Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE update: Android 4.3 is finally arriving to S3 handset owners with the variant GT-19305. According to Sam Mobile, the much awaited updated is here after S3 users have been waiting since the device skipped updating to Android 4.2.2 last summer.

A key feature included in the Android 4.3 update is the S3 becoming a companion smartphone for the tech giant’s wearable flagship, Samsung Galaxy Gear.

Sam Mobile noted that Samsung is unpredictable with its updates, but did a very good job with its Galaxy Note 2 updates, for both non-LTE and LTE versions. The roll out for the S3, however, wasn’t as smooth.

It is important to note that Samsung U.K. actually halted the roll out due to some serious issues with the firmware. Samsung, however, resumed the update service for the non-LTE S3. Hopefully, the new software update for the Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE devices will be stable enough and not face any malfunctions like its non-LTE counterpart.

Sam Mobile reports that there are quite a number of changes and improvements in the new update. Samsung has overhauled the core UI, making it similar to the ones in Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3. Below are some of the changes posted on the Sam Mobile report regarding the Android 4.3 roll out:

CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS IN ANDROID 4.3 UPDATE
- GALAXY GEAR Support
- TRIM Support (Makes the device much faster)
- Core UI elements updated to the ones on the Galaxy S4 (Galaxy S4′s theme all over)
- New Samsung Keyboard
- GPU drivers have been updated (Higher GPU benchmark scores)
- New Lockscreen: Multiple Widgets, improved ripple effect than Android 4.1.2, ability to change clock size and set a personal message
- New Screen modes (From S4): Adapt Display and Professional Photo

To see the complete list, visit SamMobile here.

Like all roll outs, the OS is pushed in phases and may take weeks before it is completed. The update can be had Over The Air (OTA) or through your PC with Samsung Kies. To obtain the update OTA, download and install the firmware, go to Settings, then More, About Device, Software Update and then Update.