Truth be told, there aren't a lot of Android smartphones out there offering a full physical QWERTY keyboard, and those that have been retailed so far don't enjoy the latest Android 4.4 KitKat update. Assuming that you happen to own T-Mobile's Galaxy S Relay 4G, then you're most likely using the official Ice Cream Sandwich OS, and Jelly Bean might not arrive at all.

But why stop at Jelly Bean, and why not jump to KitKat instead? With the help of the third party developers such as CyanogenMod, you can now experience Android 4.4 on your Galaxy S Relay 4G (T-Mobile). This is a guide that will enable you to apply the latest CM 11 ROM available on the aforementioned device.

Keep in mind that this is not an official release from Google / Samsung. It is however, an official CyanogenMod release, but it's in the "Nightly" stages of development. As such, you may encounter certain bugs in the ROM, but the good news is that new CM 11 nightlies are being released on a daily basis (hence the term "nightly").

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • This guide and ROM have been designed for the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G, codenamed "apexqtmo". Don't apply this ROM to any other device or S Relay 4G variant
  • Before proceeding, make sure your smartphone is rooted and that it runs the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery. Don't go any further if you don't meet these prerequisites
  • During the installation process, you will need to apply a factory reset, and to wipe the device's cache. As such, it's recommended that you create backups first
  • The "Helium", "SMS Backup & Restore" and "APN Settings Backup & Restore" applications can be used to backup your app data, text messages and APN Internet settings
  • Your contacts should be backed up onto your Gmail account
  • During the flashing process, you will receive instructions on how to create a NANDROID backup of your ROM
  • Before proceeding, make sure USB debugging is enabled. To do so, access the "Settings" menu, go to "Developer options" and mark the check box associated with "USB Debugging"
  • It's very important for your smartphone not to remain out of battery during the flashing process. Make sure your device's battery is at least 70% full
  • This is a guide for advanced users and includes unofficial operations. Should anything go wrong (phone bricking, loss of data), you cannot hold the developers or anyone else responsible
  • Don't skip any bullet points and steps

Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G (T-Mobile): Installing Android 4.4 KitKat CM 11 Nightly – CWM Recovery Method:

  1. On your computer, download the latest available nightly CM 11build from this link
  2. Also, download the Google apps package from this link
  3. Connect your device to your PC via USB
  4. Copy the zip files from your computer to your Galaxy S Relay 4G's storage
  5. Once the transfer is complete, disconnect your smartphone from your PC
  6. Turn off your handset and reboot in CWM recovery. To do so, press and hold the "Volume Up", "Power" and "Home" buttons simultaneously
  7. Once in the main CWM screen, select "backup and restore" in order to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM (Don't skip this step!)
  8. Now, select "data wipeout / factory reset", and select "wipe cache" as well as "dalvik cache" from the "advanced" menu. NOTE: this step can be skipped in case your phone already runs on an earlier official CM 11 nightly build
  9. Go back to the main recovery menu and select "Install zip from SD card". Select the CM 11 zip file and flash it
  10. Now select "Install zip from SD card" again, and flash the Google apps package as well
  11. Once both zips have been installed, select "+++Go Back+++" and then select "Reboot system now". NOTE: once you flash a new ROM, the first rebooting process can take several minutes to complete. Don't panic and don't press any buttons. However, if your phone does not reboot in 10 minutes, or if the handset is boot looping, then you'll need to redo the entire guide. Make sure you don't skip any steps, and that you have properly factory reset the handset, and wiped its cache

NOTE: You can always return to your previous ROM by loading the NANDROID backup. Reboot in CWM recovery and select "backup & restore"

Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G (T-Mobile): Installing Android 4.4 KitKat CM 11 Nightly – TWRP Recovery Method:

  1. Using your computer, download the latest CM 11 nightly build from this link
  2. Download the PA Google apps package from this link
  3. Use the USB cable to connect your Galaxy S Relay 4G to your computer
  4. Copy the zip files to your phone's storage, and disconnect it from your PC
  5. Power off your smartphone and reboot it in TWRP recovery. To do so, press and hold "Home", "Power" and "Volume Down" buttons at the same time
  6. In the main TWRP screen, select "Backup" to create a NANDROID backup. Choose the type of data that you wish to save, rename the file and then swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button
  7. Return to the TWRP screen and select "Wipe". Then, select "Wipe cache" and "Dalvik cache" from the "Advanced" menu
  8. Swipe the "Swipe to wipe" button
  9. With the memory clean, go back to the main screen and select "Install"
  10. Browse for the CM 11 nightly zip and flash it
  11. Now, select "Install" again and flash the Google apps package
  12. After you've flashed both files, return to the main TWRP screen and select "Reboot". NOTE: this first reboot can take several minutes to complete. Don't panic and don't press any buttons. Nevertheless, if the process takes longer than 10 minutes, or if your smartphone is stuck in what is called a "boot loop", then you will need to restart the guide from the top. This time, make sure you have properly wiped the smartphones cache and applied a factory reset

NOTE: you can restore your previous ROM by rebooting in TWRP and selecting "Restore". This is where the NANDROID backup comes in handy

› See More: Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G (T-Mobile): Install Android 4.4 KitKat CM 11 Custom ROM (Official Release)