Android 7.0 Nougat Update: Custom ROM Compatible With Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE Model

Thanks to genius custom ROM makers, an Android 7.0 Nougat update is now possible for the Samsung Galaxy S4. Specifically available for the LTE model, the custom firmware based on Google’s latest mobile OS can now be installed on the 2013 smartphone.

The Korean tech giant has stopped providing official firmware support for Samsung Galaxy S4, primarily because it is an old phone already. But fortunately, those who are still holding on to their S4 units, particularly those bearing the model number GT-I9505, can now experience the newest Android offering.

To verify if a Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE unit is suitable for an Android 7.0 Nougat update via crDroid custom ROM, one can check its model number by heading to the smartphone’s Settings menu and tapping About Device. The device’s specific model number should be listed on the screen together with other pertinent information.

According to Team Android, the crDroid firmware based on Android 7.0 Nougat update comes with a number of features, mostly customizations, as well as tweaks to ensure a smooth and fast performance of the device. According to the list posted on the page, this custom firmware brings in features like Omni-Ambient Display, Blacklist, Swipe behavior, Superuser indicator, Force expanded notifications on expanded status bar, sound panel option on power menu, and a lot more.

Those who wish to install Android 7.0 crDroid Nougat ROM should be fully aware that doing so is not recommended by Samsung. Using an unofficial firmware poses more risks and could brick or permanently damage the Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE unit, especially if inexperienced in custom ROM installation. However, if you are one of those adventurous Samsung Galaxy S4 users with a strong determination to push through with this update, knowing the pre-requisites when using a custom Android firmware will help a lot to ensure a successful process.

Before flashing the crDroid ROM based on Android 7.0 Nougat OS, the Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE needs to be rooted first. Users also need to install a custom recovery like ClockWorkMod or TWRP to be able to flash the firmware. Moreover, the custom recovery tool is also necessary to create a backup of all the essential data and settings saved in the Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Another pre-requisite to get the Android 7.0 Nougat crDroid ROM update on the Samsung Galaxy S4 LTe is a fully-charged battery or at least having 80-85 percent battery. This is to make sure that it has enough juice pack so it will not suddenly power off in the middle of the process due to drained battery. Since updating through a custom ROM will entail the use of a computer, make sure the right Samsung Galaxy S4 drivers are installed in the PC for a smooth connection. USB Debugging mode should also be enabled on the device.

Visit the post from Team Android (linked above) for the download links of necessary update files and the comprehensive guide on how to install Android 7.0 crDroid Nougat on Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE I9505.

The official Android 7.0 Nougat update is only expected to be available in select Samsung Galaxy devices, particularly the recent flagships, which include Galaxy S7, S7 Edge as well as the Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, and S6 Edge Plus.

Moreover, HTC’s 2015 and 2016 flagships, the HTC 10 and M9 should also taste the Nougat flavor soon. LG’s V20 is regarded to be the first smartphone to arrive with Android 7.0 Nougat at launch. LG G5 could get the official update next month, according to Android Authority.

Sony is also hard at work to release this major OS update to a number of their devices. Sony’s official blog site shared which mobile devices are receiving the official Android 7.0 Nougat update.

“We will make Android 7.0, Nougat available for: Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z4 Tablet, Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, Xperia Z5 Premium, Xperia X, Xperia XA, Xperia XA Ultra, Xperia X Performance – and Xperia XZ & Xperia X Compact.”

[Featured Image by Allison Joyce/Getty Images]