[Q] Camera Module Question - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey all...I know that based on my phone (i337), you would expect me to post in the AT&T forum...however since it is an i9505 variant and since most of the references I've found to the camera modules goes by i9500 or i9505, I decided to ask here.
Basically, my main/rear camera has developed some spots in it. I don't see any chips in the lens. I've cleaned it. I've tried compressed air into the phone. Can't shake them. Assume it to be debris on the sensor or some such.
I was going to do a warranty exchange, but it was pointed out to me that the camera module is only like $20 and is easy to replace. And that way I get to keep my phone which has nothing else wrong with it and which is still on 4.2.2 and AT&T baseband MDL. None of this effed up KitKat stuff, etc.
So, I started looking on ebay for the camera module and one of the listings had a warning that the i9500 and i9505 do *NOT* use the same module. So I did search here and found a thread that was last active about 8 months ago that essentially confirmed that the i9500 is Exmor Rs and the i9505 is Exmor R. What I didn't see in that thread (admittedly skimming) was whether or not the 2 are interchangeable, though from the sound of one or 2 posts, I'm leaning towards not.
So Q1: can you use either module or will there really be a problem using an i9500 module in the i9505/i337?
If the answer is that the 2 are not interchangeable, then I have to avoid quite a few ebay listings that list both the i9500 and i9505 as compatible.
Then Q2 becomes: has anyone ordered parts from phonelcdwholesale, hytparts, or etradesupply? Each of them has separate listings for the camera modules for i9500/9505.
Thanks for any input.

bump....anyone? Are the 2 definitely different cameras? What happens if you end up with an i9500 camera in an i9505/i337?

Hi,
I'm not sure, but if the cameras are different I wouldn't risk putting an i9500 camera in a i9505 device. The best would be finding and getting the i9505 camera and changing it. I never had issues with mine, so I can't really tell, it's just an idea that popped while reading your thread. I believe that if you end with an i9500 camera in an i9505 device it probably just won't load, because you may not have the modules and libs for the sensor . Again, this is just an idea, I've never done something like that before on my device.
~Lord

XxLordxX said:
Hi,
I'm not sure, but if the cameras are different I wouldn't risk putting an i9500 camera in a i9505 device. The best would be finding and getting the i9505 camera and changing it. I never had issues with mine, so I can't really tell, it's just an idea that popped while reading your thread. I believe that if you end with an i9500 camera in an i9505 device it probably just won't load, because you may not have the modules and libs for the sensor . Again, this is just an idea, I've never done something like that before on my device.
~Lord
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for responding. It's just weird that if the cameras are different that so many listings (granted, ebay) list both models as compatible with whatever camera they are stocking.
I did find some listings that list only the i9505/i337 and not the i9500, so I will have to make sure to order from one of those sellers.
Thanks.

A store sold me the camera module that was compatible for both the i9500 and i9505. However this turns out not to be the case. The i9500 camera does not work on my i9505. I have updated the firmware and did all the other methods for fixing the camera. Does anyone know if it is possible to install the i9500 camera firmware on my i9505? To me that would seem a possible solution.

No. To do what you need to do would require you to compile a completely new kernel that supports the I9500 camera, as the hardware drivers are within the kernel.
Go back to the store and get them to order you the right camera.

Related

[Q] Samsung Galaxy i9500 or i9505

Hi Guys,
I'm planning to buy S4 but have found quite diverse feedback, like the issues with heat up, lagging etc. I had to choose between HTC One & S4 but the image quality in daylight shots, SD Card & removable battery was what I prefer the most.
I would also love to know which one should I go for i.e. i9500 or i9505.
I'll be playing some casual games not the most graphic intense games and that too for about 30-40 min at a time, will be always on wifi ON, emailing, fb etc.
I would love to hear from S4 users who are using it from quite sometime.
Thanks
Been using i9500 for seven months. Perfectly happy with the device. Never had a problem with a single game. After 4.3 update it has become extremely smooth. No overheating. All stock.
Thanks for your reply. I would also love to know if there is any difference between the two in camera shots.
tahirk said:
Hi Guys,
I'm planning to buy S4 but have found quite diverse feedback, like the issues with heat up, lagging etc. I had to choose between HTC One & S4 but the image quality in daylight shots, SD Card & removable battery was what I prefer the most.
I would also love to know which one should I go for i.e. i9500 or i9505.
I'll be playing some casual games not the most graphic intense games and that too for about 30-40 min at a time, will be always on wifi ON, emailing, fb etc.
I would love to hear from S4 users who are using it from quite sometime.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are going to have to choose between a variant of the S4, then why not go for the i9506 (if it's available in your area). It has advanced LTE, Snapdragon 800 (faster than the 600 on i9505 and Exynos on 19500) and also Adreno 330 GPU.
I also compared the battery life and performance with a friend running the i9505 and it lasted about 1 hour longer and looked a tiny bit faster in opening games. This is the latest model of the S4 and if it's available, you should definitely get it. Also it doesn't have the annoying knox warranty issue like the i9505, so rooting it would not be a problem (although rom development is a bit slow)
den10 said:
If you are going to have to choose between a variant of the S4, then why not go for the i9506 (if it's available in your area). It has advanced LTE, Snapdragon 800 (faster than the 600 on i9505 and Exynos on 19500) and also Adreno 330 GPU.
I also compared the battery life and performance with a friend running the i9505 and it lasted about 1 hour longer and looked a tiny bit faster in opening games. This is the latest model of the S4 and if it's available, you should definitely get it. Also it doesn't have the annoying knox warranty issue like the i9505, so rooting it would not be a problem (although rom development is a bit slow)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, i9506 isn't available in our area. I have to choose between i9500/i9505
i9500 uses Sony Exmor RS sensor compared to i9505's Sony Exmor R sensor.
so, i9500 takes better picture to i9505
Camera is better on the i9500 from what I've read so far. But yes, custom rom development is much less than that of 9505. If that doesn't matter to u much, then go for 9500 as it is a little better than its cousin in almost every respect.
So, i9500 will be a good choice to choose between the two.
Can we expect the overall performance including battery performance to improve once we have official KitKat for S4?
I9505 for development. Ability to flash Google Edition Roms and there are many custom TW roms and AOSP roms. It is better supported by the devs if development is important.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
nikzDHD said:
I9505 for development. Ability to flash Google Edition Roms and there are many custom TW roms and AOSP roms. It is better supported by the devs if development is important.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I would want the ability to flash & custom roms, but if Samsung makes KitKat available for i9500/i9505 at the same time than I'll go for the stock i9500 as we didn't have 3G coverage yet (talking about 4G is over the moon here).
How different are the camera performance on the two. I have seen quite a few shots & found that sometimes I would see i9500 doing good & the other times i9505
Also can we expect the camera performance to get better with new firmware or KitKat.
Both cameras are probably on par. The I9500 has a newer sensor inside it. Firmware updates bring camera firmware updates too. Both should be fine, but obviously your not going to get picture quality when you compare to a digital camera or DSLR.
Both are adequate in good lighting conditions and compare to the other handsets currently out there.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

Just bought a SM-N910c, now what?

Someone just made me an offer I couldn't refuse on a pre-owned N910c.
Right now, I have a rooted Note 3 running Alliance ROM & like it.
The main thing I like about my Note 3 is the camera/video recording. I know the Note 4 offers a better camera, but will I lose any of the features that I have currently have with mine?
Marshmallow did arrive for the Note 4, didn't it?
Also, I know the Note 4 has known issues, but was that mainly the U.S. variants?
Thanks in advance for the help.
You should be happy that you have the N910C variant of the Note 4 rather than the N910F. As the N910F had a problem with overheating pretty easily due to the fact that it ran on the Snapdragon 805 SOC, which like with all Snapdragon SOCs have a tendency to run full throttle when doing anything. With regards to the camera quality of the N910C. I can honestly say it's probably the best camera sensor I have used in a mobile device. The 16MP ISOCELL sensor takes great shots and the video is pretty good. Just be sure to turn off HDR when filming on the N910C as HDR causes the video to be a bit shaky at times.
Marshmallow is available for all Note 4 variants however some carrier branded models still haven't received them yet.
Does the video portion still have slo-mo recording/playback & panorama for the camera?
Got the phone today. After connecting it to wi-fi, it immediately upgraded to 6.0.1.
If I rooted this to CM13, will I lose any functions, especially the camera or video?
No, you shouldn't But honestly I'd advise against installing a custom ROM and rooting your device unless you really have to. As if you aren't familiar with the process you could disable certain features of your device.
It doesn't appear to have the same camera modes as my Note 3.
JGKC9AYC said:
It doesn't appear to have the same camera modes as my Note 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The camera UI has been altered slight from the previous releases from Samsung.
DarkGuyver said:
The camera UI has been altered slight from the previous releases from Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I take it that's something I have no control over?
JGKC9AYC said:
I take it that's something I have no control over?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, Samsung has control over that part!
DarkGuyver said:
No, you shouldn't But honestly I'd advise against installing a custom ROM and rooting your device unless you really have to. As if you aren't familiar with the process you could disable certain features of your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm familiar with rooting & installing custom ROMs.
Since this is the international version, it doesn't have the bloatware of those from U.S. carriers but it does have some I assume.
I'd like to experience the "true android experience", but don't want to lose any of the functionality of the phone.

Compatible Camera replacement for n910H?

Good morning all,
I had a Note 4 more than a year ago, but it suddenly died and I just had to go with another phone. I loved it, although I had several problems with it (not the best coverage, bluetooth problems, battery drain and no GPS at all)...
Right now I am using another phone but stumbled upon a nice opportunity to buy a second hand one to repair, a n910H. As I had a n910F, going for the Exynos variant was exciting.
Phone is mostly OK, with some scratches on the front and borders, and had no back cover and the main camera is damaged (apart from no SPen, no headphones, no charger,...). So far really OK for the price asked. I also bought a n910F with damager MoBo and damaged screen. I will reuse it for chassis, back cover, SPen and camera if possible...
Do you know which exact versions of camera are compatible with n910H? I have it now in version 4.4.4 and it says, with some HW info apps, that it is using the Sony sensor (IMX240?).
Can I replace it with the n910F camera? Shall I buy a n910C camera?
Thanks!!
I believe all Camera sensors designed for the Note 4 are cross-compatible with all models.
Thanks for your answer!
Info is quite confusing. I found some threads in several Webs speaking about two different rear sensors on the Note 4 versions. It seems they discovered that Exynos versions used Samsung Camera, instead of Sony. if so, my n910H should use that.... Later on, some people claimed that it was not true, it was just a typo, corrected on newer software versions... This is one of such threads:
https://www.gsmarena.com/the_galaxy_note_4_with_exynos_chipset_has_an_isocell_camera-news-10330.php
In any case, some apps identify my n910H camera as a Sony IMX240... so not like in the exynos?
Having a look on some parts dealers, also in Aliexpress and ebay, sometimes they diffirientate by some models, saying it is not compatible with others...really strange...
Does anyone know?
Thanks,
hmedevil said:
Thanks for your answer!
Info is quite confusing. I found some threads in several Webs speaking about two different rear sensors on the Note 4 versions. It seems they discovered that Exynos versions used Samsung Camera, instead of Sony. if so, my n910H should use that.... Later on, some people claimed that it was not true, it was just a typo, corrected on newer software versions... This is one of such threads:
https://www.gsmarena.com/the_galaxy_note_4_with_exynos_chipset_has_an_isocell_camera-news-10330.php
In any case, some apps identify my n910H camera as a Sony IMX240... so not like in the exynos?
Having a look on some parts dealers, also in Aliexpress and ebay, sometimes they diffirientate by some models, saying it is not compatible with others...really strange... I have F mofel.
Does anyone know?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get/find answer? I am looking ebay too and another sellers say different than others..

N910C/F Motherboard Compatibility

Hi, my note 4 is n910f version but Im facing the lag, freeze issues so I wanna buy a n910c motherboard. My question is do you think it will be compatible with my phone, has anyone tried it before ?
I do not recommend it. Phone internals seem to be incompatible across different models to a varying degree, and most certainly so in this case - N910F is a Snapdragon variant, whereas N910C uses Exynos chips. I can tell for sure that the camera module will not work, and you'll most likely end up losing WLAN/Bluetooth and cellular connectivity as well.
Look for another N910F for best results, or at least other Snapdragon variant.
You seem to be right about the camera and cellular signal as the seller has also pointed that it wont work. The reason I wanted to try the exynos version is bc I didnt wanna risk it with another snapdragon mb and get the same problems after a specific time.. But I guess no escaping it Anyway thank you very much for your reply it helped me a lot.
@oddbehreif Bro what about note 4 duos version motherboard ? Will there be any incompatibility ?
Compatibility n910f 910c
I did that you want To do And so i Can Say: all ok But camera. I changed Just front camera. I'm going To change rear camera too. So if You want using n910c motherboard, You have To find n910c with camera attached, so you'll be sure about working Good.
Boh146 said:
I did that you want To do And so i Can Say: all ok But camera. I changed Just front camera. I'm going To change rear camera too. So if You want using n910c motherboard, You have To find n910c with camera attached, so you'll be sure about working Good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi - thanks for the info - can you provide more instructions, please?
many thanks

Camera mod HW & SW

Hi everyone. I'm moving from Note 3 to Note 4, so please forgive my out of date questions.
I understand you can replace the Note 4 camera with S6 and maybe later cameras. What is the best that I can put into the Note 4?
Also I see there are bandwidth hacks to enhance the standard camera on video. Is this something done when updating drivers or whatever to make new camera work?
An update and direction would be appreciated
Anyone?
Even if you don't know much, its probably more than me and I'd benefit from whatever you do know.
PurpleMelbourne said:
Anyone?
Even if you don't know much, its probably more than me and I'd benefit from whatever you do know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is someone who tried this, but the outcome was never posted - https://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-tmobile/general/note4-s6-camera-upgrade-t3116575/page5
I was asking the other day about the possibility of doing this swap/upgrade and the best developer fro the Exynos N4 said it's a ****ty thing to do.
But maybe the internet with it's glory may prove something else, who knows...
Aah OK.
So I suppose you would need the matching device driver to the physical camera. Presumably that device driver lives inside the Kernel.
So if you have for example a Note 7 camera, then in the Kernel of your phone will need to have the device driver from the Note 7 so the camera software knows how to control that camera.
You may also have bandwidth limitations talking to that camera, which is where increasing the bandwidth would come into play.
So it probably needs a Kernel developer to work with this mod. Either try it out themselves or work in with someone else who tries the camera mod.
Any Note 4 Kernel developers reading?
Given the Note 4 is the last removable battery phone, its probably worth the effort to make this work.

Categories

Resources