Review Of Original XXLPB ICS Leak For SGS2

Sammobile is at it again, releasing the latest test ICS test build for SGS2 - the XXLPB with XXLP5 kernel. It is original firmware so expect the fugly Touchwiz on it. Otherwise, you will have to go with CM9 test builds for a pure Ice Cream Sandwich Goodness. But if you like the ol' reliable Touchwiz like I do or simply don't want to break the warranty of your phone, then I suggest you read this review.

Installation and rooting guide for the XXLPB.


Download link at the bottom.


Bugs (1 hour after install)

• Software update won't register no matter what you do. Problem is, it's stuck in your notifications bar and it doesn't look so good. FIX: Go to Settings > Apps > All (not Running) and look for Software Update (the one with the green icon) > Select DISABLE. Thanks to Musafir of Techie Ideas who told me the fix was at the Sammobile Forum.
• 3G doesn't work. Based on forum comments at Sammobile, not even configuring APN could fix it. If anyone can confirm this, please comment below so I can update this post. I don't have enough balance on my phone to check if it works (poor me).
• Have troubles installing some games like Plants vs Zombies and Game of Life (whether via Titanium Backup or the Android Market)
• Camera has poor quality and functions slowly.

Pros & What Works (1 hour after install)

• What works: Autorotation, Face Unlock, camera, video capture and playback, loudspeaker, alarm, Social Hub, Music Player, Internet Browser, messages and calls - If you have something to add please leave a comment so I can update this post.
• VERY STABLE. No FCs or problems like the phone heating up.
• Battery use is good, so far.
• Smooth interface. Homescreen no longer lags like in XXLP2.
• Don't you just love that whistling ring tone? Lol.
• Google+ comes pre-installed.
• If you long press the home button there is a Task manager icon on the bottom left along with a view of most recent apps used.
• I don't know why this is so but picture quality on gallery seems more crisp here compared to CM9.
• Games that work smoothly for me: Fruit Ninja, Tamadroid, Tiny Tower, and Fashion Story.
• 3D games that work for me: Shine Runner. Runs smoothly!
• Easy accessibility to functions on top left of screen.Video playback works.
• During video playback, click the menu button and see all the cool new settings :) Some of them include adjusting video brightness, adding subtitles, adjusting the color tone, and outdoor visibility. Didn't notice this in XXLP2.
• Camera features present in original SGS2 firmwares. They're still better than any custom ROM I've tried.
• Open notifications bar from lockscreen.
• When playing music, music widget appears on notification bar and the lockscreen.
• THE MUSIC WIDGET ON LOCKSCREEN. I love it.
• You can go incognito easily on Internet Browser.
• Some ICS features:
• The Recent Apps view with the added bonus of a task manager.
• Swipe to remove notifications and recent apps from list individually.
• Appearance of settings when clicking menu button.

Cons

• Holo theme is nowhere to be found. I thought Google won't let Android Market access unless the Holo theme is used by manufacturers?
• Everything is on the f*cking ugly Touchwiz. The homescreen, apps drawer, even the part when you add widgets on your homescreen. But then again, this is an original Sammy firmware.

Verdict

If you don't mind Touchwiz and rarely use 3G, XXLPB is a great firmware for daily use. Best part is, it won't break your warranty ;)

Download the XXLPB ICS leak here. You must be a member of Sammobile forums.

Screenshots

Homescreen

Face Unlock

Apps Drawer

New Music Player widget on Lockscreen

Interact with Music Player widget on bottom