Android 5.1 Lollipop Update Rolls Out To Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition

Even though, many Google Play Editions started receiving the Android 5.1 Lollipop update, the former flagship Samsung Galaxy S4’s Google Play Edition (GPE) version was left out for a long time. But now, this model has apparently started receiving the software package.

The Google Play Edition program was created to provide a gateway for flagship Android smartphones manufactured by OEMs like Samsung and HTC to get stock Android experience. However, this Edition did not make the expected impact among potential buyers. Therefore, Google reportedly dropped this program, GSM Arena reported.

When the Galaxy S4 was launched, Samsung did introduce a stock Android equivalent in the form of “Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition.” It is worth noting that the Galaxy S4 GPE is same as the original version in design and configurations, except for the UI. Samsung’s TouchWiz UI was replaced with stock Android.

All the Google Play Editions were originally promised to receive regular Android update similar to the Google Nexus devices. However, that didn’t work out. Evidently, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition is starting to receive the Android 5.1 firmware only now, when many devices are preparing for Android 6.0 Marshmallow update.

Speaking of build details, the Android 5.1 Lollipop update for Samsung Galaxy S4 GPE has reportedly been tied to the build number LMY47O. The GPE variant should currently be running on Android 5.0 with the build number LRX21P.

In any case, according to GSM Arenas, the chance of S4 GPE getting the Android 6.0 Marshmallow is slim. Even if the device is scheduled to receive the update, it will not happen before 2016. Users, who would like to get the Android 5.1 Lollipop software update on their Galaxy S4 immediately, can download the OTA ZIP file from Android Police.