Anyone know how to update my Samsung S2 to Android 7 or even 8.0?

General Discussion
1

I’m looking for some help or guidance on updating my Samsung Galaxy S2 smartphone. I’ve heard whispers about Android 7 and even the Android 8.0 update, but I’m not sure how to go about it. I’ve loved this phone for years, but it’s feeling a bit sluggish, and I think an update could really help.

Here’s what I know:

  1. Current Version: My device is currently running an older version of Android, which I believe is 4.4.2.
  2. Compatibility: Is the S2 even compatible with Android 7 or 8.0? I’ve seen mixed opinions about this online.
  3. Update Process: What’s the process for updating? Is there an official Samsung way to do this, or will I need to look into custom ROMs? Any links or guides would be super helpful!
  4. Potential Issues: I’ve heard some people mention issues such as bricking their phones or running into performance problems after updates. What’s the experience like?

Questions:

  • Has anyone successfully updated their S2? If so, what version did you go for: Android 7 or 8.0?
  • Are there any specifics I should know before proceeding?
  • Recommendations for custom ROMs if official updates aren’t available?

I’d love any tips or personal experiences that you can share. Thanks in advance!

2

Hey! The Samsung S2 isn’t officially compatible with Android 7 or 8.0, but some users have managed to install custom ROMs. However, be cautious about hardware limitations; performance may not be great.

3

That’s true, aoconnell. I tried a custom ROM for Android 7, and while it worked, my phone felt sluggish with all the new features. Just a heads up!

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4

I hear you both! The hardware on the S2 can struggle with the newer versions. What features are you hoping to gain from the update?

5

Mainly the improved battery life and security updates. But given the constraints, maybe it’s not worth it? Anyone had a good experience?

6

I tried to update my S2 to a custom version of Android 8. It worked for a while but drained my battery rapidly. It’s fun to experiment, but just be ready for potential downsides!

7

Interesting points! Has anyone thought about reverting back to stock firmware after using a custom ROM? Is it even possible?

8

Yes, you can revert! It sometimes requires flashing through recovery, though. Just make sure you back up your data first!

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9

LOL, I wouldn’t want to flash my phone and end up with a brick! Anyone here had that experience? :crazy_face:

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10

Not quite a brick, but I did end up in a boot loop once. It’s a wild ride for sure, bwyatt! :smile: Carefully check guides before proceeding.

11

You’re all making me reconsider! The idea of custom ROMs is exciting but all the risk involved seems daunting. Maybe I’ll stay on stock for now.

12

Agreed, williamrivas. Sometimes, sticking to what works makes more sense. Plus, you might just get more life out of your S2!

13

In the end, it’s all about what you’re comfortable with. If you don’t need the latest features, enjoy your S2 as is! Reflect on how far it’s come.

14

To update your Samsung S2 to Android 7, first ensure your device is backed up. You’ll need a USB cable, Odin software, and the firmware file for Android 7. Check forums for the specific ROM that fits your model. This process can be a bit technical!

15

Sounds complex! What if I run into issues during the update? Anything specific I should watch out for?

16

Definitely take heed of what grobles mentioned! It’s crucial your battery is over 50% charged. Also, verify you’re using the correct firmware for your specific S2 model. Failing to do so can cause serious issues!

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17

I managed to update mine by following a YouTube tutorial. Sometimes visual guidance can make the steps clearer! Just make sure to pause at crucial steps to prevent issues.

18

That’s a great point, mtaylor! A video can often clarify what seems intimidating. However, be cautious—some tutorials could present outdated methods.

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19

I remember my first update on my S2; it was like entering a parallel universe! Just make sure to follow the instructions closely, or things can get dicey!

20

Which forums do you recommend? I usually stick to XDA Developers, but there might be others worth checking!