Android 7.0 Nougat Update: Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S2 Get Custom ROM

The official Android 7.0 Nougat update is coming to a number of Samsung Galaxy models, especially the recent ones such as the S6 and S7. However, older Samsung Galaxy units no longer getting firmware support won’t be updated with the official Android Nougat OS update anymore.

Luckily, those who own the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini or the Galaxy S2 have a chance now to experience the latest iteration of Google’s Android operating system. According to two separate posts from Team Android, a custom ROM based on Android 7.0 Nougat is available for these specific Galaxy models.

As for the status of the CM14 firmware update, the publication noted the following.

“This ROM is still work in progress so don’t expect everything to be rock solid stable.”

For those still willing to push through with the update procedure, the CM14 Nougat firmware is currently compatible with Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini LTE with model number GT-I9195. A version of the CM14 ROM can also be installed to Samsung Galaxy S2 bearing the model number GT-I9100.

It is essential to check the model number before installing a new firmware, particularly if it is a custom ROM, as using it with an incompatible device could permanently brick it. To verify the specific model, head to the phone’s Settings menu, and at the bottom of the selection that will appear, locate the About Device option. The model number, along with other information about the smartphone, should then be listed on the screen.

Moreover, since the CM14 Nougat ROM is not officially from and not recommended by Samsung, Galaxy S2 and S4 Mini LTE users planning to have the firmware should be way more careful during the installation process. Any mistake in the middle of the update process can permanently damage the smartphone. Also, there are prerequisites to follow to help ensure a successful installation of the custom ROM update.

One of the most important things to do before installing a custom ROM to any mobile device is to create a proper backup of its settings and files. The Galaxy S4 Mini LTE’s and Galaxy S2’s memory might be completely wiped out during the installation of the Nougat custom ROM update, thus, the need for a backup. Custom recovery tools such as ClockWorkMod (CWM) and TeamWinRecoveryProject (TWRP) can be used to make one.

Just like when installing an official firmware update, the battery level is also a key factor when using a custom and unofficial ROM. Samsung Galaxy S4 and S2 need to have at least 80 percent battery power before running the Android 7.0 CM14 Nougat update process. Furthermore, using a custom ROM will mean that the smartphone needs to connect to a computer, so make sure that the appropriate drivers are installed in the PC. Also, to prevent any PC and smartphone connection issues, it is advised to enable the USB Debugging mode on the mobile device.

For the guide on how to turn this mode on, as well as the step-by-step instructions on how to install the Android 7.0 Nougat CM14 custom update, visit the Team Android posts linked above.

Android 7.0 Nougat OS highlights new features like the multi-window support and an improved Doze mode. As they are always the first in line to get major Android update, several Nexus devices have already received the Nougat firmware. Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy Note 5, Note 7, S7, S7 Edge, S6, S6 Edge, and S6 Edge Plus have yet to receive the official firmware as well as the HTC 10 and HTC One M9. Sony Xperia devices, including the X Performance, XA Ultra, Xperia XA and X, Xperia Z3+, Z4 Tablet, Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium, are also getting an official Android Nougat update, according to Sony Mobile’s official blog.

[Featured Image by Larry Busacca/Getty Images]