I have my reasons for wanting a device that runs Android 7, but can that subsequently be upgraded to Android 8 (and above), and I am thinking that a second hand Galaxy S8 might do the job.
However, since I am looking at second hand phones, there is no guarantee that it would actually be on Android 7 (unless the online shop is willing to check for me), and I am just wondering if, in the instance where the phone comes with Android 8 or above, would I be able to flash it back to Android 7, or would it be dependent on bootloader version. And if it is bootloader version dependant, which version would allow me to downgrade back to Android 7?
Thanks.
xAxB said:
I have my reasons for wanting a device that runs Android 7, but can that subsequently be upgraded to Android 8 (and above), and I am thinking that a second hand Galaxy S8 might do the job.
However, since I am looking at second hand phones, there is no guarantee that it would actually be on Android 7 (unless the online shop is willing to check for me), and I am just wondering if, in the instance where the phone comes with Android 8 or above, would I be able to flash it back to Android 7, or would it be dependent on bootloader version. And if it is bootloader version dependant, which version would allow me to downgrade back to Android 7?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the S8 android version 7 has a binary ( bootloader ) version 1. Early version of Oreo has a binary ( bootloader ) 1 as well ie: beta and next few upgrades. I can't remember exactly when the version 2 binary ( bootloader ) was introduced, might have been 3 or 4 version of Oreo before being stable.
If looking for a 2nd phone that can by downgraded to android 7 you will need bl version 1. Anything with bl version 2 and higher can not be downgraded to android version 7.
You can check in settings - about phone - software information - Baseband version. Binary ( bootloader ) number will be the 5th number/letter from the right, you can also check build number as well.
spawnlives said:
On the S8 android version 7 has a binary ( bootloader ) version 1. Early version of Oreo has a binary ( bootloader ) 1 as well ie: beta and next few upgrades. I can't remember exactly when the version 2 binary ( bootloader ) was introduced, might have been 3 or 4 version of Oreo before being stable.
If looking for a 2nd phone that can by downgraded to android 7 you will need bl version 1. Anything with bl version 2 and higher can not be downgraded to android version 7.
You can check in settings - about phone - software information - Baseband version. Binary ( bootloader ) number will be the 5th number/letter from the right, you can also check build number as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. Do you know if custom ROMs, for instance Lineage also update the baseband as you go up versions?
The second hand shop I was looking at update everything they sell with the latest available update and I suspect that is common practice. So I am thinking that the best option for me would be to sacrifice the e-fuse on my Samsung S7 with Android 7.0, and start playing with various Android versions / ROMs. However, I may want to go back to Android 7.0 on that phone eventually, so it is important that I don't accidentally mess that up.
xAxB said:
Thanks a lot. Do you know if custom ROMs, for instance Lineage also update the baseband as you go up versions?
The second hand shop I was looking at update everything they sell with the latest available update and I suspect that is common practice. So I am thinking that the best option for me would be to sacrifice the e-fuse on my Samsung S7 with Android 7.0, and start playing with various Android versions / ROMs. However, I may want to go back to Android 7.0 on that phone eventually, so it is important that I don't accidentally mess that up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I normally use stock rom's as some of my apps don't work well with custom roms. Usually the only time that i've installed a custom roms is if someone else is having trouble with the installation process then i revert back to stock.
The Baseband ( in about phone ) will always show the current version of the OS whether it's stock or custom that you are on ( including updates ).
As far as i know custom roms do not increase you bootloader version number. So you should be able to revert back to the current stock rom that your on. You can always check bootloader version in Download ( odin ) Mode.
If you have any questions you should ask in the custom roms section for more information.
Related
Hello,
I bought Note 4 (Model: SM-N910F) in Germany, and now running android version
4.4.4, I want to upgrade to the official version 5.0.1 from website:
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-N910F/
Which version is recommended from the website?
Debating between both versions: Germany or Unknown, Which version is preferable?
And do need root to flash a new version?
I am interested in a clean system with no additives/applications (in English) with good battery time.
Thanks,
idan.
idann said:
Hello,
I bought Note 4 (Model: SM-N910F) in Germany, and now running android version
4.4.4, I want to upgrade to the official version 5.0.1 from website:
Which version is recommended from the website?
Debating between both versions: Germany or Unknown, Which version is preferable?
And do need root to flash a new version?
I am interested in a clean system with no additives/applications (in English) with good battery time.
Thanks,
idan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need root to flash a new firmware.
I would recommend wiping the phone to factory status before you flash a new firmware.
N910F will use the BOC3 software.
This should work okay.
/N910FXXU1BOC3_N910FVFG1BOC2_VDC/
Yes of course, I will implement to make a factory reset before flash new firmware.
BOC3 = Unknown version.
I understand this rom from Dutch, It will be ok? or wait to OTA upgrade?
After upgrade system to 5.0.1, my device will receive OTA?
idann said:
Yes of course, I will implement to make a factory reset before flash new firmware.
BOC3 = Unknown version.
I understand this rom from Dutch, It will be ok? or wait to OTA upgrade?
After upgrade system to 5.0.1, my device will receive OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I upgraded a few days ago from N910FXXU1ANK4 ATO 4.4.4 to N910FXXU1BOC3 Unknown and I can say that it's working nicely. Had issues when updating as I was first trying to flash a BOC3 version from RO Vodafone, but had issues while flashing (Volume size too big, Odin invalid ext4 image). I was able to upgrade to N910FXXU1BOC3 Unknown without any issues.
In case you get into trouble while upgrading, you can do a emergency re-initialization from Kies3, based on your model number and serial number (on device, under the battery).
If you are flashing a different region ROM, make sure you do not have Reactivation lock as it will block your attempt to flash a new ROM.
@lolozaur thanks about information.
Version N910FXXU1BOC3 (5.0.1) will include touchwiz interface?
I prefer a clean system like nexus version, can you recommend a convenient interface (launcher)?
idann said:
@lolozaur thanks about information.
Version N910FXXU1BOC3 (5.0.1) will include touchwiz interface?
I prefer a clean system like nexus version, can you recommend a convenient interface (launcher)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't have much information regarding the Note 4 ROM community as i just got the device one week ago.
But, if you want to keep your Knox counter set to 0 and have your warranty available, you have to flash only stock ROMs from good sources (i prefer sammobile).
I personally like the new Touchwiz on 5.0.1 and I think it will keep getting better when we'll get the S6 Touchwiz in future updates. I would not flash an AOSP ROM on the Note 4.
Not sure about this but if you want an AOSP OS (nexus version) you will be losing some of the functionality of the Note 4, such as the S-Pen and S-Note integration and maybe the S-Health and Heartrate sensor.
@lolozaur
Flash of new version 5.0.1 can lock again device for locked region?
The lock was released by call (5 minutes) with local microsim.
Thanks.
idann said:
@lolozaur
Flash of new version 5.0.1 can lock again device for locked region?
The lock was released by call (5 minutes) with local microsim.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should not lock. My device is also used outside the unlock region and I did not have any troubles after the upgrade.
I am flashing 5.0.1 and looks good! even touchwiz interface looks clean.
Thank you for your kind assistance.
I would like to downgrade my galaxy s8 (G950U) sprint version from Oreo 8.0 back to Nougat 7.0 but I’ve been having a hard time figuring out if it’s possible.
Looking around I’ve seen people saying that’s it’s not possible due to the bootloader which doesn’t allow you to go down from v2 back to v1.
It’s also my understanding that the fifth number from the right is the bootloader version, in this case I have version two (G950USQU2CRC5). Now, looking at the Nougat releases for the phone, the last three that were released before Oreo show that they have the version two bootloader (G950USQS2BRB1, G950USQS2BQL1, G950USQU2BQK5).
So, would it be possible to downgrade if I used one of these three versions or are there other things preventing this that don’t involve the bootloader?
Thanks.
Yes. As long as the bootloader version of the package and the bootloader version on your phone are the same, you're fine.
Also, don't flash a bootloader 3 package unless you want to completely ditch Nougat or don't want root for a long time.
Potatey said:
I would like to downgrade my galaxy s8 (G950U) sprint version from Oreo 8.0 back to Nougat 7.0 but I’ve been having a hard time figuring out if it’s possible.
Looking around I’ve seen people saying that’s it’s not possible due to the bootloader which doesn’t allow you to go down from v2 back to v1.
It’s also my understanding that the fifth number from the right is the bootloader version, in this case I have version two (G950USQU2CRC5). Now, looking at the Nougat releases for the phone, the last three that were released before Oreo show that they have the version two bootloader (G950USQS2BRB1, G950USQS2BQL1, G950USQU2BQK5).
So, would it be possible to downgrade if I used one of these three versions or are there other things preventing this that don’t involve the bootloader?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you ever get the chance to downgrade? could you please let me know how you did it? please include links to the files that work for you. thanks!
Hello,
I'm using Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-G930FD.
PDA (AP) version installed: G930FXXU1BPJE
CSC version installed: G930FOXA1BPJE
Android version installed: 6.0.1
My currently installed firmware is obviously old and I would like to make an upgrade.
I searched for the latest firmware versions available for my device and I did found them (on "Sammobile.com", if it matters). Each firmware on that website indeed has a relatively recent release date.
However, I noticed that all the firmware versions have a bootloader version that is OLDER (!) than the one I currently have.
My current bootloader version starts with U (U1B), while the supposedly newer firmware has bootloader version that starts with S (e.g. S7E).
Back then, I was told to never install a firmware that has an older bootloader version than the currently installed one.
What am I missing here...?
I appreciate your help!
Thanks
Sorry, but "U" doesn't stand for bootloader version, but the next to it digit. You're on bootloader 1 and latest firmware is 7. I'd recommend you to try first nougat firmaware with the some bootloader version: 1 (- to check if you like it or not), if you try firmware with bootloader 2 or higher, you no longer can revert to marshallow in case you don't like it
gone66 said:
Sorry, but "U" doesn't stand for bootloader version, but the next to it digit. You're on bootloader 1 and latest firmware is 7. I'd recommend you to try first nougat firmaware with the some bootloader version: 1 (- to check if you like it or not), if you try firmware with bootloader 2 or higher, you no longer can revert to marshallow in case you don't like it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it. Thanks a lot, my friend!
Please don't updgrade you will regret it. Ram management, performance, and battery life will be much worse.
Right now I am on AT&T firmware CTA2 which is the v2 bootloader. I know if I take the OTA (I have it frozen so it doesn't auto update) to the March security patch it will update my bootloader to v3 and block my ability to revert back to Android 9. I am asking is anyone else in the same boat here and if so what did you? Keep v2 or jump to v3?
Anyone? Guess I am alone here on this one.
I upgraded to 10 before rooting mine, luckily the Binary code was still v3 aka build number G975FXXS"3"ASJG, so reverted to pie and rooted it.
Reason,as samsung are making it harder to root and i wasn't risking upgrading it.
Also no reason too, as custom roms will be made which will be 10, so best of both worlds
Wingchundub said:
I upgraded to 10 before rooting mine, luckily the Binary code was still v3 aka build number G975FXXS"3"ASJG, so reverted to pie and rooted it.
Reason,as samsung are making it harder to root and i wasn't risking upgrading it.
Also no reason too, as custom roms will be made which will be 10, so best of both worlds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what I am getting here is that you were on v3 bootloader and went back to Pie?
Yes, Look at the binary code, you will see number 3 in my build number.
there is a few more updates in pie, and also i think the first two in 10 that have binary code 3 in build number.
As i did update to 10 BUT only to the last update which contained the number 3 as i show in build number.
Thererfore i was able to revert back.
If i went further to binary code 4, then i'd be screwed
the last v3 you can use which is on android 10 and you can revert back if you wish is:-
2020-01-06 10 G975FXXS3BSL4 G975FOXM3BSKO
the next android 10 update v4 is:- 2020-02-12 10 G975FXXU4BTA8 G975FOXM4BTB1 (Do not update this, if you want to revert back to pie)
these are updates for my BTU G975f
Wingchundub said:
Yes, Look at the binary code, you will see number 3 in my build number.
there is a few more updates in pie, and also i think the first two in 10 that have binary code 3 in build number.
As i did update to 10 BUT only to the last update which contained the number 3 as i show in build number.
Thererfore i was able to revert back.
If i went further to binary code 4, then i'd be screwed
the last v3 you can use which is on android 10 and you can revert back if you wish is:-
2020-01-06 10 G975FXXS3BSL4 G975FOXM3BSKO
the next android 10 update v4 is:- 2020-02-12 10 G975FXXU4BTA8 G975FOXM4BTB1 (Do not update this, if you want to revert back to pie)
these are updates for my BTU G975f
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey sorry for the real late reply, I just now dug up this thread. I noticed you have G975F phone. Is it rooted? I have a G975U phone. Does this matter? If I update to bootloader v3 (which is the bootloader my carrier is on), I can go back to Pie as long as I don't update to bootloader v4?
Reports in the forum here are saying once you've updated to a newer bootloader version you can't go back for the G975U version of the phone.
StoneyJSG said:
Hey sorry for the real late reply, I just now dug up this thread. I noticed you have G975F phone. Is it rooted? I have a G975U phone. Does this matter? If I update to bootloader v3 (which is the bootloader my carrier is on), I can go back to Pie as long as I don't update to bootloader v4?
Reports in the forum here are saying once you've updated to a newer bootloader version you can't go back for the G975U version of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did have the G975f which i did root successfully, sold it on and replaced it with the A71. which is much cheaper, a cracking phone, and has snapdragon chip which are much faster than exynos.
Midrange phones are now coming up to the main flagship phones, and cameras are excellent on it, and its also rooted.
Anyhow.........
Anyway if your s10 has the Exynos chip, you can root, if it has Snapdragon, as far as i know its not possible, you'd need to search.
As i mentioned in post, if the binary code aka 3 remains and it does in the early 10 release, then you can of course go back to pie, as i did.
If you upgrade to binary code 4 aka BL 4, you can not downgrade back to v3.
I'm not sure if it is still rootable at v4, you'd have to check, as like i say, i don't have mine anymore and never got to that stage to investigate.
Hope that helps you bud
Wingchundub said:
I did have the G975f which i did root successfully, sold it on and replaced it with the A71. which is much cheaper, a cracking phone, and has snapdragon chip which are much faster than exynos.
Midrange phones are now coming up to the main flagship phones, and cameras are excellent on it, and its also rooted.
Anyhow.........
Anyway if your s10 has the Exynos chip, you can root, if it has Snapdragon, as far as i know its not possible, you'd need to search.
As i mentioned in post, if the binary code aka 3 remains and it does in the early 10 release, then you can of course go back to pie, as i did.
If you upgrade to binary code 4 aka BL 4, you can not downgrade back to v3.
I'm not sure if it is still rootable at v4, you'd have to check, as like i say, i don't have mine anymore and never got to that stage to investigate.
Hope that helps you bud
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So v3 can go back to v2 bootloader? I have a snapdragon G975U phone running AT&T firmware so I can't root it. I just don't wanna brick my phone if I unfreeze the update and update to v3 then wanna go back to v2 bootloader later.
Hello, total newbie here. I've been searching around trying to find out how to manually update my android version to at least oreo 8.0 (due to a certain app). Or is it time to move on and grab a new phone?
As far as what I've done, I've gotten the bare basics of checking for updates on my settings and my current OS version (7.0). All it tells me is that I'm currently up to date. I've checked the manufacturer's website and it also told me that 7.0 is the official version of the phone (at least from my understanding unless I'm wrong which is very possible). I've tried looking around for manually upgrading the version and most recommend that I shouldn't because the device might not fully support the version and cause problems.
D3STINY22 said:
Hello, total newbie here. I've been searching around trying to find out how to manually update my android version to at least oreo 8.0 (due to a certain app). Or is it time to move on and grab a new phone?
As far as what I've done, I've gotten the bare basics of checking for updates on my settings and my current OS version (7.0). All it tells me is that I'm currently up to date. I've checked the manufacturer's website and it also told me that 7.0 is the official version of the phone (at least from my understanding unless I'm wrong which is very possible). I've tried looking around for manually upgrading the version and most recommend that I shouldn't because the device might not fully support the version and cause problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do NOT move on to a new phone.
S6 Edge+ with a custom ROM is suitable for another two years
D3STINY22 said:
Hello, total newbie here. I've been searching around trying to find out how to manually update my android version to at least oreo 8.0 (due to a certain app). Or is it time to move on and grab a new phone?
As far as what I've done, I've gotten the bare basics of checking for updates on my settings and my current OS version (7.0). All it tells me is that I'm currently up to date. I've checked the manufacturer's website and it also told me that 7.0 is the official version of the phone (at least from my understanding unless I'm wrong which is very possible). I've tried looking around for manually upgrading the version and most recommend that I shouldn't because the device might not fully support the version and cause problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
download the update rom then copy it to sd card and then power off the phone and insert sd card to phone . go to recovery mode using 3 keys and select update from sd card using vol- and vol= and accept it using power button . this is at you own risk . all you data may be lost by upgrading the phone using this tutorial