Android ICS 4.0.3 on unlocked Galaxy S2 - problems?

mike216

Hi, anyone got an unlocked (sim-free/unbranded) SGS2 with the official update version of ICS - 4.0.3 and experiencing issues with performance in relation to Gingerbread (2.3.4 was what I previously had).

I'm seeing random freezes, wiki crashing phone, GPS performance dropping off a cliff (takes several mins to find location), general quirks and bugs with the Touchwiz interface, far slower general operation and worst of all, much-reduced battery life and sometimes, the phone freezes (screen goes black) but it's still on and gets very hot while the battery drains in a couple of hours, requiring removal of the battery to reset.

I've heard that 4.0.4 (the update that cannot be found? ) is far more stable/efficient but how to get this without rooting the phone? Since it's an unlocked phone (bought through CPW with O2 sim) I guess I have no recourse to O2 to get an update?

There must be many others in this position, anyone with similar issues and/or advice for a solution?

thegoodman

The Android is a great os, however the way it works is not designed for general updates. Most updates are released by the manufacture of the phone nt Google. The manufacture make hardware so their focus on os and update is very limited. This is one of the reason after months of wait ISC update on many devices is buggy. Apart from Motorola now part of Google all others make money from selling hardware not software update.

Your only action is to either wait for further update or root the phone. Also the reason why still many Android phones run on older version some 2 to 3 years without any update.

With Android phones which I am sure many Android users will confirm is designed to be purchased as seen. You buy the product as long as it does what you need without future updates, if you get one be happy. May users have not updated their Android due to this. Others will go for rooting option but many apps may not work such as banking as this make your phone unsafe. Also if not done correctly your phone may stop working.

mike216

Thanks

Do you know if it's possible to revert to a previously-installed Android OS?

[Deleted User]

Perform a factory reset.

Make sure you have backed up all your applications+data, contacts, messages and anything else you want to keep first though!

Forwandert

anewhope wrote: »

Perform a factory reset.

Make sure you have backed up all your applications+data, contacts, messages and anything else you want to keep first though!

This should resolve most issues. The ICS update wasn't what you would class as a clean install as it basically laid ICS onto all the data from gingerbread without wiping it all first. Most ICS problems with the s2 resolve after a full wipe.

thegoodman

mike216 wrote: »

Thanks

Do you know if it's possible to revert to a previously-installed Android OS?

You can not go back to the old version, it's an one off unless you take the root option.

However try resetting this might work

[Deleted User]

thegoodman wrote: »

You can not go back to the old version, it's an one off unless you take the root option.

However try resetting this might work

Incorrect on both statements.

You can revert to a previous firmware and you do not need root access to be able to do it. It is not necessarily straightforward though.

thegoodman

anewhope wrote: »

Incorrect on both statements.

You can revert to a previous firmware and you do not need root access to be able to do it. It is not necessarily straightforward though.

Everything is possible if you know how, you can even write your own os or updates for Android.

The user can not go to the update and select old version, it's not that easy. Unless you are Android geek most people don't have know how to do that.

[Deleted User]

thegoodman wrote: »

Everything is possible if you know how, you can even write your own os or updates for Android.

We're not talking about that. Try to keep on topic for once.

The user can not go to the update and select old version, it's not that easy. Unless you are Android geek most people don't have know how to do that.

If the factory reset doesn't rectify the issues, then it will involve following a process that is outside of regular use, but it won't be anything more complicated than following the steps in a guide.

mike216

Thanks for the advice, folks. I will try a factory reset - presumably the only option from those outlined above that will not void the warranty!

Android is indeed a fine paradigm, but the update process is nothing short of shambolic. My advice to anyone on Gingerbread and thinking of upgrading to ICS, DON'T DO IT! It's not worth the bother! The phone was fast, slick and efficient on Gingerbread and everything worked beautifully. The upgrade has majorly impacted performance and for minimal perceivable benefit - the face unlock is a low-security novelty!

thegoodman

Have you done the factory reset?
Let us know if this have made any changes?