While Google is already all-out in pushing for the release of both the Android 5.1 Lollipop and the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop on many Android devices given the impending roll out of the Android M in the third quarter of this year, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is officially up to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop as of this time.
Unofficially however, custom ROMs have made it possible for the 2013 flagship smartphone of the Korean tech giant to take on either the Android 5.1 Lollipop or the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop already.
One of the more popular developers who is into the development of custom ROM is Resurrection Remix and it has come up with an Android 5.1.1 Lollipop-based ROM that brings additional gesture controls, LED density changer, and theme chooser to the Samsung Galaxy S4, details the Android Pit.
It should be noted however that the Resurrection Remix Android 5.1.1 Lollipop ROM is specifically meant to the international version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 with model number GT-I9500.
Another custom ROM that enables Samsung Galaxy S4 users to take on the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop is developed by Bliss Pop which brings with it a lot of customization options. The ROM is based on the even more popular CM12.1 ROM from CyanogenMod, clever enough to take on the base and loaded it with even more features.
Official roll out of the Android 5.1 Lollipop
Samsung still cannot commit as to when it can officially roll out the Android 5.1 Lollipop on its Samsung Galaxy S4 but sources from the company hinted that the update will be coming even though it was not approved for the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini.
However, the same sources said that the Android 5.1 Lollipop may only be approved for the Google Play Edition of the Samsung Galaxy S4. But other sources claim that other standard models of the 2013 flagship smartphone of the Korean tech giant will also get the update as well very soon.
But until Samsung comes out with an official announcement or statement regarding the release of the Android 5.1 Lollipop on its Galaxy S4, everything is speculation at this time and users who really wish to get their hands on the OS update might as well go for the alternative of taking on custom ROM updates through XDA developers.
Prepping up the devices
Samsung has reportedly been preparing its devices to take on the Android 5.1 Lollipop very soon. Some of these devices include the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Samsung Galaxy S5, and the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. But the roll out schedules would be dependent primarily on the plans or timetable of the US and international carriers.
Although most users of Samsung Galaxy S4, the Galaxy Note 4, and the Galaxy S5 are already using Android 5.0.1 Lollipop or Android 5.0.2 Lollipop for its mobile operating software, they are still complaining about issues and there is certainly more work to be done. They are actually expecting that Android 5.1 Lollipop would be the solution to their complaints.