Android Jelly Bean review

Android 4.1 and Android 4.2 combine to make the ultimate Jelly Bean

Android Jelly Bean
Google gets its hands dirty improving what's already great about Ice Cream Sandwich.

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As you'd expect Google's own brand hardware was the first to receive both Android 4.1 and Android 4.2, with the latter now featuring on all current devices including the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10, as well as last year's Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

Google has gave the Nexus S and Motorola Xoom access to Android 4.1 in mid-July, although it's currently no clear when (or if) either will be updated to Android 4.2.

If the Ice Cream Sandwich roll out is anything to go by, then manufacturers are likely to take their sweet time about getting Android 4.1 out to consumers, and some devices may miss out.

We've contacted all the major players in the Android market, to find out what their plans are for the Android Jelly Bean upgrade, here's what we've heard so far:

Android Jelly Bean: Samsung

The official Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the Samsung Galaxy S3 already rolled out, and Galaxy S3 users are now being treated to Android 4.1.2, with Android 4.2 on the horizon.

Samsung says Android 4.1 is "gradually being introduced to other markets" - although there's no exact dates for the UK or US at this time.

The Korean firm has also confirmed it will be bringing Jelly Bean to the following devices in due course: Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 & Tab 2 10.1, Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy SII,Galaxy Note, Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, Galaxy S Advance, Galaxy SII LTE, Galaxy Music, Galaxy Chat, Galaxy Ace 2, Galaxy Beam, Galaxy Ace Plus, Galaxy Mini II and Galaxy S Duos.

The newly released Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini, Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 all ship with Jelly Bean 4.1 out of the box and we'd expect an upgrade to Android 4.2 to arrive soon.

Android Jelly Bean: HTC

HTC has announced it will be bringing Jelly Bean to at least three of its models, which is good news for those that like newer handsets:

"We know HTC fans are excited to get their hands on Google's latest version of Android. At this point in time, we can confirm that we have plans to upgrade our HTC One X, HTC One XL and HTC One S to Jelly Bean," a HTC spokesperson told us.

"Please stay tuned for more updates regarding device upgrades, timing and other details about HTC and Jelly Bean."

HTC has confirmed its One X and One S devices will be getting Android 4.1 in November and December respectively, and the update will land with an enhanced version of Sense – cunningly named Sense 4+ after its debut on the HTC One X+.

Android Jelly Bean: Motorola

The now Google-owned Motorola has yet to release its plans regarding the Jelly Bean update.

The Xoom tablet was treated to Android 4.1 in July, but other than this there's no word on Android 4.2 or any of its other devices.

Android Jelly Bean: LG

LG has been thrown back into the smartphone limelight thanks to the Google Nexus 4 which it manufactured for the search giant.

The Nexus 4 was the first smartphone to sport Android 4.2, which it ran straight out of the box.

In regards to the rest of LG's catalogue we spoke to it back in February at MWC and it confirmed it would guarantee an upgrade to Android Jelly Bean for all compatible 2012 handsets.

Sources at LG tell us the relevant phones in the range will be updated to Jelly Bean by Q1 2013, with the roll out beginning in Q4, with confirmation that Android 4.1 will roll out to the Optimus LTE 2 in November, and then to the Optimus G in December.

It's also said that the LG Optimus Vu and Vu 2 will get Jelly Bean in the first quarter of 2013, but still no word on the Optimus 4X HD or the Optimus L7.

Android Jelly Bean: Asus

During MWC 2012, Benson Lin, Asus' Corporate Vice President told TechRadar: "Asus is very close to Google, so I think there will be a high possibility that we will be the first wave to offer the Jelly Bean update."

The Transformer Pad 300 has now been given the Jelly Bean treatment (all be it Android 4.1) and a post on the Asus Facebook page has confirmed that it will be bringing the Android 4.1 update to the Transformer Pad Infinity and Transformer Prime "soon".

No word currently on Android 4.2, but we're keeping our eyes and ears open for any news from Asus.

Android Jelly Bean: Sony

Sony has confirmed that a host of Sony Ericsson Xperia handsets from 2011 will not be getting an update to Android 4.1, which means the likes of the Sony Xperia Arc Sand the Xperia Mini Pro will miss out.

Sony has posted the following response on the official Sony Xperia blog:

"A quick note – during a Q&A session last week on our Sony Mobile GB Facebook page, a local spokesperson gave information out in error on our Android 4.1 Jelly Bean software development and rollout for 2011 Xperia smartphones.

"We are actively investigating Android OS upgrades for all devices, but in the meantime, our Ice Cream Sandwich rollout for Xperia S and 2011 Xperia smartphones continues as planned."

Android Jelly Bean: Acer

According to Dutch site Tablet Guide, Acer will be updating some of its Android tablets to Jelly Bean, although it was unable to say which models would be lucky enough to get it and when it would start rolling it out.

Android Jelly Bean: Toshiba

Toshiba has confirmed that it will be providing Android Jelly Bean to its AT200 and AT300 tablets, although no time frame was given for the roll out.

We spoken to Toshiba, who said it was unable to comment on the Jelly Bean update at this time.

Android Jelly Bean: ZTE

Not wanting to be left behind, ZTE launched the first Android Jelly Bean handset in China, and third in the world, in the form of the ZTE N880E.

It does at least show intent from the fledging Chinese firm, but we're yet to hear its plans for its other devices available outside of China.

Android Jelly Bean: Intel

Intel has confirmed that it is working with Google on a Jelly Bean port for its Atom processors, which will allow the latest version of Android to run on handsets and tablets with Intel inside, such as the Orange San Diego and Motorola Razr i.

There's currently no sign of a release date, so we're going to have to wait for more information on the progress of this project.

And the rest

We're stilling waiting to hear from other Android device manufacturers including Huawei and Panasonic.

Make sure you bookmark this page, as we'll be updating this article as and when we hear back from manufacturers regarding their plans for the Android 4.1 and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean updates.

John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.