Official Lollipop 5.0.1 which one? are they all the same? - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello,
I don't want to wait for Samsung OTA upgrade to Lollipop in my region.....My phone is unlocked and free to use any official rom. It's already available in a number of countries and would like to download one and install it with ODIN.
My question: Is there any difference between the official roms from one country to the other? how should I make my choice?
Thanks for your help

The ROMS currently available should all be carrier unbranded, meaning no carrier logos or carrier bloatware. Assuming this is for the I9505, you can download whichever is the latest, either the BTU firmware or the DBT version. Both will work, though you likely will end up with some easily removed apps provided by Samsung for a specific region. For example, after installing the Black Edition BTU firmware on my I9505, the device defaulted to AUT (Switzerland), and I received three apps related to that region. Since those apps are installed normally and not embedded into the system, it was a trivial matter to uninstall them.

Thanks again Strephon......mine is the 19500. ...I'll go ahead and install the Hong Kong version.

Related

[Q] Help with latest stock firmvare for my S4, UK, BTU. Confused what is what...

Hi, I got S4 I bought it in UK 3 (three) network.
I am trying figure out what firmvare I am on, is it stock or three modified.
And if I can flash phone to any better never, so I can get updates faster.
Phone is simlock free
GT-I9505
4.2.2
I9505XXUAMDM
I uploaded screenshot from about menu.
Phone region in Kies says BTU
What I found and I am confused is this :
http://droidviews.com/2013/the-latest-xxubmea-firmware-update-for-galaxy-s4-gt-i9505-brings-major-improvements-features/
On that webpage its "United Kingdom (H3G): H3G-I9505XXUBMEA-20130601113653.zip"
where H3G is three network however I cant update by OTA or Kies, mine says I got latest.
So would it be safe and worth it to flash to "United Kingdom (H3G): H3G-I9505XXUBMEA-20130601113653.zip" ?
or better wait for OTA update, may b when three release it??
the other thing is, I dont see H3G-I9505XXUBMEA-20130601113653 on http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-I9505&details=Galaxy_S_4
why it is not on there ?? official samsung firmvare web?
Please someone explain me, and advice on that (H3G): H3G-I9505XXUBMEA-20130601113653.zip
safe? better then my current? is it official? and why I not get it, if my phone on three?
Thank You
Kris
Right Kris your phone is simfree and it's currently got the latest firmware for simfree S4's in the UK
3's early S4's came simfree before they brought out their own lock branded one's, you won't get updates from 3 but from Samsung which will take longer to get.
3 have their own branded firmware which is MEA, which is currently the latest firmware out atm in this country.
If you want to get updates quickly but don't want to root or go down the custom road then you need to flash your S4 with 3's branded firmware like I've done, your S4 will still be unlocked, so no need to worry on that front.
But remember once you've flashed 3's firmware you need to wipe & reset so that it installs 3's csc so you can get updates from both 3 themselves via ota, or by using Kies.
This is a link to the latest S4's 3 firmware, if you wish to flash using Odin.
http://samsung-updates.com/details/10625/Galaxy_S_4_Snapdragon/GT-I9505/H3G/I9505XXUBMEA.html
CSC?
thx for reply
so u posted link to the same firmvare ver. as I did in first post H3G...
ok I understand
however I thought Its like samsung updates comes out first, then networks take them and modify and release, means samsung sahould be before three updates? why other way around?
so is it worth to update it? or I should wait
is it that firmvare three branded?
my other question is, what if I change CSC code, lets say to POLAND
then I get OTA update after reboot?
like they says in this article :
http://droidviews.com/2012/how-to-change-csc-in-samsung-galaxy-phones/
thx
ixon2001 said:
Right Kris your phone is simfree and it's currently got the latest firmware for simfree S4's in the UK
3's early S4's came simfree before they brought out their own lock branded one's, you won't get updates from 3 but from Samsung which will take longer to get.
3 have their own branded firmware which is MEA, which is currently the latest firmware out atm in this country.
If you want to get updates quickly but don't want to root or go down the custom road then you need to flash your S4 with 3's branded firmware like I've done, your S4 will still be unlocked, so no need to worry on that front.
But remember once you've flashed 3's firmware you need to wipe & reset so that it installs 3's csc so you can get updates from both 3 themselves via ota, or by using Kies.
This is a link to the latest S4's 3 firmware, if you wish to flash using Odin.
http://samsung-updates.com/details/10625/Galaxy_S_4_Snapdragon/GT-I9505/H3G/I9505XXUBMEA.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung have this tendency to update network handsets well before simfree ones, just the way they work to keep the networks happy in the UK at least.
Yes that 3 firmware is branded what you get is the 3 logo at bootup & you get 3 apps that it.
If you mix CSC ie change the BTU or H3G csc to polish csc you won't get any updates at all, as your in the UK your better off using BTU which you currently have or H3G which you get if you flash 3's firmware, and just change the language to polish, if you want Polish updates then your gonna have to flash a full Polish firmware.
As for updating or just sit and wait well that upto you
So I think best option is just stay on what I am on now, and just wait bit longer...
the one more option I thinki about is may b flash unbranded firmvare like polish or german if available
like from: http://droidviews.com/2013/the-latest-xxubmea-firmware-update-for-galaxy-s4-gt-i9505-brings-major-improvements-features/
not sure they unbranded
Thank You for explanation...
ixon2001 said:
Samsung have this tendency to update network handsets well before simfree ones, just the way they work to keep the networks happy in the UK at least.
Yes that 3 firmware is branded what you get is the 3 logo at bootup & you get 3 apps that it.
If you mix CSC ie change the BTU or H3G csc to polish csc you won't get any updates at all, as your in the UK your better off using BTU which you currently have or H3G which you get if you flash 3's firmware, and just change the language to polish, if you want Polish updates then your gonna have to flash a full Polish firmware.
As for updating or just sit and wait well that upto you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah if you not to sure on flashing then it best to stay with what you have now and just wait for the MEA update from Samsung which should be due soon, the only reason I flashed 3's branded firmware is because i'm too bloody impatient.
ixon2001 said:
Yeah if you not to sure on flashing then it best to stay with what you have now and just wait for the MEA update from Samsung which should be due soon, the only reason I flashed 3's branded firmware is because i'm too bloody impatient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are there any links to official stock roms that are quicker (not hotfile)

[Q] Which is the G900M unbranded stock firmware?

Does anyone know which is the unbranded stock firmware for the G900M?
arturox said:
Does anyone know which is the unbranded stock firmware for the G900M?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is new firmware on sam mobile. G900MUBU1ANE2_G900MUUB1ANE4_ALE
That's the newest unbranded. I tested by flashing this last night, it appears to be identical to the shipping firmware on my factory unlocked G900M. There is no non-Samsung bloat and language selection seems identical..
LOL I was in between flashes anyway. Wanted to see if there was another OTA to 4.4.3 as some carriers have released it, but there is not yet.
It's the first version of the unbranded firmware I've been able to find actually..all the others seem to be branded to a carrier of some form.
Thanks for that, I will download that ROM

[Q]Why can't I update my stock software?

So last night I flashed stock firmware from sammobile,after that I flashed the appropriate modem for the wifi to work.Everything is good but I tried from curiousness the Update Software button.It says my software is modified and I can't update it.Why?! I just flashed the stock firmware without rooting it or anything.What can I do?
calinoii said:
So last night I flashed stock firmware from sammobile,after that I flashed the appropriate modem for the wifi to work.Everything is good but I tried from curiousness the Update Software button.It says my software is modified and I can't update it.Why?! I just flashed the stock firmware without rooting it or anything.What can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reflash everything with a full (not modified) stock firmware. That's because you flashed file that not corresponding the stock firmware you installed, so the OTA update will break.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD
krasCGQ said:
Reflash everything with a full (not modified) stock firmware. That's because you flashed file that not corresponding the stock firmware you installed, so the OTA update will break.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed a stock frimware! First I wiped everything from my phone except storage and flashed the stock firmware from sammobile.It is completely stock right now...
In order for OTA updates to function, the parts of the firmware must match each other, and the firmware must have the same CSC as originally installed on the device. For example, my S4 originally was from O2 (CSC O2U), but when I got it off Swappa it had the CSC of SIM installed. I would need to install the O2-branded firmware back on to the device in order for OTA updates to function.
If you do not know what the original CSC was, either because the phone was a "hand-me-down" or was purchased used, then OTA updates will not function and you will need to use Odin to update.
calinoii said:
So last night I flashed stock firmware from sammobile,after that I flashed the appropriate modem for the wifi to work.Everything is good but I tried from curiousness the Update Software button.It says my software is modified and I can't update it.Why?! I just flashed the stock firmware without rooting it or anything.What can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can u share the release date of the stock firmware u downloaded?? Coz last stock firmware was released on 17.4.15 for 5.0.1 for i9500..
Ankit0141 said:
Can u share the release date of the stock firmware u downloaded?? Coz last stock firmware was released on 17.4.15 for 5.0.1 for i9500..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter. Because we look on firmware version, not release date.
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA One
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
In order for OTA updates to function, the parts of the firmware must match each other, and the firmware must have the same CSC as originally installed on the device. For example, my S4 originally was from O2 (CSC O2U), but when I got it off Swappa it had the CSC of SIM installed. I would need to install the O2-branded firmware back on to the device in order for OTA updates to function.
If you do not know what the original CSC was, either because the phone was a "hand-me-down" or was purchased used, then OTA updates will not function and you will need to use Odin to update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So ,can I change my CSC ? Or is there any way to find out what was the original one? Any other things that need to match in order to update via OTA? Or you kinda say it's impossible to do that if I already modified the original software.Btw I have a i9505
krasCGQ said:
It doesn't matter. Because we look on firmware version, not release date.
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can I achieve what I want? Or it's kinda impossible now that I modified the software before?
calinoii said:
So can I achieve what I want? Or it's kinda impossible now that I modified the software before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To identify what's the latest firmware for your region, use your hometown's CSC code (region code) and look for a new version available.
Like I9500UBUHOI1 for region ARO, I9500XXUHOH7 for region SER, and many more. If you're unsure, check your CSC code by entering Recovery mode or use an app like Phone Info.
@calinoii: Many S4 boxes will have the CSC on them as part of the Samsung merchandising code, though mine did not. If the box does not have it, or you don't have the box, the only way to get the correct CSC is by parsing the IMEI and finding out which carrier purchased that device. imeidata.net used to have that option available, and it was how I found out that my device was originally from O2. They took it out, and I'm not aware of any replacements. Try contacting your carrier, as they may be able to provide that information.
krasCGQ said:
To identify what's the latest firmware for your region, use your hometown's CSC code (region code) and look for a new version available.
Like I9500UBUHOI1 for region ARO, I9500XXUHOH7 for region SER, and many more. If you're unsure, check your CSC code by entering Recovery mode or use an app like Phone Info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so I checked on sammobile and the csc for my firmware (I9505XXUHOJ2) is I9505XXHOJ1. Maybe it has been installed with the firmware?
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
@calinoii: Many S4 boxes will have the CSC on them as part of the Samsung merchandising code, though mine did not. If the box does not have it, or you don't have the box, the only way to get the correct CSC is by parsing the IMEI and finding out which carrier purchased that device. imeidata.net used to have that option available, and it was how I found out that my device was originally from O2. They took it out, and I'm not aware of any replacements. Try contacting your carrier, as they may be able to provide that information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so I checked on sammobile and the csc for my firmware (I9505XXUHOJ2) is I9505XXHOJ1. Maybe it has been installed with the firmware?
I guess I wasn't clear. When I say "CSC of the phone", I'm referring to the three digit carrier code some of the devices have. For example, my phone I discovered had the model number of GT-I9505ZKAO2U. The carrier code of my phone is the last three digits of the model number. It therefore is O2U, and on sammobile.com I would narrow down my search for ROMs using that code to get the correct ROM for the device.
The firmware has its own CSC code, but that cannot be used to determine the phone's CSC. You either need the model number of the phone as printed on the box, or you need to find someone who can research the IMEI and tell you what carrier the phone was originally sold to.
calinoii said:
so I checked on sammobile and the csc for my firmware (I9505XXUHOJ2) is I9505XXHOJ1. Maybe it has been installed with the firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's probably modem or baseband version. Like Strephon said before, it refers on latest 3 digits on your phone box. Like my Galaxy S4 is GT-I9500ZWAXSE, so this phone is for Indonesian markets. Third party app might refer it into installed CSC codes like I install Latin American firmware into my phone and it's changed into GT-I9500ZWATTT. It mostly refers to region like region CHN for China, ARO for Argentina, etc.
CSC that always mentioned on the firmware details is actually multi-CSC. Like on SEA I9500XXUHOH7, it's multi-CSC version is I9500OLBHOH1 and Latin American I9500UBUHOI1 is I9500UUBHOE2. Multi-CSC applies one of CSC codes that matches your phone (like I download ARO firmware but after installing and wipe cache, CSC code installed is TTT instead of ARO).
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA One

OTA Updates Question

Historically, I've always rooted immediately and install custom ROMs etc, but I've decided to keep my Edge as nature intended at least for the foreseeable future.
I'm on a 100% stock unrooted Edge on EE in the UK. EE (and UK in general it seems) always seem to be right at the back of the queue with regards to firmware updates, which has prompted me into looking into possibly updating via Odin.
I noticed today that there was a brand new release for UK (BTU) with an even newer build date (29/08/16) and changelist (9113173) compared to most of the other recent builds.
So, I was wondering:
1. Will installing this BTU firmware over my EE (EVR) firmware possibly cause problems?
2. If I am then on BTU csc, will the OTA function then cease to work altogether, or will I then only have updates for BTU?
3. Has anyone on a stock EE edge done this? Be very interested to hear your findings.
Thanks

Bought a S8 full of bloat carrrer apps

As the title says i bought a s8 with a lot of career bloated apps, VODAFONE Romania region.
Any way to change to a region with no bloat and fast updates?
Thank you.
Package disabler pro is your best friend
Edit: Sorry, I didn't fully understand your question
I have a bloated preinstalled stock rom with lots of career apps. Which stock rom region has faster updates and less bloat?
RootNightmareX said:
I have a bloated preinstalled stock rom with lots of career apps. Which stock rom region has faster updates and less bloat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download Samfirm app on pc
Sesrch for DBT firmware which is Germany unlocked
Fastest updates
April (DSDA) been released today
MrH871 said:
Download Samfirm app on pc
Sesrch for DBT firmware which is Germany unlocked
Fastest updates
April (DSDA) been released today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will i receive next otas if i change region?
Dbt germany receives updates faster than Btu?
Yeah dbt is faster sometimes up to 1 month
You will receive ota if you do not flash twrp recovery and stay stock
ye flash your regions non carrier fw you should be able to get otas make sure to flash all 4 files and use csc not home csc (to fully wipe the device)

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