Android 5.1.1 Lollipop news: How to update for Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy E7 [VIDEO]

Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop[photo: YouTube screen capture/High On Android]

Two devices from the Samsung Galaxy product line can now get hold of the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop operating system (OS), although the manner of applying the new build differs.

The easier route is the one for the Samsung Galaxy E7.

The device, which was released back in February, can be updated to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop using the traditional over-the-air (OTA) means. Remember that the existing OS is still Android 4.4 KitKat so as a precaution, it may be wise to back data up first before proceeding.

Should the OTA update be already available, make sure that the phone is at least 50% charged and that the Internet connection is stable. Keep close watch of the phone settings in case a notification that the update is already ready for download arrives.

Now, for the not-so-easy part, which is to update the Samsung Galaxy S3 with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, this process will require S3 owners to download the Dirty Unicorn firmware to bump up to the latest OS.

The Galaxy S3 came out with Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich but updates went as far as Android 4.3 Jellybean. Now, before applying the update, make sure the data has been backed up just as a precautionary measure as always in case the unfortunate happens.

Assuming that backing up has been done, here are the steps one can follow to bump up the device's OS to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop:

1. Download the Android 5.1.1 custom ROM from Dirty Unicorns and Google Apps zip files on a personal computer (PC).
2. Connect the Galaxy S3 to the PC via USB
3. Copy the downloaded files to the phone's SD card
4. Disconnect the device
5. Choose install from SD card and select Android 5.1.1 Custom ROM by Dirty Unicorn
6. After installation is complete, choose the Google Apps file
7. Once all done, reboot the device.
8. All done and start using the device with Android 5.1.1