Version differences and bootloader - Samsung Galaxy S9 Questions & Answers

Just making sure I'm getting this right.
North american models are snapdragon and locked. -> possible to unlock with some debug mode which locks your battery @ -20% -> has a very quiet unofficial lineage port
Global/international are exynos and unlocked. -> has official lineage support
so there's no way to get a snapdragon s9 and it get rooted/custom rom without a hit to battery life?

No American model Snapdragons can be unlocked at all, only a couple of Chinese models, not sure where you read 20% battery and some lineage port because the bootloaders are locked, thus nothing custom can be flashed
Exynos are unlocked

anonxlg said:
Just making sure I'm getting this right.
North american models are snapdragon and locked. -> possible to unlock with some debug mode which locks your battery @ -20% -> has a very quiet unofficial lineage port
Global/international are exynos and unlocked. -> has official lineage support
so there's no way to get a snapdragon s9 and it get rooted/custom rom without a hit to battery life?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*Detection* said:
No American model Snapdragons can be unlocked at all, only a couple of Chinese models, not sure where you read 20% battery and some lineage port because the bootloaders are locked, thus nothing custom can be flashed
Exynos are unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the OP read some old Galaxy S7 or S8 info as this is my first Samsung phone since prior to the Galaxy Line existed and in doing my research leading up to launch of the S9 I came across similar details. Suffice to say that info gave me a false sense of hope that in time the S9 would be cracked. Hence I am stuck with this piece of crap.

Related

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?

Project treble, could be a change in the galaxys story?

Hi guys, i leaved galaxy's universe after i've sold my galaxy s6 which i used to mod without tripping knox thanks to a particoular bootloader. Now i want to buy an s9, i know that bootloader trick maybe can be impossible, but with the born of project treble we can get an aosp?
I've notice that samsung has implemented a system that deny users to flash diifferent regions firmwares.
I leaved samsung scene, So can anybody clear my ideas about the current situation and what is expected for the future?
I don't know!
I've been searching for an answer to this, but I can't find anything. I think we are just going have to wait till they come out and see. It boggles my mind that they don't at least let the unlocked US version be bootloader unlockable.
from my understanding, Treble won't do anything for you on a Snapdragon variant, it will only be good on the Exynos variant where you can unlock bootloader without issue.
Shemploo said:
from my understanding, Treble won't do anything for you on a Snapdragon variant, it will only be good on the Exynos variant where you can unlock bootloader without issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm lucky, italian version will be exynos... It's unlocked and i've read that it's also more powerfull

Noob S9 Questions

Coming from a OnePlus3, which was easy to root and had tons of ROMs...
If I want the same with the S9, I need to buy the international version unlocked, correct?
Also I saw in the S8 thread that AOSP ROMs are not easily available, or still being worked on but OK for S9?
I'm looking for good hardware that I can root and debloat (titanium backup is a must for me and has saved me countless times).
I prefer the S8 because it is cheaper but not if AOSP is a problem.
Thoughts?
S9 has RMM implemented, long story short its a new feature of samsung that prevents you from flashing custom binaries (TWRP Included) to the phone for the first 7 days of using it.
Once you get your phone, finish set up wizard, connect a google and samsung account and wait 7 days for the OEM unlock button to appear. There are AOSP roms for the device, namely RR and Lineage OS.
I came from a oneplus 3 running AOSP resurrection remix 6.0 to the galaxy s9 a few days ago. I've been flashing phones for many years now, so I'm well versed in initially gaining root/custom recovery. This phone was a breeze to flash. The root guide in the tutorials section of this sub forum was great. Just make sure the usb drivers are on your pc and you follow the instructions exactly. I had resurrection remix 6.0 running on my galaxy s9 (exynos) in 10 mins after opening the box! [emoji106]
Thanks to you both. There are two international (non-US) variants - one with Exynos and one with Snapdragon.
Only the Exynos can be bootloader unlocked, correct?
digger16309 said:
Thanks to you both. There are two international (non-US) variants - one with Exynos and one with Snapdragon.
Only the Exynos can be bootloader unlocked, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm unsure about the bootloader abilities of the snapdragon variant. I only have the Exynos personally, which is unlockable.
kemmo123 said:
I'm unsure about the bootloader abilities of the snapdragon variant. I only have the Exynos personally, which is unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I got an answer in this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-g9600-bootloader-question-t3795978?nocache=1
There is no TWRP for the snapdragon international variant so I will definitely stay away from it.

Samsung galaxy note 5 sm-n920a and android oreo !!!

After rumors that this phone will get Android Oreo update in next few months, nothing comes real till now.
Even lineageOs have developed oreo system for other models but not sm-n920a .
What's wrong with this model ?
gismail said:
After rumors that this phone will get Android Oreo update in next few months, nothing comes real till now.
Even lineageOs have developed oreo system for other models but not sm-n920a .
What's wrong with this model ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locked bootloader and locked down kernel. Not to mention, our carrier has left us for dead hoping we will buy another phone on a Next plan enslaving us for another 24 to 30 months. We will not get anything more than the 7.0 (with the occasional security update) that we already have for the device now.
mattern1974 said:
Locked bootloader and locked down kernel. Not to mention, our carrier has left us for dead hoping we will buy another phone on a Next plan enslaving us for another 24 to 30 months. We will not get anything more than the 7.0 (with the occasional security update) that we already have for the device now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about custom rom from lineageOs? Is there any chance to have oreo rom ?
mattern1974 said:
Locked bootloader and locked down kernel. Not to mention, our carrier has left us for dead hoping we will buy another phone on a Next plan enslaving us for another 24 to 30 months. We will not get anything more than the 7.0 (with the occasional security update) that we already have for the device now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gismail said:
What about custom rom from lineageOs? Is there any chance to have oreo rom ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kernel and bootloader are locked down, so no. There is no hope for AT&t branded Note 5's. They're not going to give us the kernel, and won't unlock the bootloader. Best bet is to get a different phone that's not AT&t proprietary, and not purchase anything proprietary from AT&t again in protest.
I know that I won't.

Unlocking the bootloader

I haven't really done much advanced stuff with android for a while and wanted to hop back in, but I cannot find the oem unlock option. I've tried doing the date and time thing, but that didn't work. Is there a new bootloader? I remember it always being just blue with no options, but the one I'm seeing is different.
*A little description of what it looks like when I boot into the bootloader just to make sure I'm not crazy: It has some info listed: (in red) FastBoot Mode, Product name- kona, Variant - SM8 UFS, Bootloader Version - , Baseband Version - , Serial Number - ***********, Secure Boot - yes, (in red) Device state - locked.
Pushing the volume buttons scrolls through 6 options, Start, Restart Bootloader, Recovery mode, Power off, Boot to FFBM, And boot to QMMI. The last 2 options and Start just boot it into recovery mode, I'm assuming I need the device unlocked to use these?
What device do you have? Is it Snapdragon United States? If so there will not be an oem unlock. You have to unlock through paid service and that depends on what device and what bootloader version your firmware is on.
butchieboy said:
What device do you have? Is it Snapdragon United States? If so there will not be an oem unlock. You have to unlock through paid service and that depends on what device and what bootloader version your firmware is on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive found out a little more, looked into Sampwnd and they weren't able to do it. I have the g988u and version 2 of the bootloader it seems. Is there another payed service that I can use for my phone and software? I have only been able to find Sampwnd.
Only bootloader 1 can be unlocked at this time. And you can't flash back once bootloader upgrades.
butchieboy said:
Only bootloader 1 can be unlocked at this time. And you can't flash back once bootloader upgrades.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's too bad. Thanks for the help. Will the bootloader ever be able to be unlocked? Or is it just not possible?
They are working on certain devices with later bootloader.
butchieboy said:
They are working on certain devices with later bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet thanks for the info!
Mikele2 said:
Ive found out a little more, looked into Sampwnd and they weren't able to do it. I have the g988u and version 2 of the bootloader it seems. Is there another payed service that I can use for my phone and software? I have only been able to find Sampwnd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What version oneui? 3.0 and below can be unlocked I believe. I'm no pro but this guy is @afaneh92. If it can be done, he can make it happen. Reach out to him, he's super helpful. He just helped me unlock my S20 a couple days ago. Smooth as butter.
goobener said:
What version oneui? 3.0 and below can be unlocked I believe. I'm no pro but this guy is @afaneh92. If it can be done, he can make it happen. Reach out to him, he's super helpful. He just helped me unlock my S20 a couple days ago. Smooth as butter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I have version 3.1, from what I understand they have updated the bootloader and previous methods don't work with the new one.
Mikele2 said:
Unfortunately I have version 3.1, from what I understand they have updated the bootloader and previous methods don't work with the new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bummer. Pretty sure you're correct. SOL until some smart individual figures out how to get around it.
I've got an S10 which is a version 6. The magic number is 5. Going to sell it while I can.
I'm looking into getting a S20 Plus and was told has to have B1 to be unlocked. I'm coming from a dead Galaxy S5 I have no phone at the moment. I just want a reliable devices that I can make received calls, texts and doesn't have camera issues (like the Ultra) and can be rooted. My S5 died it was having hardware problems and went into complete mobo failure cant restore or boot any roms anymore period. And I hope @afaneh92 can unlock if it has a B2. I'm looking at buying brand new from either Swappa or https://fusionelectronix.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-plus-5g-sm-g986u1-128gb-factory-unlocked/
I'm on Verizon hopefully unlocked phones will work on network? I may switch to T-mobile or another provider!
Hi, I am Android 11 and I opened my bootloader a few days ago, it is a very simple task
goobener said:
آزاردهنده. کاملا مطمئن هستید که شما درست می گویید SOL تا زمانی که برخی از افراد باهوش نحوه چگونگی دور زدن آن را مشخص نکنند.
من S10 دارم که نسخه 6 است. عدد جادویی 5 است. تا جایی که بتوانم آن را می فروشم.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Karoo77777 said:
Hi, I am Android 11 and I opened my bootloader a few days ago, it is a very simple task
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your probably on the international version.... those are easy not the US!
Droid9684 said:
I'm looking into getting a S20 Plus and was told has to have B1 to be unlocked. I'm coming from a dead Galaxy S5 I have no phone at the moment. I just want a reliable devices that I can make received calls, texts and doesn't have camera issues (like the Ultra) and can be rooted. My S5 died it was having hardware problems and went into complete mobo failure cant restore or boot any roms anymore period. And I hope @afaneh92 can unlock if it has a B2. I'm looking at buying brand new from either Swappa or https://fusionelectronix.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-plus-5g-sm-g986u1-128gb-factory-unlocked/
I'm on Verizon hopefully unlocked phones will work on network? I may switch to T-mobile or another provider!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For s20 family, Bit1 is all that can be BL unlocked at present. Nobody has info on when (or even if) a Bit2 unlock will be available.
You can still find Bit1 s20 series in excellent condition on ebay, it just takes a bit of time. Clearly ask sellers what the last 5 characters are under Settings - About Phone - Software Information - Baseband Version.
I'm BL unlocked, rooted, running Bit1_Safe AP/CSC (the 2DUH2 Build Number).
markfm said:
For s20 family, Bit1 is all that can be BL unlocked at present. Nobody has info on when (or even if) a Bit2 unlock will be available.
You can still find Bit1 s20 series in excellent condition on ebay, it just takes a bit of time. Clearly ask sellers what the last 5 characters are under Settings - About Phone - Software Information - Baseband Version.
I'm BL unlocked, rooted, running Bit1_Safe AP/CSC (the 2DUH2 Build Number).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right.... I thought the only ones that had Bit1 have Android 10 according to this site? https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-s20-plus/firmware/SM-G986U1/VZW/#SM-G986U1
Sooo say I get a S20+ from the follwoing site brand new how do I know if it has Bit1??? https://fusionelectronix.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-plus-5g-sm-g986u1-128gb-factory-unlocked/
And can these phones be be updated to Android 11, 12 etc....? What about any security updates?
Your camera does not have any focus issues and you dont get the "camera failed" error? Many Galaxy's had it including my S5. I'm sure this phone is a big improvement from it! I didnt like it didnt have OIS so pictures came out a bit blurry sometimes.
Droid9684 said:
Right.... I thought the only ones that had Bit1 have Android 10 according to this site? https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-s20-plus/firmware/SM-G986U1/VZW/#SM-G986U1
Sooo say I get a S20+ from the follwoing site brand new how do I know if it has Bit1??? https://fusionelectronix.com/samsung-galaxy-s20-plus-5g-sm-g986u1-128gb-factory-unlocked/
And can these phones be be updated to Android 11, 12 etc....? What about any security updates?
Your camera does not have any focus issues and you dont get the "camera failed" error? Many Galaxy's had it including my S5. I'm sure this phone is a big improvement from it! I didnt like it didnt have OIS so pictures came out a bit blurry sometimes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No focus or other camera issues on my phone.
Up to a 1Cxxx firmware has One UI 3.0.
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G Firmware Download SM-G986U Free Download
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G Firmware Download SM-G986U Free Download ⭐ Official and fast update ⭐ Max speed and free download ⭐ Best Samsung Galaxy website
samfw.com
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G Firmware Download SM-G986U1 Free Download
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G Firmware Download SM-G986U1 Free Download ⭐ Official and fast update ⭐ Max speed and free download ⭐ Best Samsung Galaxy website
samfw.com
Ask any seller what firmware is on the phone. If it's a brand new, shrink wrapped, box, in some cases the firmware version is listed on a box label.
I went the ebay route, paid $432 including tax for a like new G986U. It took time, but I ended up with exactly what I wanted. For an ebay buy, recommend checking that the Sim and microSD readers work okay (Samsung has had some infant failure issues).
For any unlockable phone, I recommend that as soon as you have gone through setup you switch to airplane mode, disable Ota in developer options and run the 5 ADB commands to disable updater apps. Vzw can try to push a firmware update pretty quickly.
markfm said:
No focus or other camera issues on my phone.
Up to a 1Cxxx firmware has One UI 3.0.
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G Firmware Download SM-G986U Free Download
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G Firmware Download SM-G986U Free Download ⭐ Official and fast update ⭐ Max speed and free download ⭐ Best Samsung Galaxy website
samfw.com
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G Firmware Download SM-G986U1 Free Download
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G Firmware Download SM-G986U1 Free Download ⭐ Official and fast update ⭐ Max speed and free download ⭐ Best Samsung Galaxy website
samfw.com
Ask any seller what firmware is on the phone. If it's a brand new, shrink wrapped, box, in some cases the firmware version is listed on a box label.
I went the ebay route, paid $432 including tax for a like new G986U. It took time, but I ended up with exactly what I wanted. For an ebay buy, recommend checking that the Sim and microSD readers work okay (Samsung has had some infant failure issues).
For any unlockable phone, I recommend that as soon as you have gone through setup you switch to airplane mode, disable Ota in developer options and run the 5 ADB commands to disable updater apps. Vzw can try to push a firmware update pretty quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow your not rooted or unlocked BL? Well I mainly root so I can use TB to restore and backup my apps, call and text logs and install unknown apps.
I wouldn't trust Ebay again. I bought my S5 (after a short time with Developer Edition) on Ebay and it may have had previous damage. The motherboard logic board failed completely finally. Previous to this Ebay phone I had an old flip phone from like 2008 off Ebay. Brought it to Verizon to fix and it fried their system and they gave me a free phone .... found out it had water damage! @blackhawk suggested I buy from fusionelectronix.com (claim new phone) and I was looking into Swappa (mint like new used). I will have to run the firmware numbers by XDA before purchase but I need phone ASAP as my S5 is out.
Oh right and I use JODIN on Mac (same as ODIN) will it work with the newer Galaxies? I was able to flash pit / zip files no problem on S5 previously.
I am unlocked and rooted.
I use ODIN V3.14.1_modded on Windows to flash my s20+, no idea if JODIN works on newer Samsung phones.
It's completely understandable about being gunshy with eBay. If the retailer you posted allows easy returns, no reason not to try them if you wish.
markfm said:
I am unlocked and rooted.
I use ODIN V3.14.1_modded on Windows to flash my s20+, no idea if JODIN works on newer Samsung phones.
It's completely understandable about being gunshy with eBay. If the retailer you posted allows easy returns, no reason not to try them if you wish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I get the PIT file and firmware file for S20+ SM-986UI? I will need it for JODIN. I'm reading online and research shows I can use something called Samloader?
If I must use windows to use ODIN I can try to find a copy of it and setup in Virtual Box like I did previous to JODIN.
If there is a warranty on the new phone can it be returned to stock?
I emailed the company i'm interested in buying from so waiting to hear back.

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