Updating Android OS on Samsung S3 using AT&T

[aaronkreider]

I have a Samsung S3 AT&T phone that doesn't have a SIM card. I'd like to update the Android OS (4.4.2) to the latest 4.x version without activating it on a network. Can I do this by getting a AT&T sim card from Ebay? Or do I need to flash the device?

I'd rather not flash the device as I don't want to over-write my existing applications.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! I believe you can get the cheapest AT&T prepaid plan and use that SIM, then download the update over wi-fi.

 

[aaronkreider]

Thanks. I'm ordering an AT&T sim card with the GO prepaid plan for about $1.05. I think there is a 25 cents monthly charge for the plan, but I should be able to cancel it.

What happens during a minor Android upgrade - like from 4.4.2 to 4.4.4? I'm guessing based on the decimal places that it won't change the UI or apps.

 

[B. Diddy]

I can't remember what changes were made from 4.4.2 to 4.4.4, but you're right, it shouldn't affect the UI. There could be a couple of small added features, and sometimes the carrier or manufacturer will add a new piece of bloatware. But also be aware that sometimes, a manufacturer will actually take away a piece of bloatware. This has happened before with preinstalled note-taking apps, which has caused big problems for some users, since they were relying on that app for important notes. When an app like that gets removed during an update, all of its data gets removed as well (often without any clear warning).