Database Users

[Q] S5 changing Kernel

Dear All
This is my first time to post and use XDA, so please guild me and give me a hand. thanks
I am using Galaxy S5 LTE-A ( Korea Version SM-G906S)
Snapdragon 805,
3GB ram
Kernel version (3.10.0-1916255
Baseband
G906SKSU1ANFF
i am now facing to a problem that because its a Korea version and i am locate in Hong Kong, there are many Hong Kong local Samsung's feature i can not use and also are different then what i had with my S4 which i found it hugely inconvenience, such as the Keyboard's input are not the original, the watch on function is not working in my area, some korean words which i dont understand keep on poping up.
so i wonger if its possible i can download the S5 (G900S) hong kong Kernal to install in my G906S? so all the problem will be solved,
if not then what can i do? please give me a hand. thank you
Edmund

edmundluk6 said:
so i wonger if its possible i can download the S5 (G900S) hong kong Kernal to install in my G906S? so all the problem will be solved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well according to Samsung this phone doesn't exist. Samsung swore up and down that there would be no S5 prime released.
But anyway, your idea to use the kernel from the existing S5 is exceedingly unlikely to work. You can't just transplant a stock kernel from a different model. The kernel may be nearly identical, but you have to expect at least a few differences in system level drivers and addressing which is enough to cause serious problems. An expert could probably recompile and port the kernel over, but this phone was just released and I doubt that anyone has done anything like that yet.
There probably isn't Chinese or English firmware for this model, but you check on that just in case. Also see if there is Chinese or English support in the current firmware. Failing that, you may be able to install an English or Chinese custom ROM. Once one is released that is. There is probably enough interest in the premium hardware for someone to tackle that.
Realize that you bought a Korean market only device, at least for the moment and unless Samsung releases it to more markets or a programmer takes it on as a project.. you don't have a lot of options. Hazards of being an early adopter and /or not researching your options in advance.
Also, few people outside of Korea will have any firsthand knowledge of this phone yet, so we don't know a lot of details e.g. if the bootloader is locked or much else.
.

fffft said:
Well according to Samsung this phone doesn't exist. Samsung swore up and down that there would be no S5 prime released.
But anyway, your idea to use the kernel from the existing S5 is exceedingly unlikely to work. You can't just transplant a stock kernel from a different model. The kernel may be nearly identical, but you have to expect at least a few differences in system level drivers and addressing which is enough to cause serious problems. An expert could probably recompile and port the kernel over, but this phone was just released and I doubt that anyone has done anything like that yet.
There probably isn't Chinese or English firmware for this model, but you check on that just in case. Also see if there is Chinese or English support in the current firmware. Failing that, you may be able to install an English or Chinese custom ROM. Once one is released that is. There is probably enough interest in the premium hardware for someone to tackle that.
Realize that you bought a Korean market only device, at least for the moment and unless Samsung releases it to more markets or a programmer takes it on as a project.. you don't have a lot of options. Hazards of being an early adopter and /or not researching your options in advance.
Also, few people outside of Korea will have any firsthand knowledge of this phone yet, so we don't know a lot of details e.g. if the bootloader is locked or much else.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for your help, looks like i will have to live with it for now, i hope there will be future rom for my phone. thank you very much. your information is very helpful.

@edmundluk6
FYI, root, custom recovery and custom ROM development for your phone.
SM-G906S/K/L/ S805 Info Sharing thread (Root/CWM/Custom Rom)
.

Samsung S5 SM-G9006W

Am i right in saying this is the Chinese equivalent for the samsung s5 duos available here in the UK.
I have the SM-G9006W, i would really like to use it in the UK without all of the Chinese telecom crap that's on it. As this even been done before? can anyone tell me where the heck to start?
i was assuming there was a way to flash the Duos rom/recovery onto the G9006W, is that even possible?
Regards
Cap

Hi Cappilio,
I have the SM-G9008W, that one also had a lot of Chinese telecom stuff on it when I bought it, but I could uninstall all of it through the normal apps menu. That said I was thinking about if it was possible to flash the SM-G900FD firmware on it myself, as there isn't any Google related programs on the SM-G9008W, and I am missing the Play store a bit. I haven't been able for find a definite answer if it's possible to use that firmware on ours, and I am a bit scared of bricking it.
I think my next step is going to be rooting it to install the Google related programs instead.
//Jaco

..

thanks
i have searched, im possibly searching for the wrong thin g can you please provide a link perhaps?

..

ok
I have searched for the following:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sitesearch.php?q=install google play chinese
http://forum.xda-developers.com/sitesearch.php?q=remove chinia unicomm
all of which give me results but nothing specific to this model, or even a resolution for the models mentioned.
so again any help? please?

SM-P585 : Flashing firmware from a different variant

I could not wait for the SM-P585 to become available in the US, so I bought one from ebay, but turns out it is the SM-P585NO, the Korean version, which has LTE band 1,3,5,7,8. The tablet is unable to get LTE on T-Mobile and AT&T in the US, although I am getting a decent 3G signal.
Is there a way I can flash firmware from a different variant of SM-P585 and get US LTE bands? Firmware for several variant appears to be available on youmobile.org (I cannot post a link here yet)
Thanks a ton for your help!
Maaz

I would not hold out much hope on that front.
When we flash a different ROM, it basically changes the OS, however, I don't think it changes the underlying drivers which could enable us to use a different LTE band.
It might be possible, however, it would require too much of a technical effort to accomplish that.
However, what I've seen people say is that its the hardware which is different in such cases, so near impossible to do that.
Jp

Sadly the answer is no. Unless there are unpublished support for different bands and they release a firmware update to enable this, it won't happen.
Your best bet is to sell the you had and buy another one.

Thanks!
Thanks a ton for help, you two! Just wondering.. is there a harm if I do flash a different variant? There's Korean stuff in my tablet that I'd like to get rid of.
Thanks again for your responses!

MaazMax said:
Thanks a ton for help, you two! Just wondering.. is there a harm if I do flash a different variant? There's Korean stuff in my tablet that I'd like to get rid of.
Thanks again for your responses!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you flash another ROM for the same model, you should be okay. However, I've seen previously that a lot of the things are different even in software between the Korean & International variants of the same model, so directly using another ROM is not advisable, unless the ROM has been modified by someone & that person says he has made changes to make it compatible.
Why not use something like package disabler pro to disable unwanted apps?
Jp

[SM-J5108] Convert my J5 SM-J5108 to a more usable version ? (510F ?)

Hello,
My title may not be very cler but I can't find any custom ROMs for my device the J5 SM-J5108CHM (J5 China Mobile version) I can find official firmware but I just hate the interface, I found a really good-looking ROM (VIperOS) but it was for another variant of the phone.
So my question is : can I convert this phone to some other variant with same specs ? Thanks in advance

I've got the same question but no one seems to go to this thread if anyone has an answer to this that would be very appreciated. the j5108 seems to have all the same specs as the other variants so it should work but I'm not taking any risks because this is my everyday phone.
also the china mobile os is complete rubbish use this one (im a new user so i cant post link but just search up updato (dot) com, go to search bar and search j5108, in teh filters bar up top choose hong kong and press update under the search bar)
First, install any lollipop update (if you skip straight to marshmallow you'll end up in a bootloop), and then install either OTA update (it keeps failing for people but its good if you don't want to use Odin again) or you can download the marshmallow os after you install lollipop (make sure to NOT do a factory reset etc you'll end up in a boot loop). Install MM os and boom GAPPS and everything else you'll need.

jeff the cheff's left nut said:
I've got the same question but no one seems to go to this thread if anyone has an answer to this that would be very appreciated. the j5108 seems to have all the same specs as the other variants so it should work but I'm not taking any risks because this is my everyday phone.
also the china mobile os is complete rubbish use this one (im a new user so i cant post link but just search up updato (dot) com, go to search bar and search j5108, in teh filters bar up top choose hong kong and press update under the search bar)
First, install any lollipop update (if you skip straight to marshmallow you'll end up in a bootloop), and then install either OTA update (it keeps failing for people but its good if you don't want to use Odin again) or you can download the marshmallow os after you install lollipop (make sure to NOT do a factory reset etc you'll end up in a boot loop). Install MM os and boom GAPPS and everything else you'll need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't. Its a different phone. Maybe you think because it says J5 chinese version that its the same thing, just different model number. There are reasons why ot has a different model number, baseband, etc... Its like you have the Samsung Galaxy S2 with exynos and the American one with SD. They are both S2, but totaly different phones.

does xda have a word cap or did my other post not post because it was long or is the image verification a post-verification. anyway, i was saying that all the j5 2016 variants are exactly the same which in theory would allow any model's OS to work on any variant. S2 isn't a great comparison because different models have different hardware while j5 2016 has different models with identical hardware. Just search up j5108 specs and j510x specs and they'll all be the same ill post back in a few weeks when I get a new battery and test out different OS (rn I'm using the stock hong kong OS). I'll try OS for different PDAs and then ill try out different models. Btw all the spec sites say the variants are compatible with Australia so I shouldn't have a problem using different models OS in Australia (meaning 4G, wifi, phone numbers etc should be fine).
Also please explain in more depth why j5 2016 variants are so different to the point that they have different model numbers (i know that sounds passive aggressive and pretend it isn't I honestly want to know). I'm super sorry if I sound like an arrogant **** that wants everything his way but the way the j5 2016 models are made they all seem identical and logically (and in theory) the other variants OS should work on the j5108. if for some reason I cant see my first reply but others can I'm so sorry for this post.

jeff the cheff's left nut said:
does xda have a word cap or did my other post not post because it was long or is the image verification a post-verification. anyway, i was saying that all the j5 2016 variants are exactly the same which in theory would allow any model's OS to work on any variant. S2 isn't a great comparison because different models have different hardware while j5 2016 has different models with identical hardware. Just search up j5108 specs and j510x specs and they'll all be the same ill post back in a few weeks when I get a new battery and test out different OS (rn I'm using the stock hong kong OS). I'll try OS for different PDAs and then ill try out different models. Btw all the spec sites say the variants are compatible with Australia so I shouldn't have a problem using different models OS in Australia (meaning 4G, wifi, phone numbers etc should be fine).
Also please explain in more depth why j5 2016 variants are so different to the point that they have different model numbers (i know that sounds passive aggressive and pretend it isn't I honestly want to know). I'm super sorry if I sound like an arrogant **** that wants everything his way but the way the j5 2016 models are made they all seem identical and logically (and in theory) the other variants OS should work on the j5108. if for some reason I cant see my first reply but others can I'm so sorry for this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phones today can have the same harware, same SoC, same RAM, same everything, even the same RIL preferences, but they are different models. The whole stock software was made for a specific device model. The J510FN is different than the J510H, if there was no difference why would Samsung bother to make many versions? The whole operating system, every part of it: Kernel, Apps, Recovery, Hal, Bootloader are mannualy made for a specific model number. Because of that it is hard to make a ROM that supports all of the phones in one Samsung model family lineup. You see now that by pure logic the j508 is very different from the J510FN

A2017G Japan - Lots of Questions...

Okay, so I used to love rooting my phones, but I mostly dealt with flagship phones in the US which made rooting and flashing a cakewalk. I understand some of the nitty gritty, so when I got my first phone in Japan, I was super excited about rooting it. But after reading this forum for hours, I have so many questions...my phone build is A2017G JPV1.1.0B03.
I read this but this mostly focused on using an update on this phone.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/help/a2017g-japan-to-a2017g-european-a2017g-t3608411
1. If that thread is correct, that means I technically just have the European version of the phone with Japanese modems installed. Is that correct?
2. Also, does that mean (if I were not to root the phone) I would need to install a European Axon 7 Oreo update for it to actually work on the phone? Would the US version fail?
3. I can't seem to find the modem for my phone. I can upload some screenshots later but can someone clarify if I'm right that it's a "B03" or am I looking at the wrong information?
4. There is no Oreo release for Japan, so does that mean I can't flash an Oreo ROM because there won't be any modems for this?
That's all for now, but I'm sure I have a lot of follow-up questions to your answers. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Unlock bootloader, install twrp, instal "G" model bootstack, instal any custom rom, then flash "G" modem in twrp, reboot. No matter where you device are from, the model matters. If its "G", its a european version and its only what you need to know. If you want stock oreo and didnt recieve through OTA, download the update in ZTE website for your "G" version, put it in a sdcard then reboot your phone to recovey then select "install update from sd card" option.

Basically, the model of the phone is printed on the back of it down the bottom.
A2017 is China version.
A2017U is US version.
A2017G is everything else (Global) version. It's not actually euro.
The modem software has to be for the actual model of the phone, not your location in the world.
Don't correlate software versions between Chinese, US and Global, they use different numbering systems. Only concentrate on what is for your model.
The rest of this pertains to A2017G as that is what you seem to have.
They start at B01 (usually pre-release beta) and go up from there but each new Android version eg Nougat, Oreo etc means the numbers restart from B01.
Nougat B03 has nothing to do with Oreo B03.
Look at the software version, A2017GV1.1.0 is very old, the 1.1.0 is the key to the Android version. 1.2.0 is Nougat, 1.3.0 is Oreo so you have Marshmallow at 1.1.0 and B03 release from that Android generation.
It seems confusing at first but it's actually quite simple.

RobboW said:
Basically, the model of the phone is printed on the back of it down the bottom.
A2017 is China version.
A2017U is US version.
A2017G is everything else (Global) version. It's not actually euro.
The modem software has to be for the actual model of the phone, not your location in the world.
Don't correlate software versions between Chinese, US and Global, they use different numbering systems. Only concentrate on what is for your model.
The rest of this pertains to A2017G as that is what you seem to have.
They start at B01 (usually pre-release beta) and go up from there but each new Android version eg Nougat, Oreo etc means the numbers restart from B01.
Nougat B03 has nothing to do with Oreo B03.
Look at the software version, A2017GV1.1.0 is very old, the 1.1.0 is the key to the Android version. 1.2.0 is Nougat, 1.3.0 is Oreo so you have Marshmallow at 1.1.0 and B03 release from that Android generation.
It seems confusing at first but it's actually quite simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm so used to dealing with multiple modems for the same model of phone in the US (between the major carriers and stuff) that I was overthinking it.
Thanks a ton. That simplifies things so much...and also makes me wonder why updating never occurred for the Japanese release. It's not like there isn't language support for newer versions of Android, but maybe not for the MIUI? I need to be more careful choosing my next phone then, though probably it should be an AOSP phone like the Zenfone or Pixel.
Guess I have my work cut out for me this weekend. Time to run a giant backup and start rooting. Thanks again for all your help. I like this phone (though I often accidentally hover/touch the home button when typing, and I hope there's a sensitivity fix for that :laugh so I want it to last for a while before I get my next one.

It's still a good phone, I look at new phones and think, hmmm, nice, but what will I gain on a daily basis? Nothing more to be honest. The A7 has enough power for me still. The one thing I could really use would be a higher capacity battery. Was looking at Huawei phones but now, well.....
For updates, they had issues with OTA and reverted to only releasing for a whole ROM download for update from SD card.
I personally won't apply an OTA for mine even now at Oreo. Must be a whole ROM to flash with the updater. That's all I've done with it since purchase and it works great still. A lot of people seem to have all sorts of weird issues after applying OTA updates.

Sweet. As someone with some experience with this stuff, do you have any tips or tricks I should know moving forward? I'm going to try rooting it tonight.
-EDIT: Quick little question, my phone says the Android version is 7.1.1 but that would be Nougat, right? Or is it actually Marshmellow?

7.1.1 yeah, Nougat. That doesn't make sense from your first post.
Was it used when you got it or new? Have you checked the model from what's on the back of it, not what software says it is?
I keep mine stock, can't advise on rooting etc. I use it with personal and work SIMs and it has to pass requirements including encryption to run Microsoft InTune and our company portal and use it in work mode. Bootloader hasn't even been unlocked. The most I did was uninstall some built in user apps through ADB.

I also have a 2017G bought in Japan. I unlocked it and worked on it based on this forum, and I can say that it behaves as any other 2017G. I am not interested to use the stock ROM, but yes, I remember that it was on Nougat version when I received it.

I have the A2017 (china). As above, update your phone to the region. As a result of having a china variant, i think i miss out on band 28 and some other essential bands for reception. I get 3G/low 4G connections and a lot of bad reception areas (countryside living). Its no problem.
Currently running AEX 6.5. Search some of my recent posts for how I updated to this version.

darth_antz said:
I have the A2017 (china). As above, update your phone to the region. As a result of having a china variant, i think i miss out on band 28 and some other essential bands for reception. I get 3G/low 4G connections and a lot of bad reception areas (countryside living). Its no problem.
Currently running AEX 6.5. Search some of my recent posts for how I updated to this version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate it. I will try to work on it this weekend, as last weekend I just didn't have the time...
The phone was brand new when i bought it. It was on a "super sale" though, going for 12,000 yen (like 110 bucks or so). I was thinking about getting a Zenfone but if I could save the money and make it to at least Oreo I'd be happy. Been having issues with the battery whenever I use more than 2 apps at a time.
If you could link an unlocking guide and a ROM that worked well for you that would be great. I have one I plan to use but I'm always open to suggestions. After the first time, I'll feel more comfortable with it. In the worst case scenario that I brick this thing I'll just buy the Zenfone early :laugh:

The Zenphone 6 is looking a viable buy now.
My Axon 7 is still good so not really looking but I did just get a new Axon 7 Mini for use as a media player. It still has AMOLED screen, stereo speakers, headphone jack, DAC for the jack etc. No hi res bluetooth though. Cost me AU$149 new in box from retail store. Bargain! How much is a dedicated music player which is crap at movies or just cant do them?
Chucked my 128Gb SD in. Sounds good playing through the car hifi, lower 3.5 jack output matches HU aux in impedance better than Axon 7 which can overload the input at high volume. Very balanced and clean sound.

TheZen said:
Appreciate it. I will try to work on it this weekend, as last weekend I just didn't have the time...
The phone was brand new when i bought it. It was on a "super sale" though, going for 12,000 yen (like 110 bucks or so). I was thinking about getting a Zenfone but if I could save the money and make it to at least Oreo I'd be happy. Been having issues with the battery whenever I use more than 2 apps at a time.
If you could link an unlocking guide and a ROM that worked well for you that would be great. I have one I plan to use but I'm always open to suggestions. After the first time, I'll feel more comfortable with it. In the worst case scenario that I brick this thing I'll just buy the Zenfone early :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get in on a super sale? website in Japan?
Obvious unlocking guide is this one https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-axon-7-custom-oreo-roms-newbies-t3786693
Give yourself 2 hours to get the job done, and there are a few guides on youtube for unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP (if you havent already).
If you cannot root the phone by your own discovery, I dont think you'll be up for installing a custom rom. It takes a degree of risk, and research. Being successful in the attempt is worth it.
Do a backup in TWRP, or get titanium backup pro (paid) to do a backup of your essential apps and data (email, messaging, google authenticator etc). I think titanium backup is better, especially if you are going from android 7 to 8 or 9 and different twrp versions.
If your phone boots following Oki's guide (Option 1), then scroll to the last page to my post about taking it to android 9 on AEX.
As your phone is A2017G, search for the necessary files in the forum corresponding to your modem. There are plenty of links.
Good luck and let us know you are successul!

darth_antz said:
Where did you get in on a super sale? website in Japan?
Obvious unlocking guide is this one https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-axon-7-custom-oreo-roms-newbies-t3786693
Give yourself 2 hours to get the job done, and there are a few guides on youtube for unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP (if you havent already).
If you cannot root the phone by your own discovery, I dont think you'll be up for installing a custom rom. It takes a degree of risk, and research. Being successful in the attempt is worth it.
Do a backup in TWRP, or get titanium backup pro (paid) to do a backup of your essential apps and data (email, messaging, google authenticator etc). I think titanium backup is better, especially if you are going from android 7 to 8 or 9 and different twrp versions.
If your phone boots following Oki's guide (Option 1), then scroll to the last page to my post about taking it to android 9 on AEX.
As your phone is A2017G, search for the necessary files in the forum corresponding to your modem. There are plenty of links.
Good luck and let us know you are successul!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it at Rakuten Mobile. There was a super sale and it was like 80% off, lol.
I tried using the guide over the last couple of days and no matter what I've done, I can't seem to get to recovery after doing the flashing (step 9). I was able to flash a stock image back on, but then when I try again it's the same results. I'm at a loss as to why but...there's another guide using the Axon7Tool.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/how-to/guide-install-twrp-unlock-bl-flash-t3517379
The downside is that I work two jobs tomorrow so I won't have time to try this new one out but I think I downloaded everything already. This is kinda frustrating though..
-EDIT: I used the unbricking guide to EDL flash the B10 Nougat and it is a different experience than what I had before...geez, seems the Japanese version was severely neglected. If I run into problems with the other guide I feel comfortable EDL flashing Oreo. Really appreciate the support guys, let me know what you think. Before I started this, my battery was lasting barely 8 hours with only LINE and Chrome being the main background apps...

Not sure it's relevant here any more but I have a 128 Gb A2017 which I put a G build on, after being a bit miffed at some of the stuff (mostly Google based) I couldn't use on the original. I really don't know that much about what I'm doing but it all seems to work OK, though an old battery life problem has returned so I'm going to be asking elsewhere (probably) about how to replace the modem software. I also have a bit of a problem with GPS intermittently not working (going on and offline) but I suspect that's probably a hardware problem rather than the build. Mine is on

GeoffUK said:
Not sure it's relevant here any more but I have a 128 Gb A2017 which I put a G build on, after being a bit miffed at some of the stuff (mostly Google based) I couldn't use on the original. I really don't know that much about what I'm doing but it all seems to work OK, though an old battery life problem has returned so I'm going to be asking elsewhere (probably) about how to replace the modem software. I also have a bit of a problem with GPS intermittently not working (going on and offline) but I suspect that's probably a hardware problem rather than the build. Mine is on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can't. There are 3 modem variants by region (US, china, global) and many versions for each, but they are not interchangeable and flashing another has already wiped some IMEIs long ago (doesn't always happen though)