Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is about to hit the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2, sequel to the still hugely popular Samsung Galaxy Ace.
SamMobile shows off screenshots showing the latest Android software on a phone with the model number GT-I8160 -- that's the Ace 2.
The original Ace is a bestseller even now, having earned a respectable four stars when we reviewed it in 2011. It's still a popular choice, thanks to a very friendly price tag.
The Ace 2 is a worthy follow-up, with its bigger 3.8-inch screen, dual-core processor and decent camera. The Gingerbread software built-in is still more than usable, but technically it was out-of-date even when the phone first arrived. So adding the latest Jelly Bean software will give the Ace 2 a new lease of life -- look out for the Jelly Bean update in March or April.
If you can't wait for the official release, never fear. We've got you covered, good buddy -- just check out our handy guide to installing Jelly Bean-style goodness on the Galaxy Ace 2.
This method isn't quite Jelly Bean -- and does void your warranty, so approach with caution -- but does give you a close approximation while you wait for the real thing to hit.
How ace is the Ace 2? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 20
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anonymous 11 February, 2013 13:19
Jelly been update available from Three UK for HTC One S!
But expandable notifications doesn't work?!! WTF!
CNET! INVESTIGATE!!
anonymous 11 February, 2013 14:25
Look when and where is jb 4.1.2 for the note n7000 getting pushed?? Never mind old and tired phones like ace 2 and the relic s2 us note n7000 owners need it!! Samsung just dont give a toss. Had their products for 4 yrs and this is for sure the last shitty android!!
Sammobile dont give a crap neither..absolute garbage
anonymous 11 February, 2013 15:16
@anonymous god are you a child? Samsung are basically one of the best go see how long your updates take with LG, HTC or something, everybody knows unless you've got a nexus device you could be in for quite a wait thats just the way it is. If you don't like SHITTY android go see if you can afford an iphone.
anonymous 11 February, 2013 15:39
@ anonymous...wtf you callin a child!! Grow up yes android is crap far too fragmented unless you get a nexus.. Which are built terribly. Samsung take just too long to mod and to test the o/s then and only if they decide to give it they push it.. They promised jb back in sept!! FFS one of the main gripes is the exynos hard brick exploit the n7000 and s2 have..they pushed the fix within a couple wks to s3 but nah middle finger to n7000 and s2 owners..so unless i flash which im not..i cant factory reset or it will be a paper weight on my office desk!!
as for affording an iphone..already use them..so think b4 you diss people ok!!
No offence meant or directed to cnet staff. Thanks
Matt Winston. 11 February, 2013 16:59
Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) is overrated. I have used many JB phones and tablets and its not that different to ICS, most people can live with Google Now and Project Butter. And a minority of Samsung Galaxy phones do have problems, but so do almost every other phones out their, including iPhones-which cost hundreds more than Samsung phones and Apple still hasn't been able to fix.
Matt Winston. 11 February, 2013 18:22
*most people can live without Google Now and Project Butter.
anonymous 11 February, 2013 19:55
Ive got an S2 and my wifes Htc One got updated 2 weeks ago. Come on Samsung sort it out!
LaMp-LiGhTeR 13 February, 2013 18:57
I am amazed at the poor communication between Samsung and their loyal buyers, with regard to the farcical guesswork that users have had to endure. The S2 is still running the I.C.S software, waiting for the official Jelly Bean update.
Why can't Samsung give us a date of release? I'm a big Samsung fan, having the Smart TV, remote controller, Tab2 7.0, home cinema, blu-ray player, and all kitcken equipment.
I'm waiting for the S4 ....... and plan stay with Samsung for everything. The S2 I was asking about, will be passed to my eagerly waiting son.
Waiting and waiting provokes frustration. So why can't the geeks at Samsung give us all a date of release.......?
Poor show Samsung. I know that I could do the update unofficially, but I think cutting corners is a recipe for disaster.
What do you think readers?
anonymous 13 February, 2013 22:34
You can download the firmware (4.1.2 – I8160XXMB2) here:
Part 1: http://adf.ly/Iwfoz
Part 2: http://adf.ly/Iwfvy
Part 3: http://adf.ly/Iwfzi
Part 4: http://adf.ly/IwgbO
Part 5: http://adf.ly/Iwgkv
Part 6: http://adf.ly/Iwgq0
Part 7: http://adf.ly/Iwgth
anonymous 14 February, 2013 18:09
Hi 'anonymous 13 February, 2013 22:34'
Is this the official stock ROM that will be available via Samsung Kies?
anonymous 15 February, 2013 08:24
I downloaded and installed the leaked test firmware of jellybean 4.1.2 and it worked very well. But as it was only a test version i expected some bugs. But i didnt notice any apart from spen features where a little unstable. But i hardly ever use that anyway. And it was a german version which had some bloatware. I reverted back to ice cream sandwhich yesterday so i can do the more stable over the air update when its released. But if your getting too impatient you can install the jellybean update using odin . There's plenty of tutorial videos on YouTube for those that need instructions.
anonymous 22 February, 2013 08:20
@ anon 15 Feb - 'There's plenty of tuts on YouTube for those that need instructions' .... those that need instructions, Oh god forbid anyone could be so dumb !! You just happened to push the correct 3 buttons and have the software at hand, smarta55.
There's an informative piece on this very site which is more trustworthy than someones vid on YT who'd get a kick out of wrecking a few thousand phones with dodgy info. With the latest news JB should be out in 4 weeks I'm putting the temptation to try it on hold
anonymous 4 March, 2013 20:01
@ Anonymous 11 Feb 14:25,
You are a retard. For one, the original Note is OLDER than the Ace 2, get a clue you stupid little boy! (Oh, and a newer phone)
anonymous 12 March, 2013 21:32
I really like my Ace 2, but I really regret that the original camera doesn't have a zoom function. Does anybody know if the JB update will give us a zoom?
anonymous 24 March, 2013 22:28
I think it will as a 4x zoom is included in Jelly Bean beta
anonymous 29 March, 2013 12:22
hello sir i installed jellyblast and g app s on
my samsung galaxy ace 5830i .after
installation my mobile is switched on and
off for 50 times what shall i do? i need
your guidens help me pls
Pls inform me your guidens to my email id thayumanaswamy@gmail.com
anonymous 18 April, 2013 11:06
i need upadet
anonymous 18 April, 2013 11:09
i need upadet
anonymous 18 April, 2013 11:10
easy
anonymous 5 May, 2013 18:57
Guys, this article is about the Ace 2, not the S2 or any other Samsung device. The Ace 2 comes with Gingerbread installed, not ICS. Stop talking about your other phones and confusing people. The Ace 2 will Never have ICS. It will eventually be going straight to Jellybean when it is rolled out for particular country.