Develop Bugs

SM-A520W vs SM-A520F? (Galaxy A5 2017)

I am curious to know the difference between these two versions and what ROM to use for the SM-A520W...I am new to this and all the info would be appreciated

Dynamo22 said:
I am curious to know the difference between these two versions and what ROM to use for the SM-A520W...I am new to this and all the info would be appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe A520W is a canadian variant.
Only difference I can find is the frequencies used for LTE (4G)
SM-A520W : 700, 750, 800, 850, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2100, 2600 MHz
SM-A520F : 700, 900, 1700, 1800, 2100 2300, 2500, 2600 MHz

Custom ROM
So then I can use a A520F custom ROM no problem? Having a hard time ensuring I use the correct custom ROM. Also sucks that there's no LineageOS for me yet...

Dynamo22 said:
So then I can use a A520F custom ROM no problem? Having a hard time ensuring I use the correct custom ROM. Also sucks that there's no LineageOS for me yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I think so. At least you could try since modem part is not included in twrp flashable roms. Only system and kernel.
Just make sure you do a backup in recovery before flash so you can easily go back, in case of boot problems or bugs.

Thank you.
Okay. Thanks for the support. I will try that out

Hi did you end up trying it out?

Marshmallow vs Nougat
Decided I want to try out Nougat instead. Hopefully I am not disappointed.

Dynamo22 said:
Decided I want to try out Nougat instead. Hopefully I am not disappointed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Dynamo,
How did you get Nougat to install on your phone?
I tried through Odin but it wouldn't start (due to an error) because I'm trying to install an A520F firmware on a A520W device.
Thanks

1Nexus said:
Hey Dynamo,
How did you get Nougat to install on your phone?
I tried through Odin but it wouldn't start (due to an error) because I'm trying to install an A520F firmware on a A520W device.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The modem is different, Odin won't let you flash it. Even if it did, your phone would either be bricked or unable to use mobile networks. To make custom roms compatible, it's probably enough to create a modem patch which you flash after the rom.

It's been awhile...
tys0n said:
Yes, I think so. At least you could try since modem part is not included in twrp flashable roms. Only system and kernel.
Just make sure you do a backup in recovery before flash so you can easily go back, in case of boot problems or bugs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kinda veered off doing other things in life. Decided to give some attention to my phone again. Currently I am rooted on the stock Marshmallow 6.0.1 Wondering if I should go with a custom ROM? Xposed Framework seems like a risky route to take...Just wondering the best way to get the most difference and reach the potential of my phone but it seems like resources are a little limited? But I could be wrong.

Well... I broke my new Galaxy A5 2017 phone (3 weeks used),the digit amoled screen is kaput ! but phone still working. .... (keep calm)
Trying to replace the digit screen ... sellers want to sell the SM-A520W only witch is the phone model screen , but all other digit screen for A5 Galaxy like SM-520F , SM-520S or SM-520D ... etc , are much cheaper and looks like to be the same ... ("W" is for .... What? ... I'am canadian ...so What ? )
No idea why that specific canadian 2017 Samsung A5 Galaxy stupid fu ... ing screen would be different than others ? no mater the frequencies used on carrier , it should not affect the digit screen ... as I know ... Am I right ?
( I know we are not Trump's fans here in Canada !!! could it be the reason ? ahahaha ! )

has anyone actually flashed a a520F firmwire on a520W?
aren't they the exact same phone?

If anybody has please let me know. i am running Nougat, I would love to try lineage os. I started out with the htc dream (Canadian Variant) known as the G1 running Cyanogen Rom back in the day. This is the first time i cant seem to install Lineage OS. I have an A520W Canadian Variant

burnt_31 said:
If anybody has please let me know. i am running Nougat, I would love to try lineage os. I started out with the htc dream (Canadian Variant) known as the G1 running Cyanogen Rom back in the day. This is the first time i cant seem to install Lineage OS. I have an A520W Canadian Variant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well try it yourself and report back. You've got nothing to lose I promise. You can easily go back to stock.

cyranoff said:
("W" is for .... What? ... I'm Canadian ...so What ? ). No idea why that specific Canadian 2017 Samsung A5 Galaxy stupid fu ... ing screen would be different than others ? no mater the frequencies used on carrier , it should not affect the digit screen ... as I know ... Am I right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The language police require consumer labeling and docs be bi-lingual (English & French); thus, the digitizer screen type "W" is bilingual, err, at least the stickers on the boxes and docs are.
/S
---------- Post added at 06:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:17 PM ----------
supertac said:
has anyone actually flashed a a520F firmware on a520W (2017)?
Aren't they the exact same phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello everybody, I too have the same question. New A5 SM520W (2017) owner. Out of the box this week, it is android 7.0 and samy experience 8.1. Security, build dates, were 2018-JAN. It immediately took one OTA, resulting in security bumping to 2018-MAR-01 and baseband bumped to "C1" from "B2".
I'd like to get to lineage OS 15.1 sooner vs. later.
TWRP has recovery ROM for "Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 (Exynos)." Does this work with/on A520W 2017?
Cheers to all,
/S

Dynamo22 said:
So then I can use a A520F custom ROM no problem? Having a hard time ensuring I use the correct custom ROM. Also sucks that there's no LineageOS for me yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been running lineage OS 14.1 20180418 image on my SM-A520W for one week with great success. The hard part was finding a working TWRP for the A5 2017 and then getting that twrp.img to stay installed and not be over-written.
If you line your trwp ducks up, then go for it!
\/S

s2scotty said:
I have been running lineage OS 14.1 20180418 image on my SM-A520W for one week with great success. The hard part was finding a working TWRP for the A5 2017 and then getting that twrp.img to stay installed and not be over-written.
If you line your trwp ducks up, then go for it!
\/S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I switched from Stockrom mini to LineageOS 14.1. Loving it so far! I really feel like Samsung's ROMs are heavy if that makes any sense. But hopefully Oreo (Hadesrom) will be a bit different.

how much would a screen for the SM- A520w cost?

Going back to the original Samsung OS

Hi! I have on a Samsung tab s the lineage os installed but I'd like to go back to the original os from Samsung, the one you get when you buy the tablet.
Could someone tell me where to find that? I can't find this info anywhere..
Thanks!

Guimatth said:
Hi! I have on a Samsung tab s the lineage os installed but I'd like to go back to the original os from Samsung, the one you get when you buy the tablet.
Could someone tell me where to find that? I can't find this info anywhere..
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to sammobile.com and register (easy). Then search for your device (= SM-t800 or Galaxy Tab S) and country in the firmware section. The latest firmware is ....RJ1 based on 6.01. Download is quite slow though. To flash use an earlier version of Odin e.g 12 or lower as the latest versions are mainly used for Oreo.
I'm on Resurrection Remix and had problems too. I also wanted to go back to original OS but after having flashed the latest nightly (20/11) the problems are gone. So I will stay with the Lineage-based OS for the time being. Cheers LJ

Leejay1953 said:
Go to sammobile.com and register (easy). Then search for your device (= SM-t800 or Galaxy Tab S) and country in the firmware section. The latest firmware is ....RJ1 based on 6.01. Download is quite slow though. To flash use an earlier version of Odin e.g 12 or lower as the latest versions are mainly used for Oreo.
I'm on Resurrection Remix and had problems too. I also wanted to go back to original OS but after having flashed the latest nightly (20/11) the problems are gone. So I will stay with the Lineage-based OS for the time being. Cheers LJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I managed to go back to the original OS so it's all fine :good:

Upgrade GALAXY TAB S 10.5 SM-T800 to the most recent Android version possible

Hi all,
I am the old owner of this device and was wondering to which latest possible Android version can I update it. Even unofficially supported ofc. Currently running 6.1.
Any helper links are welcome.
Thank you.

dEnissay said:
Hi all,
I am the old owner of this device and was wondering to which latest possible Android version can I update it. Even unofficially supported ofc. Currently running 6.1.
Any helper links are welcome.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I updated my Tab S T-800 with Resurrection Remix based on 14.1 and it works really great.
Tried LOS15.1 too, but wasn't stable.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...om-resurrection-remix-n-sm-t800-wifi-t3606243
Good Luck

Guys, I have Samsung Galaxy TAB S (SM T805) if I update it to a newer version will it be faster?
Or if I root the tablet?

nqlida said:
Guys, I have Samsung Galaxy TAB S (SM T805) if I update it to a newer version will it be faster?
Or if I root the tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Newer firmware doesn't necessarily make the device faster. There isn't much you can do about a 9 yr old device.
Since the T800/T805 are not Treble compliant, the only way to run newer firmware is via custom ROMs, although I doubt development on devices this old gets much attention.

So what I understand is there is not much to do with the tablet to make it a little bit faster.
What about root or that is a different matter?
And last question about
LineageOS 18.1 for Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 (SM-T805 - chagalllte )​
[ROM][UNOFFICIAL][11] LineageOS 18.1 for Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 (SM-T805 - chagalllte ) - Beta
First Beta of Lineage 18.1 for SM-T805 (chagalllte) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TmNhkxmLlvSIvMqTJrYQPJ5R9s4U6rVO/view?usp=share_link This is a non-SELinux enforcing build, signed with the standard LineageOS test keys , so you will have...
forum.xda-developers.com

nqlida said:
So what I understand is there is not much to do with the tablet to make it a little bit faster.
What about root or that is different matter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is a different matter. In most cases, you can flash the Magisk app through TWRP, and Magisk will automatically detect the right way to root your device. If TWRP is not available, you'll need to patch the AP firmware file in Magisk, then flash to your device with Odin.

V0latyle said:
Newer firmware doesn't necessarily make the device faster. There isn't much you can do about a 9 yr old device.
Since the T800/T805 are not Treble compliant, the only way to run newer firmware is via custom ROMs, although I doubt development on devices this old gets much attention.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you be able to suggest which old tablets could make sense to flash semi-current roms onto? I tried to bring back some old device to reuse for home assistant display, but it's too old... Been thinking about these samsungs, but from this thread it's also a bit too old.

Darmach said:
Would you be able to suggest which old tablets could make sense to flash semi-current roms onto? I tried to bring back some old device to reuse for home assistant display, but it's too old... Been thinking about these samsungs, but from this thread it's also a bit too old.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have any suggestions, sorry. I have a Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (T290) at home that I'm running an AOSP GSI on, but those were released in 2018.

Darmach said:
Would you be able to suggest which old tablets could make sense to flash semi-current roms onto? I tried to bring back some old device to reuse for home assistant display, but it's too old... Been thinking about these samsungs, but from this thread it's also a bit too old.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
imho it's correct that a custom ROM doesn't necessarily make old devices faster, but I experienced it such that at least they don't get slower (except I9195).
Recently I was allowed to support development of Android 19=LOS 20 for my T325 and it runs like hell.
P600 and P900 on LOS14, T810 on LOS19 all using daily in different rooms.
I9195 on LOS18 (that is really laggy) N910F on LOS18 as backup devices.

Trying to downgrade to Android 8 or preferably 7 with Odin

I have long tried to downgrade my phone SM-G955F to Android 8 or 7.
I have tried many different firmwares but they all seem to fail on installing the new bootloader. I can always recover back to Android 9 using a collection of files called AP_G955FXXUCDUD1_CL21427293_QB39365969_REV00_user_low_ship_meta_OS9.tar.md5
Can anyone point me in the right direction for a ROM running android 8 or 7 that I can root.
Essentially I do not care if it is stock rom as long as I can root the device. I have successfully rooted my devices running android 9 using magisk but the essence is that I need to run android 8 or 7 and being able to use google chrome as a browser.
Any help is much appreciated
Best regards,
Erik

I thought I might have answered my own question. So in order to help other in the same situation I will post my findings.
Looking at related posts on XDA Dev Forum I found the following article, that seem to fit my needs.
RENOVATE ICE 1.2 | G950F & G955F | Android 7.0 | AQE5
Developers: mwilky & baadnewz Official Testers: SoLdieR9312, sswagonman, patensas G950FXXU1AQE5 Android 7.0 Knox set to 0x0 when booted Semi deodexed until custom kernel support Support for G950 and G955 variants Customizable...
forum.xda-developers.com
So I downloaded the zip file and unpacked it in hopes of finding files compatible with Odin. But they were not. So what I did was install my android 9 OS that I found that was working and then rooted it using TWRP and Magisk, which is quite simple.
Then I found this article:
How to install Renovate Ice 1.2 Android 7.0 Nougat Custom ROM on Galaxy S8/ S8 Plus - Android Advices
Samsung has just recently launched the new Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus. Both the devices are extremely powerful as they both have top of the line specs internally. The Galaxy S8 and the S8 Plus, both are powered by the latest and the greatest Snapdragon 835 SoC and have 4GB of RAM. And […]
androidadvices.com
and tried following the steps mentioned.
But unfortunately it did not work. I will try and investigate further or try again without first wiping all the stuff that was mentioned in the guide

Dansbo said:
I thought I might have answered my own question. So in order to help other in the same situation I will post my findings.
Looking at related posts on XDA Dev Forum I found the following article, that seem to fit my needs.
RENOVATE ICE 1.2 | G950F & G955F | Android 7.0 | AQE5
Developers: mwilky & baadnewz Official Testers: SoLdieR9312, sswagonman, patensas G950FXXU1AQE5 Android 7.0 Knox set to 0x0 when booted Semi deodexed until custom kernel support Support for G950 and G955 variants Customizable...
forum.xda-developers.com
So I downloaded the zip file and unpacked it in hopes of finding files compatible with Odin. But they were not. So what I did was install my android 9 OS that I found that was working and then rooted it using TWRP and Magisk, which is quite simple.
Then I found this article:
How to install Renovate Ice 1.2 Android 7.0 Nougat Custom ROM on Galaxy S8/ S8 Plus - Android Advices
Samsung has just recently launched the new Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus. Both the devices are extremely powerful as they both have top of the line specs internally. The Galaxy S8 and the S8 Plus, both are powered by the latest and the greatest Snapdragon 835 SoC and have 4GB of RAM. And […]
androidadvices.com
and tried following the steps mentioned.
But unfortunately it did not work. I will try and investigate further or try again without first wiping all the stuff that was mentioned in the guide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
1) Download the .zip file of the light ROM : https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/s8-s8-nougat-01-jan-2020-v30-lightrom.3636154/
Then magisk.zip, search it on the internet.
2) Flash the ROM via a custom recovery
3) Then flash magisk.zip
4) Reboot
It will work for sure with Nougat or Oreo, with any Binary number.
You can downgrade with a custom ROM, not stock.
Lastly don't use Odin but a custom recovery !

Benjamin2557 said:
Hi,
1) Download the .zip file of the light ROM : https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/s8-s8-nougat-01-jan-2020-v30-lightrom.3636154/
Then magisk.zip, search it on the internet.
2) Flash the ROM via a custom recovery
3) Then flash magisk.zip
4) Reboot
It will work for sure with Nougat or Oreo, with any Binary number.
You can downgrade with a custom ROM, not stock.
Lastly don't use Odin but a custom recovery !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much!
I will try that. I had found an older phone lying around running stock Oreo, that I rooted.

can't flash with odin even though bootloader being unlocked

i've got an a50 that i want to install TWRP on so i won't have to use the abomination that download mode is. i've unlocked bootloader, yet when i try to flash the TWRP .tar in odin it fails and the phone gives the following error code: "Only officially released binaries are allowed to be flashed(RECOVERY)"
although this is the first time i try flashing stuff on a samsung so you can consider me a newbie, i've got experience with fastboot on others so it must be something i glanced over.
cuz see, when i unlock the bootloader of other phones they let me flash onto them, unlike this one. if you could redirect me to a post with a solution or something that would be very much appreciated!

If you are on the latest official build, then The latest official build (last official Update from samsung) won't allow the twrp to be installed.
Use previous build to install twrp.

Sharath Mane said:
If you are on the latest official build, then The latest official build (last official Update from samsung) won't allow the twrp to be installed.
Use previous build to install twrp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wdym older build? flash an older oneui or use older odin, cuz odin is old enough already.

Which oneui build you are using? January ?
Dowgrade to october build.

Join telegram group (Samsung galaxy A50 official) for having better assistance.

Only officially released binaries are allowed to be flashed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This remembers me on my SM-A202F Adventure...
Seems "buggy" Bootloaders... in my case sboot.bin as SM-A202F Exynos...
I was able to fix this "phenomenon" with other Firmware...
Best Regards

Sharath Mane said:
Which oneui build you are using? January ?
Dowgrade to october build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you point me to a site for downloading the october build? furthermore, my plans are to do whatever it takes to get twrp onto it and just flash the unofficial a50 port of lineageos (+official gapps) and debloat with the permission of the owner of the phone. any problems to look at for in the future (seeing that you're a senior here)?

If SM-A505F is your device...
Look here for official collection of Firmware:
Samsung Galaxy A50 Firmware Download SM-A505F Free Download
Samsung Galaxy A50 Firmware Download SM-A505F Free Download ⭐ Official and fast update ⭐ Max speed and free download ⭐ Best Samsung Galaxy website
samfw.com
Otherwise replace SM-A505F with your Model Name...
Best Regards

pKalmam said:
can you point me to a site for downloading the october build? furthermore, my plans are to do whatever it takes to get twrp onto it and just flash the unofficial a50 port of lineageos (+official gapps) and debloat with the permission of the owner of the phone. any problems to look at for in the future (seeing that you're a senior here)?
You can proceed.
The problems you may get with FOD, VoLTE. Some operators like Jio completely depend on volte . Without volte we can not make calls and receive messages. Only internet Anwould work.
No aosp rom able to make work volte. For now, volte works only on oneui roms for a50.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

so if i'm reading this correctly, the device won't be able to make calls if i don't use oneui?

pKalmam said:
so if i'm reading this correctly, the device won't be able to make calls if i don't use oneui?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can make calls, just not through LTE (4G) or that's what I know

fran6325 said:
You can make calls, just not through LTE (4G) or that's what I know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aight thanks i'll just remove the samsung bloatware from oneui and stick with it then