Hello and welcome back to Android Q&A! We had a lot of great questions this week about Android 4.3 updates on Galaxy devices, 64-bit processors, battery life, and more. To see it, watch the video above or read below!
Question 1
"Wait for a 64-bit processor from Android or buy a(n) Android phone with 32-bit processor? I plan to have my phone for at least 2 years." – Balraj
Answer
Well here's the problem with 64-bit. There is still so much that we don't know about it when it comes to Android. Processor manufacturers are still building 64-bit chips, no devices have been confirmed to have it, and we won't be certain if Android KitKat will support it until the official announcement. My advice is to pick up a 32-bit phone now because you'll be waiting nearly a year anyway just to get 64-bit anyway. Then, by the time you upgrade, 64-bit will be everywhere and you can transition comfortably.
Question 2
Hey, my mom just got a Note 3, which is supposed to have a great battery. She was using a Bada phone previously which she charged once every 3-4 days with moderate use. While I was checking out the Note 3, it ate 2-4% battery an hour. Is it a problem or is it supposed to be like that given the screen and the processor? – Aniruddh
Answer
That is extremely good for an Android device. Most Android devices get between 8-12 hours with the better ones doing 12-16 hours. At 4% per hour, your mom is looking at a 25 hour charge, which is spectacular for an Android device. I assure you, you can't really do much better than that on any current smartphone, regardless of the operating system.
Question 3
What is a stable AOSP ROM based on 4.3 for the Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100G? Any ideas? For using as a daily driver. – XenoSlug
Answer
After doing some searching, I found that CM10.2 is currently available for the Galaxy S2 I9100G. According to their known issues page, there's nothing wrong and the device is getting official nightlies. If there were ever a stable Android 4.3 based ROM, it would be that one so that's the one I would recommend you try out. Be sure to make a Nandroid in case there are problems that aren't on their known issues page and you have to return to your current ROM.
Question 4
Hi Joe, I'm currently using the Xperia Z, should I upgrade to the Xperia Z1 or wait for the next year's Xperia Z2? – Richie
Answer
Hi Richie, that's a good question. The Z1 is an amazing device and the rumors make the Z2 sound like a god phone. Rumors are that the Z2 will be released sometime next spring. Here's the question I would ask myself. If I bought the Z1, would I still buy the Z2 when it comes out? If the answer is yes, then I'd just save myself some money and wait for the Z2. If the answer is no, I'd get the Z1 and be content with that until the Z3. Hope that helped!
Question 5
When will the Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4, and Note 2 get the Android 4.3 update? – Lots of people
Answer
According to Samsung, the update should be finished and rolling out sometime this month. There are even Android 4.3 firmware leaks going around right now. Of course, each carrier will release in their own time so, at best, you should have it this month or, at worst, sometime in November and potentially December. Given the number of devices and carriers involved, I can't really give a more exact answer than that.
Don’t forget that this is fueled by your questions. If you don’t ask, we can’t answer!
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