, it continues to look for them in the L2 cache. With some processors, this search is performed simultaneously in L1 and L2.	32 kB + 32 kB (kilobytes)
Second level cache (L2) L2 (level 2) cache is slower than L1, but in return it has a larger capacity, allowing more data to be cached. It, like L1, is much faster than system memory (RAM). If the processor does not find the requested data in L2, it continues to look for it in the L3 cache (if available) or RAM.	1024 KB (kilobytes) 1 MB (megabytes)
Number of processor cores The processor core executes program instructions. There are processors with one, two or more cores. Having more cores increases performance by allowing many instructions to be executed in parallel.	4
Processor clock speed The clock speed of a processor describes its speed in terms of cycles per second. It is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).	1400 MHz (megahertz)
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) The graphics processing unit (GPU) handles calculations for various 2D/3D graphics applications. In mobile devices, it is used most often by games, consumer interface, video applications, etc.	ARM Mali-400 MP4
Number of GPU cores Like the CPU, the GPU is made up of several working parts called cores. They handle the graphical calculations of different applications.	4
GPU clock speed Speed ​​is the clock speed of the GPU and is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).	440 MHz (megahertz)
The amount of random access memory (RAM) Random access memory (RAM) is used by the operating system and all installed applications. Data stored in RAM is lost when the device is turned off or restarted.	1 GB (gigabytes)
Type of random access memory (RAM) Information about the type of random access memory (RAM) used by the device.	LPDDR2
Number of RAM channels Information about the number of RAM channels that are integrated into the SoC. More channels means higher data rates.	dual channel
RAM frequency The frequency of RAM determines its speed, more specifically, the speed of reading / writing data.	400 MHz (megahertz)

Built-in memory

Each mobile device has a built-in (non-removable) memory with a fixed amount.

Memory cards

Memory cards are used in mobile devices to increase the storage capacity for storing data.

Screen

The screen of a mobile device is characterized by its technology, resolution, pixel density, diagonal length, color depth, etc.

Type/technology One of the main characteristics of the screen is the technology by which it is made and on which the image quality of information directly depends.	Super AMOLED
Diagonal For mobile devices, the screen size is expressed in terms of its diagonal length, measured in inches.	4.8in 121.92 mm (millimeters) 12.19 cm (centimeters)
Width Approximate Screen Width	2.35in 59.77 mm (millimeters) 5.98 cm (centimeters)
Height Approximate Screen Height	4.18in 106.26 mm (millimeters) 10.63 cm (centimeters)
Aspect Ratio The ratio of the dimensions of the long side of the screen to its short side	1.778:1 16:9
Permission Screen resolution indicates the number of pixels vertically and horizontally on the screen. Higher resolution means sharper image detail.	720 x 1280 pixels
Pixel Density Information about the number of pixels per centimeter or inch of the screen. Higher density allows information to be shown on the screen in clearer detail.	306 ppi (pixels per inch) 120ppm (pixels per centimeter)
Color depth Screen color depth reflects the total number of bits used for the color components in a single pixel. Information about the maximum number of colors the screen can display.	24 bit 16777216 flowers
Screen area Approximate percentage of screen space on the front of the device.	66.07% (percentage)
Other characteristics Information about other functions and features of the screen.	capacitive Multitouch Scratch resistance
	Corning Gorilla Glass 2

Sensors

Different sensors perform different quantitative measurements and convert physical indicators into signals that are recognized by the mobile device.

rear camera

The main camera of a mobile device is usually located on its rear panel and can be combined with one or more additional cameras.

Sensor type Information about the type of camera sensor. Some of the most widely used sensor types in mobile device cameras are CMOS, BSI, ISOCELL, etc.	CMOS BSI (backside illumination)
Sensor size Information about the size of the photosensor used in the device. Typically, cameras with a larger sensor and lower pixel density offer better image quality despite lower resolution.	4.6 x 3.45 mm (millimeters) 0.23in
Pixel size Pixels are usually measured in microns. Larger pixels are able to capture more light and therefore provide better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range than smaller pixels. On the other hand, smaller pixels allow higher resolution while maintaining the same sensor size.	1.409 µm (micrometers) 0.001409 mm (millimeters)
crop factor The crop factor is the ratio between the size of a full-frame sensor (36 x 24mm, equivalent to a frame of standard 35mm film) and the size of the device's photosensor. The number shown is the ratio of the diagonals of the full frame sensor (43.3 mm) and the photo sensor of the specific device.	7.52
Svetlosila Luminosity (also known as f-stop, aperture, or f-number) is a measure of the size of a lens aperture that determines the amount of light that enters the sensor. The lower the f-number, the larger the aperture and the more light reaches the sensor. Usually, the number f is indicated, which corresponds to the maximum possible aperture of the aperture.	f/2.6
Flash type The rear (rear) cameras of mobile devices mainly use LED flashes. They can be configured with one, two or more light sources and vary in shape.	LED
Image resolution One of the main characteristics of cameras is resolution. It represents the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in an image. For convenience, smartphone manufacturers often list resolution in megapixels, giving an approximate number of pixels in millions.	3264 x 2448 pixels 7.99 MP (megapixels)
Video resolution Information about the maximum video resolution that the camera can record.	1920 x 1080 pixels 2.07 MP (megapixels)
Video recording speed (frame rate) Information about the maximum recording rate (frames per second, fps) supported by the camera at maximum resolution. Some of the most basic video recording speeds are 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps.	30 fps (frames per second)
Characteristics Information about additional software and hardware features of the rear (rear) camera.	autofocus Burst shooting digital zoom geo tags panoramic shooting HDR shooting Touch focus Face recognition Adjusting the white balance ISO setting Exposure compensation Self-timer Scene Selection Mode

Front-camera

Smartphones have one or more front cameras of various designs - a pop-up camera, a PTZ camera, a cutout or hole in the display, a camera under the display.

Audio

Information about the type of speakers and audio technologies supported by the device.

Radio

The radio of the mobile device is a built-in FM receiver.

Location determination

Information about navigation and location technologies supported by the device.

WiFi

Wi-Fi is a technology that provides wireless communication for short distance data transmission between different devices.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a standard for secure wireless data transfer between different types of devices over short distances.

Version There are several versions of Bluetooth, with each subsequent one improving communication speed, coverage, making it easier to discover and connect devices. Information about the Bluetooth version of the device.

4.0

Characteristics Bluetooth uses different profiles and protocols for faster data transfer, power savings, better device discovery, and more. Some of the profiles and protocols that the device supports are shown here.

A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) AVCTP (Audio/Video Control Transport Protocol) AVDTP (Audio/Video Distribution Transport Protocol) AVRCP (Audio/Visual Remote Control Profile) BNEP (Bluetooth Network Encapsulation Protocol) DIP (Device ID Profile) EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) GAVDP (Generic Audio/Video Distribution Profile) GAP (Generic Access Profile) HFP (Hands Free Profile) HID (Human Interface Profile) HSP (Headset Profile) MAP (Message Access Profile) OPP (Object Push Profile) PAN (Personal Area Networking Profile) PBAP/PAB (Phone Book Access Profile) SPP (Serial Port Protocol) SDP (Service Discovery Protocol)

USB

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard that allows different electronic devices to communicate.

HDMI

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital audio/video interface that replaces older analog audio/video standards.

Headphone jack

This is an audio connector, which is also called an audio jack. The most widely used standard in mobile devices is the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Connecting devices

Information about other important connection technologies supported by the device.

Browser

A web browser is a software application for accessing and viewing information on the Internet.

Browser Information about some of the key features and standards supported by the device's browser.

HTML HTML5 Flash

Audio file formats/codecs

Mobile devices support various audio file formats and codecs that store and encode/decode digital audio data, respectively.

Video file formats/codecs

Mobile devices support various video file formats and codecs, which store and encode/decode digital video data, respectively.

Battery

Mobile device batteries differ from each other in their capacity and technology. They provide the electrical charge they need to function.

Capacity The capacity of a battery indicates the maximum charge it can store, measured in milliamp-hours.	2100 mAh (milliamp-hours)
Type The type of battery is determined by its structure and, more specifically, by the chemicals used. There are different types of batteries, with lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries being the most commonly used in mobile devices.	Li-Ion (Li-Ion)
Talk time 2G Talk time in 2G is the period of time during which the battery is completely discharged during a continuous conversation in a 2G network.	18h (hours) 1080 min (minutes) 0.8 days
2G standby time The 2G standby time is the amount of time it takes for the battery to fully discharge when the device is in stand-by mode and connected to a 2G network.	330 h (hours) 19800 min (minutes) 13.8 days
3G talk time Talk time in 3G is the period of time during which the battery is completely discharged during a continuous conversation in a 3G network.	14 h (hours) 840 min (minutes) 0.6 days
3G standby time The 3G standby time is the amount of time it takes for the battery to fully discharge when the device is in stand-by mode and connected to a 3G network.	330 h (hours) 19800 min (minutes) 13.8 days
Characteristics Information about some additional features of the device's battery.	Wireless charger Removable
	Wireless charging - optional

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)

SAR levels refer to the amount of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the human body while using a mobile device.

Head SAR (EU) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation that the human body is exposed to when holding a mobile device near the ear in a conversation position. In Europe, the maximum allowable SAR value for mobile devices is limited to 2 W/kg per 10 grams of human tissue. This standard has been established by CENELEC in accordance with IEC standards following the 1998 ICNIRP guidelines.	0.342 W/kg (watt per kilogram)
Body SAR (EU) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation that the human body is exposed to when holding a mobile device at hip level. The maximum allowed SAR value for mobile devices in Europe is 2 W/kg per 10 grams of human tissue. This standard has been established by CENELEC following the 1998 ICNIRP guidelines and IEC standards.	0.547 W/kg (watt per kilogram)
Head SAR (US) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation that the human body is exposed to when holding a mobile device near the ear. The maximum value used in the US is 1.6 W/kg per gram of human tissue. Mobile devices in the US are controlled by the CTIA and the FCC conducts tests and sets their SAR values.	0.628 W/kg (watt per kilogram)
Body SAR (US) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation that the human body is exposed to when holding a mobile device at hip level. The highest acceptable SAR value in the US is 1.6 W/kg per gram of human tissue. This value is set by the FCC, and the CTIA controls whether mobile devices comply with this standard.	1.584 W/kg (watt per kilogram)

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Samsung Galaxy S3 mini received one of the first AOSP firmware Android 5.0 Lollipop

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The international version of the Samsung Galaxy S3 mini VE received a small update

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Android 4.4.4 KitKat for Galaxy S3 GT-I9300, unofficial yet [Instructions]

Samsung is not officially going to release the Android 4.4.4 KitKat firmware for the Galaxy S3 GT-I9300, but this does not stop us and a ported version of the update from the Galaxy S3 LTE has already appeared. While not all functions work, however, the firmware is working and can be installed on the GT-I9300. But it's better to wait until a stable build appears. We already offer you installation instructions.

Galaxy S3 LTE GT-I9305N gets Android 4.4.4 KitKat

Yesterday we noticed that Samsung has already released an update for the Galaxy S3 with LTE support, but only in South Korea. That is, Android 4.4.4 KitKat was released for the SHV-E210S model. Now in Europe you can get the same firmware for the Galaxy S3 LTE GT-I9305N smartphone. I think this is great news for all of you.

Galaxy S3 4G receives Android 4.4.4 KitKat update

Samsung today started updating the Galaxy S3 LTE to Android 4.4.4 KitKat. As you understand, while this concerns the 4G version of the smartphone, the international Galaxy S3 GT-I9300 will remain on the firmware that is now available for it.

Galaxy S3 Neo receives Android 4.4.4 KitKat update

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Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3 are the most popular Android smartphones

Despite the fact that the Galaxy S3 has already celebrated its birthday twice, it still remains the most popular Android smartphone, even more popular than the Galaxy S4. We learned this thanks to the OpenSignal study. Samsung is the most advanced smartphone manufacturer.

Installing Android 4.4.4 KitKat update on Galaxy S3 GT-I9300

Already today, a simple model Galaxy S3 (not LTE) received a stable firmware CyanogenMod 11 M8. Here you will get all the additional features that Android 4.4.4 has on Nexus 4 and Nexus 5. So, in principle, it makes sense to install CyanogenMod 11 M8 on Galaxy S3, and we suggest you use this instruction.

An exact copy of the flagship smartphone from Samsung in 2012 with improved specifications and support for two SIM cards is the Galaxy S3 Duos. Despite the fact that a lot of time has passed since the start of sales of this device, its characteristics still continue to be relevant. It is they, as well as reviews about this gadget, that will be discussed in detail in this article.

Smartphone niche

In terms of performance, Galaxy S3 Duos can be safely attributed to entry-level solutions. However, it is slightly overpriced. But this significant drawback is easily compensated by a number of characteristics (for example, the increased size of the touch screen diagonal, the impressive capacity of the integrated drive, improved parameters of the main camera). Therefore, this smartphone model is of the greatest interest for those who want an entry-level device, but with slightly improved parameters compared to competitors. Well, you will have to overpay for these improved parameters. But, on the other hand, this is quite justified, because you get a device that is much easier and more convenient to work on.

Equipment

The S3 Duos phone boasts a standard package. It includes the following components and, of course, accessories:

• Smartphone.
• 2100 mAh rechargeable battery (it is inside the gadget and is removable).
• Advanced stereo headset with a set of nozzles.
• Charger.
• interface cord.
• A quick user guide and a warranty card are combined in one booklet.

The body of the device is mostly made of plastic. To avoid possible damage during operation, you will have to immediately buy a cover. Moreover, this device is almost an exact copy of the original S3 flagship, and cases from the latter are ideal for S3 Duos. For the same reason, it is highly recommended to purchase and apply a protective film for the touch screen. This will also help to avoid possible damage during operation in the future. Another important accessory is a memory card. It is also not in the delivery list, and therefore will have to be purchased separately. Although, in principle, the owner of this device can do without it. The capacity of the integrated drive allows this.

Design

In terms of design, the gadget is completely identical to its predecessor Galaxy S3 Duos. An overview of the appearance of these devices even allows you to distinguish between them. The only difference is the inscription on the front panel, at the end of which the word Duos was added. On the front panel of the gadget, as expected, displays a display with a diagonal of 4.8 inches. At the bottom, under it, there is a familiar control panel, which consists of a central mechanical button and two extreme touch buttons. Unlike most similar devices, in this case, the buttons are backlit, which greatly simplifies the work on the smartphone in low light levels. Above the screen is a speaker, a front camera eye, and light and distance sensors. On the top edge of the smartphone, there is only a 3.5 mm wired audio jack. On the left side of the device there are buttons for volume control, and on the right - locks. At the bottom, there is a micro-USB connector and a microphone hole. On the back cover, in addition to the logo of the manufacturer and the inscription DUOS, there is also a hole for the main camera and LED backlight. The main speaker is also displayed here, which is hidden behind a metal mesh.

CPU

The Galaxy S3 Duos uses a time-tested and very reliable chip as a computing platform - the Snapdragon 400, developed by Qualcom. It consists of 4 computational models of the "Cortex A7" architecture. Each of them can be accelerated to 1.4 GHz at maximum load. It is also manufactured using the 28nm process technology. All this allows it to combine an acceptable level of computing performance and high energy efficiency. For most everyday tasks, this semiconductor crystal is more than enough. This list includes playing videos, listening to music and radio, reading books, browsing the Internet. But the most demanding games of the latest generation certainly will not run on this device. For the most part, they are optimized for 64-bit computing, and this chip can process only 32 bits per cycle. Hence the problems with their launch.

Device display and graphics

Very high quality display in the Galaxy S3 Duos. Its characteristics are as follows:

• Matrix manufacturing technology - "SuperAMOLED".
• Resolution - 1280x720.
• Display diagonal 4.8 inches.

Such technical specifications require a good graphics accelerator. In this case, Adreno 305 is used. Of course, he certainly cannot boast of an exorbitant level of performance, but one certainly cannot expect this from an entry-level device. However, for most everyday tasks, its presence is quite enough.

cameras

Just a great main camera in Duos. It has an 8MP sensor. Autofocus technology is also implemented, there is a digital zoom. Well, in the dark, a high-quality picture will allow you to get, albeit a single, LED backlight. As a result, the quality of the photo is very good quality. Video recording is great too. Video resolution can reach 1920x1080. In this case, the image will be updated 30 times per second. More modest parameters for the front camera. It has a 1.9MP sensor. Therefore, a quality "selfie" in this case is out of the question. But for video communication, this is more than enough.

Memory

1.5 GB is the amount of RAM in the Galaxy S3 Duos. 16 GB is the capacity of the integrated drive. This will be quite enough for the average user for work and leisure. If for some reason you need to increase the amount of memory in the device, you can install an external flash drive. At the same time, its maximum volume can be equal to 64 GB. For greater reliability, it is recommended to store the most valuable information on cloud services. This will avoid its loss in case of theft or breakdown of the "smart" phone.

Device autonomy

The S3 Duos cannot boast of high autonomy. The main reason here is the 2100 mAh battery capacity. In a case with a thickness of 8.6 mm, a larger battery is difficult to put. Add to this the presence of two SIM cards and a display diagonal of 4.8 inches. To a certain extent, the energy-efficient processor solves the problem, but this is not enough to fully address this issue. As a result, all the previously mentioned factors lead to the fact that at maximum load this smart phone can last a maximum of 12 hours. If we reduce the load, we get 2-3 days of reliable work on a single battery charge. If this is not enough, then we buy an additional external battery. Of course, this is not an entirely elegant solution, but your phone will not let you down at the most inopportune moment for this.

Interface set

Samsung Galaxy S3 Duos boasts the following interfaces:

• "Wi-Fi" - fast downloading data from the Internet to your smartphone in any amount.
• GSM and 3G - with their help, you can download information from the global web, make calls and send or receive SMS.
• GLONASS and GPS allow you to determine your location or get directions with high accuracy.
• NFC - this wireless interface makes it possible to upload files of any size to a similar gadget in a matter of minutes.
• "Bluetooth" allows you to do the same as NFC, but the amount of data should be much smaller.
• The 3.5 mm audio jack allows you to output sound from your smartphone to external sound sources (speakers or headphones).
• The micro-USB is used to charge the battery. Also, this wired interface provides synchronization with external devices (PC, laptop).

Software

Android is used as system software in this smartphone. Initially, the version with serial number 4.3 was installed on it. But after the first connection to the Internet, the Galaxy S3 Duos firmware will be updated to a more recent version - 4.4. The owners of this gadget do not have to wait for further updates of the system software. The smartphone has been on sale for a long time, and for quite a long time the manufacturer has not released updated software for it. On top of the operating system, as in any other device from this manufacturer, a proprietary TouchWiz shell is installed. You also need to allocate an impressive amount of pre-installed software. First of all, this is the Polaris office. That is, this smartphone can work with various electronic documents (*.doc, *.xls, *.pdf, and so on) right out of the box. There are also familiar programs from Google. Korean programmers have not forgotten about social networks either. Well, to top it off, there is a complete set of utilities built into the OS. So the smartphone is ready to go out of the box.

Gadget price today

As noted earlier, against the background of direct competitors, the Galaxy S3 Duos is slightly overpriced. Its current price is $180. But, on the other hand, it can be justified by improved technical specifications. This is an increased diagonal of the display, and a better organized memory subsystem, and a more productive computing platform. Therefore, the higher cost of this gadget is offset by a number of advantages.