Even as rumors and leaks pertaining to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 phablet gather momentum, the best-selling predecessor Galaxy Note 2 continues to remain a consumer favorite.
The 5.5-inch Note 2 received the update to Android 4.1.2 in 2012, bringing with it the much-touted Premium Suite feature, including the Multi-Windows View. Now rumors are gaining traction that the Galaxy Note 2 could be one of the first non-Nexus devices (apart from the Galaxy S4) to get a taste of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean as early as May or June this year.
Here's a round-up of the what we know about the Galaxy Note 2's Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update status on U.S. carriers.
AT&T
AT&T pushed out a software update for the Galaxy Note 2 starting Dec. 27, 2012, which brought the Multi-Window View feature to the device. The Multi-Window View brings multitasking ability users' way. For instance, users can open a Web browser on one side of the screen and an app on the other and view them simultaneously.
The AT&T variant of the Galaxy Note 2 will likely get Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, especially considering that the smartphone is less than a year old. However, given AT&T's track record, it could be a while before subscribers of the Galaxy Note 2 get a taste of Android 4.2. It is likely, that AT&T could be the last one to push out the software update for the Samsung phablet.
AT&T, it is speculated, could roll out the update several months from the international roll out date which is believed to be May or June. This means that owners are looking at a late summer (we're being optimistic) or an early fall roll out for the Android 4.2 roll out.
U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular is also slated to roll out Android 4.2 Jelly Bean for its variant of the Galaxy Note 2. However, the carrier is known to be unpredictable when it comes to the speed of the Android update roll out. Therefore, we cannot estimate by when but since the Note 2 is one of its biggest offerings, U.S. Cellular will probably not be the last carrier to roll out Android 4.2.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile pushed out the Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update in March this year. The carrier, however, is yet to disclose any information on the release date of Android 4.2 for the Galaxy Note 2.
It is likely that T-Mobile will push out the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update after other carriers, with chances of the roll out happening after Sprint pushes the update being higher.
Sprint
Sprint is usually quick to push out Android updates and, therefore, it is anticipated that the carrier's variant of the Galaxy Note 2 will hold the distinction of being the first in the U.S. to get the Android 4.2 update. The carrier should likely roll out the Android 4.2 update by summer, post the release for the international version.
Verizon
Verizon too is expected roll out Android 4.2 to its Galaxy Note 2; however, the release date remains unconfirmed and shrouded in mystery.
It is likely that Verizon could be the last of the major U.S. carriers to push out the software update to 5.5-inch phablet as it is notorious for the meticulous testing process and slow updates.
Verizon recently confirmed that it would be adding more apps for use with the Note 2's Multi-Window View feature, hinting that an update was in the anvil. Whether this will come with Android 4.2 or another update is not yet known.
