Gingerbread — in its semi-official form — has already leaked out for the Galaxy S, running on Android 2.3.2 (not Android 2.3.3, which is the latest version out there). While some Galaxy S variants are yet to get Android 2.2, aka Froyo, it’s strange that Samsung has already got an Android 2.3 ROM ready (in beta). Though, we totally love it that we have a new ROM to play with and boast of that Android 2.3 goodness.

If you want to install Android 2.3.2 on your Galaxy S, here is what you’ll need to do.

Disclaimer: The procedures discussed here are considered risky and we will not be liable for any damage happens to you or your phone, including bricking. So, know that you’re on your own.

Follow these step-by-step directions to install Android 2.3 Gingerbread on your Galaxy S:

  1. Download the leaked Android 2.3.2 ROM from here — named XWJV1.zip. Size: 241 MB approx.
  2. Extract the XWJV1.zip file to any folder of your choice. You’ll get 3 files:
    1. GT-I9000-MULTI-CSC-OXXJV1.tar.md5,
    2. MODEM_I9000XXJVE.tar.md5 and
    3. CODE_I9000XWJV1_CL31216_REV03_user_mid_noship.tar.md5.
  3. Download the file: Odin-1.7with.pit.512.803.zip from here. Extract it to get these files:
    1. Odin3 v1.7,
    2. s1_odin_20100512.pit (no need to use this file in this tutorial) and
    3. s1_odin_20100803.pit.
  4. Save your data now. To save the whole ROM you’re currently using, install ROM Manager for free from the android market. Open it, Install the clockwork recovery. And then, select Backup ROM, for full backup of all settings and data and apps.
  5. Once finished backing up. Switch Off your Galaxy S. make sure it’s disconnected from PC and connect it only when told.
  6. Now, put it in Download Mode. For that, press these keys together – Volume Down + Power Button + Home Button.
  7. Now, head over to Odin (from step 3.1, double-click to run the program on computer) and place the files as per the instructions given in steps 8, 9 and 10. Also, for reference, check the image at the top.
  8. In the PIT box, select the 8.3 pit from the step 3.3. Full name of 8.3 PIT: s1_odin_20100803.pit.
  9. In the PDA box, select this file (from step 2.3) — CODE_I9000XWJV1_CL31216_REV03_user_mid_noship.tar.md5
  10. In the Phone box, select this file (from step 2.2) — MODEM_I9000XXJVE.tar.md5
  11. In the CSC box, select this file (from step 2.1) — GT-I9000-MULTI-CSC-OXXJV1.tar.md5
  12. Make sure all these boxes are ticked (do not keep them unticked) — Re-Partition, Auto Reboot, F. Reset Time.
  13. Now connect your phone (which is in Download Mode since step 6) to computer.
  14. Upon connecting, Odin will show “Added” under the message box.
  15. Now, hit the START button to let the process begin.
  16. When process at Odin finishes your phone will automatically reboot. You can unplug the cable now. That is, disconnect your phone from PC now, when reboot starts.
  17. When your phone has restarted, you are on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread edition of Android. Congrats!
  18. Check your phone’s version by here: Press Options -> Settings -> Scroll down and select About Phone -> Scroll down and check your version.

Check out the video below of our Galaxy S running Android 2.3.2. Surprisingly and very sadly, there is no improvement in benchmark score of Linpack — which is still at 14 MFLOPS, same as what we has with Android 2.2.

So, that’s it. You are on Android 2.3 and maybe are the first one to be neighborhood. Say “how you feel” with Android 2.3 on your Galaxy S, in comments below.

Update: Special Thanks to Lorbas — He’s the one who leaked the news for us all. If you’re looking for a Android News blog in Polish language, his website — opda.pl — is the best place for you.

Update 2: We’re about to Root our phone with Android 2.3.2 ROM. So, check with us if you want to know the procedures along with the video. And guess what, Insanity already has a beta ROM running Android 2.3.2 Gingerbread and it’s pre-rooted too. We’ll also give that one touch, so expect some really serious — and fun — stuff to hit this page soon. Real soon.