Firmware Changes - Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers

Ok, could I flash custom ROMs of g950f in a unlocked g950u? I just want to know the possibilities of the unlocked g950u

Ricardo2003 said:
Ok, could I flash custom ROMs of g950f in a unlocked g950u? I just want to know the possibilities of the unlocked g950u
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Click to collapse
There's 2 opinions here, 1 being that an exynos firmware won't work on snapdragon device, which I personally believe is true but people have also told me there's nothing saying that you can't, but no one even though telling me that it can be done has actually shown me it being some successfully. I stick with my belief that it won't work.

sofir786 said:
There's 2 opinions here, 1 being that an exynos firmware won't work on snapdragon device, which I personally believe is true but people have also told me there's nothing saying that you can't, but no one even though telling me that it can be done has actually shown me it being some successfully. I stick with my belief that it won't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understood that, it could be possible but nobody tried before, the problem isn't the firmware, the phone just need a custom kernel that could interpret the exynos instructions and the snapdragon anatomy. In the note 5 the variant change can be possible but the note 5 don't have a snapdragon variant
I did my question 'cause there isn't many custom ROMs for the g950u variant
Thank you for the reply

Ricardo2003 said:
I understood that, it could be possible but nobody tried before, the problem isn't the firmware, the phone just need a custom kernel that could interpret the exynos instructions and the snapdragon anatomy. In the note 5 the variant change can be possible but the note 5 don't have a snapdragon variant
I did my question 'cause there isn't many custom ROMs for the g950u variant
Thank you for the reply
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Snapdragon bootloader is locked bar the Chinese version, so until they somehow do that, you won't see custom roms or kernels

They're different processors. It won't work.
You can flash W or U1 fw on a U and U on a W or U1. All American models are the same hardware so they're interchangeable.

joe3681 said:
They're different processors. It won't work.
You can flash W or U1 fw on a U and U on a W or U1. All American models are the same hardware so they're interchangeable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true. They are both arm64 v8 processors, meaning they will both execute arm64 machine instructions. It's like Intel and amd, they both implement x86_64. You don't need a different version of Windows for Intel vs amd, nor do you have to download different programs for one vs the other.
Even kernels do not have to be different. There is no reason that support for any hardware differentiation between the two models (of which there are few outside the soc itself) could not be part of the same kernel. PC Linux servers boot on tens of millions of machines of probably millions of unique hardware configurations using the same kernel, and since they are both running touchwiz the HAL (the primary differentiator between Android and traditional linux) will be identical
Your primary limitations with this is the locked bootloader, and the fact that apparently custom rom devs do things that require specific kernels. Since you can't boot a custom kernel, it may prove difficult. I havent tried so I can't say for sure

Hahaha right. Go ahead and listen to this guy. Flash F firmware and let us know how it goes.

Related

S5 Lte-A UK Firmware Flash

Hi All
As the title says. Can I flash an LTE-A version with UK firmware?
Many thanks.
andybg40 said:
Hi All
As the title says. Can I flash an LTE-A version with UK firmware?
Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do you mean by LTE-A?? do you mean the model SM-G900F ??
if yes well you can flash uk firmware.
hope that I helped
Galaxy_Guy said:
what do you mean by LTE-A?? do you mean the model SM-G900F ??
if yes well you can flash uk firmware.
hope that I helped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the SM-G906K version of the prime device, is that still doable?
andybg40 said:
I have the SM-G906K version of the prime device, is that still doable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn`t risk flashing firmware that`s designed for a different device model, in this case the G900F firmware on a G906K.
andybg40 said:
Can I flash an LTE-A version with UK firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't a lot of reliable information about your model so there is no authorative answer.
Most will say that it's risky and not recommended to flash a firmware from another variant. As well, you don't simply have a different variant of the 801 Snapdragon based S5. You have a derivative model, with a different processor (805), screen resolution, et cetera. Strongly arguing that it is highly unlikely to work and would likely brick your phone.
The best you might hope for is someone alleging that they were able to do so. And then you'd still need to estimate the credibility of such a report.
If you have root and a custom recovery installed, you could remove much of the risk by trying a 900F based custom ROM, e.g. the Phoenix ROM, rather than flash stock 900F firmware. All in all though, it's an improbable fit.
.
fffft said:
There isn't a lot of reliable information about your model so there is no authorative answer.
Most will say that it's risky and not recommended to flash a firmware from another variant. As well, you don't simply have a different variant of the 801 Snapdragon based S5. You have a derivative model, with a different processor (805), screen resolution, et cetera. Strongly arguing that it is highly unlikely to work and would likely brick your phone.
The best you might hope for is someone alleging that they were able to do so. And then you'd still need to estimate the credibility of such a report.
If you have root and a custom recovery installed, you could remove much of the risk by trying a 900F based custom ROM, e.g. the Phoenix ROM, rather than flash stock 900F firmware. All in all though, it's an improbable fit.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help guys.
Yep, I imported this model for the specs. It's not a real drama on the stock firmware tbh. I just wanted to remove the splash screen and network installed apps from Korea.
I've hidden the apps, but there are still a couple of Korean bits and pieces I would like to get rid of. Maybe a firmware or suitable rom will become available soon.
No, u can't use the SM-G900F firmware on the SM-G906K

Bootloader unlocked, can I use any rom?

So Ive had this Verizon Note 3 since day one. Finally unlocked my bootloader... What are the rules on what I can and can't do now. Can I install any Android rom? Can I only install note 3 roms from any carrier... Can I install only Verizon note 3 roms? Or is it a hybrid... I can install any rom if I replace the firmware and or modem.
I really want something on 7.1 but I'd rather take 6 and have something custom... Fast and responsive.
Thanks community.
You are in luck. :crying:
There's hardly anything to choose from; maybe 3 or 4 ROMs and about the same number of kernels.
AFAIK, there are no Nougat ROMs and only one Marshmallow ROM (AryaMod6.6).
Normally, when a dev ships a "ROM", there are two important pieces: the /system image (what some folks call "the ROM"), and the boot image. The boot image is what some folks erroneously call "the kernel"; but it is really a combination of kernel + ramdisk. The ramdisk has all the scripts in it that the "init" process reads to start up all the low-level daemons and services... as well as the Android UI as well.
The kernel is very tightly tied to the specific hardware in a given handset - both the processor/gpu and all the sensors/leds/peripherals.
So that's the reason you can't just flash any old ROM. In the least bad case, your device wouldn't boot; in the worst bad case the kernel would boot up far enough go off in the weeds and possibly damage some of your hardware.
You might be tempted to think "we'll, what if I find a boot image for the "hltevzw" SM-N900V device... can I flash that after I have flashed 'any old Android ROM'? Won't that take care of things?"
Well, not really. The system library binaries in /system are possibly compiled with instruction-set optimumization tweaks that are only supported by specific CPU and GPU hardware chips. Moreover, other peripheral chips such as GPS have unique "downloadable" vendor firmware in the system image... so again, there's the issue of hardware dependencies of the /system image.
Beyond that, there's carrier-specific "setup and activation" software that differs between ROMs, so even using ROMs that are from a different carrier's version of the exact same handset hardware might not work fully - specifically in the telephony function areas. Everything else might work fine though. For instance if you wanted to use the device as a WiFi-only unit for kid's games etc.
Note BTW that the "International" Note 3 GSM phones are not the same hardware - they use an Exynos processor.
good luck in your quest
Thanks
That was very helpful... Looks like Araya is my best bet. I'll leave jasmine rom to try it.
I was hoping that I could get another note 3 rom on this forum and flash the CDMA modem for networking... But doesn't seem like that's an option.
If I'm still stuck to Verizon Note 3 rom... What is the purpose or benefit of unlocking the bootloader... Was that really just to avoid Odin so I can flash my couple rom choices easier?
I appreciate your time!
cyberoptics said:
That was very helpful... Looks like Araya is my best bet. I'll leave jasmine rom to try it.
I was hoping that I could get another note 3 rom on this forum and flash the CDMA modem for networking... But doesn't seem like that's an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might have very slightly overstated the case for pessimism. There is a "consolidated" Verizon Note 3 Forum which is meant for devs to provide development tools and even ROMs that could potentially be used on devices from more than one carrier. But the world being organized the way it is, that means that you are more likely to find multi-carrier GSM ROMs over there than multi-carrier ROMS which support GSM and oh by the way CDMA and LTE as well.
If you want to fool around over there, I recommend that you proceed with great caution to make sure that the ROMs you choose specifically target Qualcomm MSM8974AB Note 3 handsets, and you should read the developer notes very carefully to see whether you need to flash an "hltevzw" kernel separately. If the dev does not mention "supports hltevzw" or "supports N900V" (for example here) you might be taking chances with your hardware.
I suppose it is possible that the radios are 100% "software defined" in the sense of which bands they can support. Maybe you can get what you want by simply flashing the desired carrier's "modem" firmware, but I have never done that so I can't say for certain whether that works or you are risking a brick (or hardware damage) by doing that. I simply don't know (e.g.) if the chips and antennas in a T-mo version of the Note 3 are identical or different from a Verizon Note 3's hardware
cyberoptics said:
If I'm still stuck to Verizon Note 3 rom... What is the purpose or benefit of unlocking the bootloader... Was that really just to avoid Odin so I can flash my couple rom choices easier?
I appreciate your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, for one - having a custom recovery allows you to make backups - even if you never change ROMs
People don't think of backups as being "sexy", but they allow you something which is really valuable: freedom to mess around and experiment with the knowledge that "if something goes wrong, I'll just restore the backup".
And with Odin, you only had the choice of Stock Roms. Now you have a few more.
cheers
Yes you can install Any rom for note3
Here is my experience with installing roms on note 3 after unlock bootloader
you should Flash twrp-2.8.7.0-hlte-4.4.img by ODIN for the hlte roms or twrp-2.8.7.0-hltevzw-4.4.img if you looking to flash verizon roms ,
im on Phronesis Rom N7 now and i tryed many roms
AryaMod N7 & S7 Edge
MagMa-NX from NXT TEAM
Resurrection Remix Nougat 7.1.1
CM 13 ROM 6.0.1 for Trader418
Purify CM13 6.0.1 ( the best CM13 till now )
and more ...
i have only one problem that i cant get LTE in mobile network always on H+
i tryed to add screenshot but i couldn't its my firist reply :laugh:
@ALPHA85
Pretty informative first post - thanks, and welcome aboard!
Are you on a Verizon SIM? If not, have you been flashing modems from other Note3 devices?
Just curious; I don't have much experience with radio issues or carrier activation issues. Trying to port a carrier-specific ROM elsewhere (esp starting from a VZW ROM) looks like a massive pile of interlocking software dependencies, though. My respect to anyone who can succeed at it.
Feel free to write a brief summary about what's broken in each - any of them have NFC working? I was on CM13 (trader418) for a long time and would have been happy to stay there were it not for all the GPS issues.
Thank you ,:angel:
i dont use Verizon SIM becouse im from egypt, i bought my verizon note 3 by wrong , when i bought it i saw N9005 under the battery and in the boot screen also inside the rom ,it was lollipop 5.0 ,but sinse i did factory rest i surprised it change to N900V even the imei changed , till now i cant understand how they flashed N9005 rom for N900V device with locked bootloader
i'm on OF1 bootloader unlocked and i flashed PL1 Modem i thought maybe it help me to get LTE but still the same H+
about NFC i really didn't try it at all , i always disable it by titanium pro
ALPHA85 said:
when i bought it i saw N9005 under the battery and in the boot screen also inside the rom ,it was lollipop 5.0 ,but sinse i did factory rest i surprised it change to N900V even the imei changed , till now i cant understand how they flashed N9005 rom for N900V device with locked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you first got it, did it appear to have a Verizon ROM on it? (For instance, the Verizon splash screen?) Or some other carrier's logo?
Actually, that cleared something up for me. Well, except for the part about the IMEI changing
Apparently there were both LTE and GSM models of the "Note 3" that were sold in international markets. I understand the LTE version was originally sold in China, but the GSM model is more common?
The SM-N9005 is an LTE phone (I don't know about CDMA) with the Qualcomm MSM8974 processor
and the N9000 is the GSM model with an Exynos 5420 processor
So that probably explains the binary compatibility of the SM-N900V and the SM-N9005 - same processor, and both phones were designed for LTE service.
But your report should give @cyberoptics a little less pessimistic view of things; thank you for that.
But I wouldn't go so far as to say you can flash ANY Note 3 ROM. Even though both the Exynos and Qualcomm processors use ARM cores, they are fairly different - the Exynos has 8 cores, half of which are Cortex-A15, and the MSM8974 has only four cores which are Krait- something or other. I think they are not quite compatible. Note that in theory, ARM code that was compiled to earlier standards (e.g. thumb, armv5) would certainly work on both devices - but if they compiled ALL the code in ROM libraries that way they would be giving up a lot of performance on either device. So.... to the extent that they target processor specifics for either Cortex-A15 or Krait, they will be incompatible.
cheers.
bftb0 said:
You are in luck. :crying:
There's hardly anything to choose from; maybe 3 or 4 ROMs and about the same number of kernels.
AFAIK, there are no Nougat ROMs and only one Marshmallow ROM (AryaMod6.6).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bftb0 I just wanted to thank you once again for your consistently helpful, verbose posts about the N900V. I've been using CM13 thinking it was the best thing going, when, as nice as it was at the time, it doesn't hold water compared to AyraMod, which I switched to yesterday after reading this thread.
Now my GPS won't take me sailing past Easter Island when en route to a noon meeting downtown. Maybe Google Cardboard will even work, now that NFC appears to.
Thanks again, and please don't ever bore of being a great and helpful resource, we need you!

J3119/j3110/j320

Hi folks, it's been rather confusing for me when it comes to buying the J3 because custom ROM is an important criteria.
Just like to know if the ROMs in here will fit for all the above models? I find ROMs in here largely for the J320 so I'm worried if I get the other models.
TIA.
Also for J320 there are different versions like fn, f, m and so on.
At least for fn are roms available.
So ROMs meant for the J320 cannot be flash on the J3119 or J3110?
windwaver said:
So ROMs meant for the J320 cannot be flash on the J3119 or J3110?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There ist not a general j320 version. For example the lineage OS for j320fn(single Sim) is not flashable on j320f(Double Sim) without adapting boot.img.
You can compare the chipsets on of your preferred phones here:
http://m.gsmarena.com/compare.php3.
If the phones have the same specifications roms can be adapted more easily but if you flash a rom which isn't adapted you are risking bootloop.
windwaver said:
So ROMs meant for the J320 cannot be flash on the J3119 or J3110?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As spirit said, although that's not the worst that can happen, the worst that can happen when flashing ROMs (although it's quite rare) is a hard brick, where your phone becomes completely unusable and can't be recovered.
Though I've been rooting and flashing phones for years now (at least 2k flashes if you count flashing updates of the same ROM) and that's only happened to me once on a phone with an MTK processor which were notorious for being tricky at the time.
Yeah, pretty tough to hard brick a phone but why risk it.
Having so many variants of a particular model just kills the support for it.
What's a good low budget Samsung phone with at at least 2GB of RAM with plenty of ROM support?
My old S3 just got updated with Nougat lol.

Installing NON-AT&T FW on SM-J320A... Possible?

I have the SM-J320A, AT&T version, and now being used outside the USA. Specs on GSMArena indicate that this phone is one of the versions of the J3 2016 family: J320FN (Europe); J320F (EMEA); J320F/DD (India); J320A (AT&T); J320P (Sprint, Virgin Mobile, Boost); Galaxy Amp Prime (Cricket); Galaxy J3 V (Verizon); J320M (LATAM); J320G (Asia).
1. So does this mean all these versions are identical in Hardware?
If there is no other option, I will install the AT&T newest version, however I would prefer to see if it's possible to use a non-AT&T FW so I can get monthly updates. So...
2. Can anyone tell me if it's possible to put a NON-AT&T 'open' version stock FW on the SM-J320A... and I would then be able to receive the security updates direct from Samsung...
Hope what I am asking is clear.
Robert
The j320 model has three different soc. The j320a is exynos based. The different exynos models are J320a, j320ag, j320az & j320w8.
But with this device only the carriers supply updates, unfortunately.
Not sure if it's an option, but I activated an att sim for their prepaid service (25¢ per minute or something)... Will never use the $10 I spent for the service, but I can update ota now.
Other than that keep your eyes here, we try to keep the latest firmwares available for download.
DamienMc said:
The j320 model has three different soc. The j320a is exynos based. The different exynos models are J320a, j320ag, j320az & j320w8.
But with this device only the carriers supply updates, unfortunately.
Not sure if it's an option, but I activated an att sim for their prepaid service (25¢ per minute or something)... Will never use the $10 I spent for the service, but I can update ota now.
Other than that keep your eyes here, we try to keep the latest firmwares available for download.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the best answer I've had on a forum... That makes it clear. So since I cannot really do what I was asking, no problem, I am willing to install the AT&T 7.1.1 version J320AUCU2AQI5. Only issue now is that as said, the phone is in use outside the US currently so cannot get the OTA DL. Is there any way or source to DL the full stock firmware for flash via Odin? Would prefer fully stock version with no rooting, etc.... I have a Macbook Pro for the flashing if it makes any diff.
Robert
Maybe this is what I'm looking for...
https://mega.nz/#!Xl4CiZZA!wXRCOHvyyHkcjq0jke47aTVFAMc6s0vxGG6loM-8zUc
??
Yessir
That's the most current j320a firmware
DamienMc said:
Yessir
That's the most current j320a firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks again...
Is that completely stock and flashes with Odin?
Any other special instructions needed to flash?
Just asking as it seems there is a lot of discussion on the entire thread and I'm not sure which issues are coming with which downloads.
Robert
Any issues where addressed.
Yes 100% stock.
Nothing special just load all four files in odin and flash it
Forgive me if I sound like a real dingba5, but I can't control myself from asking this. I have developed what can only be described as an unexplainable and illogical obsession with altering my Galaxy Express 2 SM-J327A 's factory condition. From what I know, there's no custom recovery, no ROM, no ROOT. NOTHING for this model. But the Sprint, Boost, etc. variants are all living it up in zip flashing heaven.
So using the same logic my man was using here, which was making sense, could I flash J327P firmware onto my device without ruining my day......

[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

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