The Samsung Galaxy S4 may be getting Android 4.4 KitKat soon, as a test firmware for the international version of the smartphone has leaked online.

Samsung's current-generation flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S4, received an update to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean back in November, but that's no longer the latest version of Android. The Galaxy S4 is one of the hottest smartphones currently available on the market and many are eagerly waiting for the upgrade to the very latest Android 4.4 KitKat.

The folks over at SamMobile have obtained a test Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware for the international model of the Samsung Galaxy S4, i.e. the version with model number GT-I9505 and a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor on board. The publication published the firmware, which is now available for download.

"We are expecting Samsung to start officially rolling out the Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Galaxy S4 in February/March," notes SamMobile. "We have been testing this particular build for about 5 days now and so far it's pretty stable, except a few minor hiccups here and there but these are expected as this is still a test build."

The brand new Android 4.4.2 test firmware SamMobile obtained has build number I9505XXUFNA1 and brings several neat changes to the international version of the Samsung Galaxy S4.

First of all, the update will bring a number of tweaks to the user interface (UI), including a shift from the green status bar icons (especially the battery indicator) to a cleaner, KitKat-style interface with white icons. The toggles in the notification dropdown, however, seem to be unchanged and have the same green color. The final build will likely be the same.

Another notable improvement brings the camera icon on the lower right corner of the smartphone's lock screen, thus allowing users to access the camera faster and in an easier, more convenient manner.

SamMobile further notes that Samsung Galaxy S4 sports slightly better performance with Android 4.4 KitKat on board, which is noticeable both in benchmarks and in usage. The publication also mentions a redesigned Samsung keyboard, which is now easier to use in landscape mode.

The build is available for download, but keep in mind that this is a test version and not the final, official build from Samsung. If you decide to download this test build and flash it yourself, remember that you do so at your own risk. As always, it is advisable to wait for the official update to roll out.