Android L 5.0 Lollipop Update Release Date: Samsung Galaxy S4 Rollout Begins for Google Play Edition
While the Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 4, and their one-year-older cousins the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 are all waiting in line for the TouchWiz-updated version of Google's Android 5.0 Lollipop to roll out, one version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 is at the front of the line.
Though as an official Google "pure Android" device, the Google Play Edition Samsung Galaxy S4 is technically the last in line for its kind, now that Moto X's, Moto G's, and other GPE phones like the HTC One have received the new Android L upgrade.
Still, those who purchased the Google Play Edition Samsung Galaxy S4 got what they paid (extra) for: an update of Google's latest operating system before all other Samsung devices, including this year's Galaxy S5 and Note 4, which will likely be coming early 2015.
The update to GPE Samsung Galaxy S4 devices started rolling out over the air (OTA) this weekend, according to Android Police, who got their hands on the system update first.
Interestingly, as the most recent Android Lollipop update -- which we reported coming to the Moto G earlier last week -- was officially Android 5.0.1, the GPE Samsung Galaxy S4's is decidedly not. It's the pre-upgrade Android 5.0, which Android Police noted was made clear since the update screen shows the extra decimal place (5.0.0). Of course, that probably won't phase GPE Galaxy S4 owners, who are likely happy just to be getting the update before 2015.
If you have a Google Play Edition Samsung Galaxy S4, you should be getting the update OTA at any time. Go to your "About Phone" menu inside settings and check for the update. Make sure you have a full charge and are connected to a speedy WiFi network before updating, since the full Android L package reportedly weighs about 500MB.
If you haven't received the OTA update notification and just can't wait, you can get the Galaxy S4 GPE version of Android 5.0 direct from Google here, though sideloading a system update like this is very much not recommended unless you're experienced with sideloading, flashing and upgrading your phone's system software.
As always, back up your phone before any update.
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