Why are there no firmware updates for my phone?

[davebrasil]

Hi everyone!
I'm running a standard non-rooted Galaxy SII (details below). It's apparently an "International model" (maybe that's why Samsung UK and Samsung USA have refused to help me, even though the phone is still under warranty).

The phone is fine, but as you can see, it's still running Android 2.3.4!

I can connect to the latest version of Kies with no problems, but it tells me there are no updates available for my phone. Surely that can't be right?
When I try to check the updater on the phone itself (via Wi-fi), it tells me the same thing.

The gobbledygook that appears in Kies follows:
This is the latest firmware.

Current firmware version: PDA:K12 / PHONE:K11 / CSC:K12 (VNO)
Latest firmware version: PDA:K12 / PHONE:K11 / CSC:K12 (VNO)
My phone info follows:

Carrier: Unlocked
Model Number: Galaxy SII GT-I9100 (GSMH)
Android version: 2.3.4
Baseband version: I9100UHK11
Kernel version: 2.6.35.7-I9100UHK12-CL553601 se.infra@SEI-07#2
Build number: GINGERBREAD.UHK12


Guys - what's going on here - can anyone help me and maybe other frustrated users in my position?
I would be eternally grateful!!!

By the way - I live in Brazil - and use one of the local GSM carriers - don't know if that's an issue here?

Best,

Dave

[Ads]

[Ollie]

Can you please post the output from your phone's dialer when you type in *#1234# ?


Sent from my GT-I9300

[davebrasil]

Hey Ollie - that sure was fast! Thanks!

I got the following:

PDA: I9100UHKI2
PHONE: I9100UHKI1
CSC: I9100UUBKI2

Build info: Mon Sep 5 20:11:10 KST 2011

Hope it helps!

Dave

[Ollie]

Hey Ollie - that sure was fast! Thanks!

I got the following:

PDA: I9100UHKI2
PHONE: I9100UHKI1
CSC: I9100UUBKI2

Build info: Mon Sep 5 20:11:10 KST 2011

Hope it helps!

Dave

You are running an Open Venezuela firmware. That is the highest firmware released for that phone.

Which carrier are you using in Brazil?

Sent from my GT-I9300

[Ollie]

There appears to be an Open Brazil that would put you at 4.0.3, but you will have to flash it yourself. It is fairly simple and straight forward.

Sent from my GT-I9300

[davebrasil]

Thanks for the info Ollie! At least I know where I stand now.
I'm using "Oi"here in Brazil. If I flash up to the Open Brazil, will I still have the option of running in English language, or will it be Portuguese only?

Cheers!

[Ollie]

You are welcome! I am not sure about the English. It would seem to be standard on most firmwares of the phone.

If Brazil has the regular GSM frequencies you could flash any Open Europe ICS as well and it defaults to English.

Sent from my GT-I9300

[davebrasil]

Okay Ollie - I'll check the GSM frequencies and decide which ICS to flash. Could you give me a link to where I could get the files and that gives step-by-step instructions - probably it's here on this forum somewhere..I'll see what I can find. The main thing is that I now know the origin of my phone and why it won't update!

Thanks once again for all the help!

[Ollie]

By continuing with this tutorial you assume any and all risks of modifying your phone.

• Download the above firmware package and unzip it to a place you can easily find it on your PC.
• Ensure nothing Samsung Kies related is running in the background of your PC. (Check the Task Manager!)
• Do not have your phone plugged into your PC via USB.

1. On your PC, right-click the Odin 1.85.exe and select Run As Administrator.
2. Completely power off your phone.
3. While holding the Volume Down button on your phone, press and hold the Power Button as well.
4. A screen will appear asking you to confirm your decision to enter Download Mode. Press Volume Up to confirm. (If you change your mind, press and hold just the Power Button and the phone will exit Download Mode and reboot normally.)
5. Plug your phone into your computer with the factory supplied USB cable. It may try to install some drivers. If it does let it finish completely.
6. Odin will recognize your phone which is indicated by the top-left box in Odin turning yellow and ID COM displaying some numbers.
7. If this doesn't happen then start over from the beginning.
8. On the bottom right hand side of Odin select the PDA button.
9. Navigate to the Unzipped file that you downloaded earlier. Select it.
10. Press the Start button in Odin and let the phone reboot on its own. Do not unplug your phone until it has rebooted or you risk hard bricking it.

[Ollie]

Those are the steps you would take. I can link you to the Odin 1.85 and the Brazilian firmware you will need should you decide to do it.

It looks like a lot, but basically all you are doing is entering download mode, hooking the phone up to your computer with OdIn already running, and then selecting the software.