5g C-band -- flash radio.img from Pixel 5? - Google Pixel 4a 5G Questions & Answers

Hey guys and gals! I have a quick question.
So... the Pixel 5 is essentially identical to the 4a5g for all intents and purposes. However, Pixel 5 unlocks Verizon's c-band 5g (USA), I think its the N77 band.
As of yet, there's no word on the Pixel 4a 5g getting an update to its firmware to unlock it. (both the 4a5g and the 5 have the hardware to use n77. But only the 5 received the update to actually turn it on).
My question is --- is the band data and provisioning found in the radio.img file? And if so, what would happen if I flashed the latest pixel 5 radio.img onto my Pixel 4a5g? I mean, I run Pixel 5 custom roms, and even the Pixel 5 Elemental X kernel without any issues. So I'm not convinced that flashing the Radio.img would cause in irreparable harm.
Otherwise, if this isn't the fix I'm looking for... do you have any suggestions? By the wayd, if this has been discussed and solved elsehwere, simply point me to where I could find the solution. And I apologize for taking up your time and your brain's bandwidth.
Thank you so much for your guidance and taking the time to read this.

MOD Edit:
Nice word salad. Flash it yourself and see. It literally won't brick your phone if you have the bootloader unlocked

The OP asked a question in the Q&A section.. This is what it's for.
Now let's all play nice.
Thank you.

Related

Best Note 5 Model for modding?

hi fellow XDA peeps,
Please don't bash me... i did some research but still need a bit of advice....
I am interested in purchasing a Note 5, can someone tell me which version/model of the Note 5 is the best for modding and would most likely be the one with lots of custom roms?
I know it might be a bit early to say this but, I'm hoping that you guys can still give me some advice. I did some research and saw that there is a custom rom or two out right now, especially here on XDA but, i noticed this is specifically for the N920 I/C/G. : http://forum.xda-developers.com/note5/development/n920i-dr-ketan-rom-l1-t3195076
Also, I read that the T-Mobile version comes with an unlocked bootloader. Does the other models come with an unlocked bootloader as well?
I would greatly appreciate your help guys and any other advice concerning Note 5 versions/models, modding, custom roms, unlocked/unlocking bootloaders is most welcomed.
sooooooooo......
1) best version/model for modding and most likely to have most custom roms?
2) which version/model comes with unlocked bootloader/s?
Many thanks in advance,
Ronald
grymmy said:
hi fellow XDA peeps,
Please don't bash me... i did some research but still need a bit of advice....
I am interested in purchasing a Note 5, can someone tell me which version/model of the Note 5 is the best for modding and would most likely be the one with lots of custom roms?
I know it might be a bit early to say this but, I'm hoping that you guys can still give me some advice. I did some research and saw that there is a custom rom or two out right now, especially here on XDA but, i noticed this is specifically for the N920 I/C/G. : http://forum.xda-developers.com/note5/development/n920i-dr-ketan-rom-l1-t3195076
Also, I read that the T-Mobile version comes with an unlocked bootloader. Does the other models come with an unlocked bootloader as well?
I would greatly appreciate your help guys and any other advice concerning Note 5 versions/models, modding, custom roms, unlocked/unlocking bootloaders is most welcomed.
sooooooooo......
1) best version/model for modding and most likely to have most custom roms?
2) which version/model comes with unlocked bootloader/s?
Many thanks in advance,
Ronald
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus 6p ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A
ambervals6 said:
Nexus 6p
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahahaha.....great device as well, but Nexus devices sucks with their camera and quality of pics
EXCELLENT for modding and developments tho :good:
grymmy said:
Please don't bash me... i did some research but still need a bit of advice....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Best for modding" is irrelevant if you can't use the phone for voice/data. So, why not start with telling us where you're physically located and what carrier you have. That may significantly limit your choices.
garyd9 said:
"Best for modding" is irrelevant if you can't use the phone for voice/data. So, why not start with telling us where you're physically located and what carrier you have. That may significantly limit your choices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx buddy.
I'm located in the Caribbean, we have blazing 4G networks and excellent voice/data services. My present carrier is Digicel but we also have Bmobile (TSTT) here.
I ask "best for modding" because I'm big on installing custom Roms and having full access to the device and what it could do. I could be wrong, but from my understanding devices with unlocked bootloaders are the preferred choices for developers to work on, mod, etc.
thx,
Ronald
Here's the best I can offer you:
Head to this website: http://www.willmyphonework.net/
The following devices have more support on XDA than the others: n920t (tmobile - but they come sim-locked), n920i, n920c. Find the device that works best with your carrier. Eliminate the tmobile choice if needed due to it being sim-locked.
garyd9 said:
Here's the best I can offer you:
Head to this website: http://www.willmyphonework.net/
The following devices have more support on XDA than the others: n920t (tmobile - but they come sim-locked), n920i, n920c. Find the device that works best with your carrier. Eliminate the tmobile choice if needed due to it being sim-locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
garyd9......WOW! EXCELLENT site for checking device network compatibility>>>>WOW!
thanks a million buddy...after all the research i did, i too came up with exactly what you said above........thanks again....cleared up things a lot. Guess i was on the right track, i have an unlocked n920t, n920i and a n920c in my ebay cart. However, i checked and ALL of them resulted in a (X) by the 4G symbol.... ................... All those models will work fine up to 3G network here though not sure if our 4G network is really 4G....lol....long story
if its not too much though, which would you go with?
thx,
Ronald
grymmy said:
if its not too much though, which would you go with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite honestly, I'd do my homework and whatever google searching required to find out which LTE bands are supported by the carrier or carriers I use. Then I'd make sure that whichever model I got supported those LTE bands.
Quite often, a carrier might still be rolling out support for an LTE band and it doesn't show on that site I linked to. For example, AT&T in the US is rolling out LTE bands 5, 29 and 30 in some regions, but that site knows nothing about them.... (I can excuse band 29 because it's used for downlink only, and band 30 because they JUST started rolling that out in very few areas.)
garyd9 said:
Quite honestly, I'd do my homework and whatever google searching required to find out which LTE bands are supported by the carrier or carriers I use. Then I'd make sure that whichever model I got supported those LTE bands.
Quite often, a carrier might still be rolling out support for an LTE band and it doesn't show on that site I linked to. For example, AT&T in the US is rolling out LTE bands 5, 29 and 30 in some regions, but that site knows nothing about them.... (I can excuse band 29 because it's used for downlink only, and band 30 because they JUST started rolling that out in very few areas.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice nice, thanks for the heads up....this what our networks here runs on:
http://roamtheworldcellphones.com/gsmtrinidadandtobago
http://www.gsmarena.com/network-bands.php3
But, the issue is not really the band/s though, its the version that most likely developers would choose to work on and have lots of custom Roms/developments? whatever model that may be, that is the model i would i like to buy. For now it seems like if i can't obtain an unlocked N920T then the next best variant should be the N920I, then N920C. Correct me if I'm wrong in anyway please..lol
again, many thanks for such informative advice and for taking the time to reply.......thx buddy
grymmy said:
For now it seems like if i can't obtain an unlocked N920T then the next best variant should be the N920I, then N920C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this instant in time, the 't' seems to have the most attention. The 'i' and 'c' are mixed... I wouldn't be willing to say either gets more attention than the other.
garyd9 said:
At this instant in time, the 't' seems to have the most attention. The 'i' and 'c' are mixed... I wouldn't be willing to say either gets more attention than the other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Figured so, I think I just might get the N920I, just to be safe...lol
In my experience with rooting, installing custom roms etc. I noticed that most international models are the preferred choice for developers to work on, plus, updates are much faster ..... again, correct me if I'm wrong....lol

Xiaomi MI Mix: Any chance to unlock LTE band 200 (800Mhz) ?!

Hey guys.
I just want to know or even better discuss, whether there is any chance or already a method to unlock LTE Band 20 (800Mhz) for the brand new Mi MIx ?
I have not much knowledge about this kinda stuff, but I own a Mi MIx and it would be pretty nice if some guys know about the problem and want to support this thread or in advance already have a solution; for eg. a ported Baseband or something we can use/flash.
I have already heard about this topic in the Mi5s forum and a lot of people where it seems to work and also a lot where it does not.
So please feel free to discuss (gently)
Hey dude congrats for the Mix.
I have seen somewhere here in XDA a way to replace the phone region bands with another, look around and i will do as well, Good luck
أرسلت من HUAWEI NXT-L29 بإستخدام تاباتلك
@ROIDjoy Thanks for the reply.
Nice info. So in this case I will search the forum.
Do you remember at least the section where we could find the information, eg. "Xiaomi section" ?
If any of the other members have more or diffrent info, feel free to reply
ps. I have found this in xda google search. Do you talk about that ?
https://www.xda-developers.com/add-frequency-bands-qualcomm/
https://www.xda-developers.com/remove-band-restrictions-qualcomm/
http://pocketnow.com/2014/10/31/extra-smartphone-radio-bands
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-...how-to-unlock-lte-frequency-bands-mi-t3215880
With almost any Qualcomm device you can enable software-wise any band you wish with the NVbrowser.
However, its a matter whether the hardware (mainly the modem) supports this frequency or not.
Its like enabling 64bit on your Win machine, if you do not have a 64bit CPU it doesn't help.
That was the main problem for U.S. Moto phones in the past, you could enable software wise band 20 for EU but the modem just didn't support it. But its much easier to find out about phones that are released to U.S. markets since they have to go through the FCC and you can look up the hardware specifications in the FCC database.
dagoban said:
With almost any Qualcomm device you can enable software-wise any band you wish with the NVbrowser.
However, its a matter whether the hardware (mainly the modem) supports this frequency or not.
Its like enabling 64bit on your Win machine, if you do not have a 64bit CPU it doesn't help.
That was the main problem for U.S. Moto phones in the past, you could enable software wise band 20 for EU but the modem just didn't support it. But its much easier to find out about phones that are released to U.S. markets since they have to go through the FCC and you can look up the hardware specifications in the FCC database.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we still don't have Mi MIX Diag driver to try ...
Just thought I'd also say I'm very interested to see if this is available as well!
dagoban said:
With almost any Qualcomm device you can enable software-wise any band you wish with the NVbrowser.
However, its a matter whether the hardware (mainly the modem) supports this frequency or not.
Its like enabling 64bit on your Win machine, if you do not have a 64bit CPU it doesn't help.
That was the main problem for U.S. Moto phones in the past, you could enable software wise band 20 for EU but the modem just didn't support it. But its much easier to find out about phones that are released to U.S. markets since they have to go through the FCC and you can look up the hardware specifications in the FCC database.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would TENAA site be of use? not sure as never tried to look for info there - quite often you will see something about some new device cropping up at TENAA (China equivalent of FCC)
http://www.tenaa.com.cn/
Thanks for the replys and I hope we can get more expert information, because especially myself is lacking of the professional know how.
I am not able to proof if the modem of the Mi Mix is able to get a signal of 800mhz with the right software.
If we know the modem can, so it would be possible (for the right guys) to write a software solution I think.
Anybody got an update on this?
@PJF16: Not successful by now :-/
I think we need an patched NON-HLOS.bin with components (config files) of an Snapdragon 821 / MSM8996 that supports band 20 - eg. the google pixel XL -> https://madeby.google.com/phone/specs/
Sadly enabling the band through Qualcomm tools only (NV-Browser) is not enough.
-----delete me-----
raupe said:
@PJF16: Not successful by now :-/
I think we need an patched NON-HLOS.bin with components (config files) of an Snapdragon 821 / MSM8996 that supports band 20 - eg. the google pixel XL -> https://madeby.google.com/phone/specs/
Sadly enabling the band through Qualcomm tools only (NV-Browser) is not enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Xiaomi Note 2 modem should satisfy the requirement.
Hey @Leechoonhwee,
thanks for the hint! Ill investigate the momdem config for the mi note 2 - maybe we have luck and can use their NON-HLOS.bin without any mods (but won't count on that).
Maybe some of their config files have to be integrated in the NON-HLOS.bin of an mix ROM.
Actually i have not figured out how to reassemble the NON-HLOS.bin with modified content - this will be step 2
raupe said:
Hey @Leechoonhwee,
thanks for the hint! Ill investigate the momdem config for the mi note 2 - maybe we have luck and can use their NON-HLOS.bin without any mods (but won't count on that).
Maybe some of their config files have to be integrated in the NON-HLOS.bin of an mix ROM.
Actually i have not figured out how to reassemble the NON-HLOS.bin with modified content - this will be step 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I see, the cpu is exactly the same as well as most spec. No harm flashing it and try.
@Leechoonhwee OK - I tried the Mi Note 2 NON-HLOS.bin on my MIX aaaaand: it works! -> but not as expected with band 20 :-/
Now lets explain why this happened:
All available ROMs for the Mi Note 2 (where i've extracted the NON-HLOS.bin) are based on the DEV/Stable China Version of Xiaomis device.
Maybe we have more luck when the global ROM has been released to public.
Question @all:
Does someone of you readers has access to an global ROM of the Global Mi Note 2?
(maybe this question has to be copied to the Mi Note 2 forum - but I'm out of time for today
raupe said:
@Leechoonhwee OK - I tried the Mi Note 2 NON-HLOS.bin on my MIX aaaaand: it works! -> but not as expected with band 20 :-/
Now lets explain why this happened:
All available ROMs for the Mi Note 2 are based on the DEV/Stable China Version of Xiaomis device.
Maybe we have more luck when the global ROM has been released to public.
Question @all:
Does someone of you readers has access to an global ROM of the Global Mi Note 2?
(maybe this question has to be copied to the Mi Note 2 forum - but I'm out of time for today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not too sure whether the global version of the note 2 have been released
Leechoonhwee said:
Not too sure whether the global version of the note 2 have been released
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... it seems a very limited (rare) number of international units have been sold.
The requests for an download of an global rom are even unanswered in the Mi Note 2 forum -> https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-note-2/help/rom-global-version-t3494238
Maybe we'll have to wait some more weeks when there are more devices in the wild and therefore more activity in the Mi Note 2 Forums.
The "normal" Mi Note 2 doesn't has the Band 20 unlocked. So we defenitely have to wait for the .bin of the Global Version. But I think, that it is a good sign, that the .bin file of the normal Note 2 worked without any hacks.
---------- Post added at 02:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:22 PM ----------
Some useful informations for us and a guy with a Global Mi Note 2.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-5/how-to/progress-trying-to-unlock-bands-t3337476/page69
Any progress on this? I would really like to use b20. Tnx

Any developers developing a ROM for this?

any eta to something like lineage?
This seems so much better than a pixel 4a/OP 7t and within 100 dollars used....I am returning my pixel 4a due to the poor battery life compared to my gs8 that its replacing.
This phone seemsl like better value than the pixel 4a
zetsui said:
any eta to something like lineage?
This seems so much better than a pixel 4a/OP 7t and within 100 dollars used....I am returning my pixel 4a due to the poor battery life compared to my gs8 that its replacing.
This phone seemsl like better value than the pixel 4a
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not gonna lie, I don't understand the ongoing interest in rooting/customs ROMs. The last time I rooted a phone was a Galaxy Note 2 - and then only because it had stopped receiving updates, and the custom ROM used a newer version of Android. With a new phone like the S20 FE, it just seems you stand to lose much more than you could possibly gain (e.g., Samsung pay, monthly security updates, full Android updates) - I just don't get it.
jtOttawa said:
Not gonna lie, I don't understand the ongoing interest in rooting/customs ROMs. The last time I rooted a phone was a Galaxy Note 2 - and then only because it had stopped receiving updates, and the custom ROM used a newer version of Android. With a new phone like the S20 FE, it just seems you stand to lose much more than you could possibly gain (e.g., Samsung pay, monthly security updates, full Android updates) - I just don't get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was gonna reply yesterday that I wouldn't put a custom rom like lineage on a new phone that's still getting support. that would be moving from 99% functionality to maybe 75 - 80%.
that said I would root for things like adaway, v4a and minminguard and if the support was there I would replace the stock rom with a stripped down version with extra features like GCam. if the support was there the monthly security updates and continuing Sammy releases could be flashed just as easily as update zips. after the first 3 years all bets would be off, AOSP all the way.
I will never care about Knox, if an employer wants me to have a secure phone for work they can provide one. this phone is mine.
jtOttawa said:
Not gonna lie, I don't understand the ongoing interest in rooting/customs ROMs. The last time I rooted a phone was a Galaxy Note 2 - and then only because it had stopped receiving updates, and the custom ROM used a newer version of Android. With a new phone like the S20 FE, it just seems you stand to lose much more than you could possibly gain (e.g., Samsung pay, monthly security updates, full Android updates) - I just don't get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. they can security patch your ****t AFTER you root, from what I understand, correct me if I'm wrong
2. Some of us like security for a number of reasons (ie travelign to autocratic countries where there is no personal privacy)
3. Far easier to have hard backups and restores of phones. I get a new phone? I just titanium restore it. Some of us don't like sharing data with the govt.
4. you ever try to pixelize and de-bloat a samsung stock phone? It's a nightmare.
a couple of days ago I saw that the FE 5G was just about to go on-sale in India, hopefully that means a few more devs may come to this forum.
I'm excited for development on this device and I thoroughly enjoy vanilla Android and custom ROMs.
I have more resources to play with typically and I can overclock or underclock my CPU/GPU for best performance and battery. Everything can be customized.
Maybe I could have gotten another device that isn't bloated but this was my only option.
If I had a test FE 5G I would start baking some things up. This is my only phone and I would be out of work without it so, no go testing on my own.
the GSI roms must be pretty close to making workable, I'm sure there'd be many happy testers available.
EDIT: a reddit user has claimed to have flashed the Havoc rom GSI. I've asked for him to share the procedure he followed. if he does that's 2 or 3 GSI roms we can use if nothing else.
EDIT2: seems he just followed guidance from the thread itself and was able to just flash the GSI via TWRP. unlocked bootloaders are a must and there are bugs, being fingerprint reader not working and no video capture @60fps
anyone here that's desperate to try another rom can flash TWRP and backup and try out any of the A/B phh Treble GSI roms. there's even phh magisk. for now it looks like this is as good as we're gonna get.

Pixel 5 >/= Pixel 5a?

I'm new to the world of root and I want to try different ROMS, custom kernels, debloat, etc. I'm fully aware of the risks that come with rooting my phone, and I'm ready to go. I have a Pixel 5a. When I check out the 5a forums, there's not much there. The P5 has all the action! I want to know if I substitute the Barbet images for the Redfin images, can I use the Pixel 5 methods on my 5a?
keylimepienapples3000 said:
I'm new to the world of root and I want to try different ROMS, custom kernels, debloat, etc. I'm fully aware of the risks that come with rooting my phone, and I'm ready to go. I have a Pixel 5a. When I check out the 5a forums, there's not much there. The P5 has all the action! I want to know if I substitute the Barbet images for the Redfin images, can I use the Pixel 5 methods on my 5a?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use the same methods to root, but you can't use the custom firmware built for the 5
xunholyx said:
You can use the same methods to root, but you can't use the custom firmware built for the 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right on. Thanks for the reply.. Why does the 5 seem so much more popular?
Because the 5 was the "flagship" device that year
The Pixel 5 and 5a share the same SoC, so the firmware is effectively the same between them. Still, for the sake of being safe, I wouldn't mix and match.
The only difference between the two is the 5 has 8GB RAM, while the 5a has a bigger screen and a bigger battery. Other than that, they're identical.
Thanks for the info.. How risky is it-- If the biggest difference is in the RAM? About 10 or 12 years ago I read an article about Android and it's capabilities through open source code, so I've wanted to root and mess around with ROMS and different firmware for a long time. Unfortunately, at that time I was in prison so naturally I didn't have access to a phone. I got home in 2020 looking to change my life so I've tried to at least make this a hobby. So far I'm somehow not very lucky in getting the right phones. I thought I finally did last year when I bought a Moto Stylus 5g from cricket. I paid the phone off, cricket unlocked it, but Motorola won't give up the unlock code. Then I got a Pixel 3 but it turned out to be from Verizon and they're haters off the jump, so that was a huge disappointment too. Finally, I have this Pixel 5a. Factory unlocked, incredibly easy as far as unlocking the bootloader and rooting go and I can't seem to find a custom ROM for it. I was able to flash to graphene OS, but there were some issues with my esim so I went back to stock. A couple nights ago I tried Bliss ROMs but I don't know what I'm doing wrong there but I can't get it to work. I got kind of excited about the pixel experience plus, but that guy doesn't seem to be messing around with it anymore, he says there doesn't seem to be enough interest in it. When I look at the Pixel 5 forum, they have all the bells and whistles! I don't have an education nor do I have the money to buy phone after phone. Especially some of the more popular brands. Unless I'm looking at a ROM that requires more of it, how does 2gb if RAM make such a difference? Also you replied to another question I posted. About locking the bootloader.. what happens if I lock it without having the stock and bone firmware?
keylimepienapples3000 said:
Thanks for the info.. How risky is it-- If the biggest difference is in the RAM? About 10 or 12 years ago I read an article about Android and it's capabilities through open source code, so I've wanted to root and mess around with ROMS and different firmware for a long time. Unfortunately, at that time I was in prison so naturally I didn't have access to a phone. I got home in 2020 looking to change my life so I've tried to at least make this a hobby. So far I'm somehow not very lucky in getting the right phones. I thought I finally did last year when I bought a Moto Stylus 5g from cricket. I paid the phone off, cricket unlocked it, but Motorola won't give up the unlock code. Then I got a Pixel 3 but it turned out to be from Verizon and they're haters off the jump, so that was a huge disappointment too. Finally, I have this Pixel 5a. Factory unlocked, incredibly easy as far as unlocking the bootloader and rooting go and I can't seem to find a custom ROM for it. I was able to flash to graphene OS, but there were some issues with my esim so I went back to stock. A couple nights ago I tried Bliss ROMs but I don't know what I'm doing wrong there but I can't get it to work. I got kind of excited about the pixel experience plus, but that guy doesn't seem to be messing around with it anymore, he says there doesn't seem to be enough interest in it. When I look at the Pixel 5 forum, they have all the bells and whistles! I don't have an education nor do I have the money to buy phone after phone. Especially some of the more popular brands. Unless I'm looking at a ROM that requires more of it, how does 2gb if RAM make such a difference? Also you replied to another question I posted. About locking the bootloader.. what happens if I lock it without having the stock and bone firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stay on stock ROM. Root, and use this Magisk/Xposed MOD..
[MOD][Xposed+Magisk][13 Compatible] AOSP Mods - System modifications for AOSP-based Android 12+
This is a mixed Xposed+Magisk module, which is made to allow customizations that are not originally designed in AOSP (Android Open Source Project). Features: Currently, AOSP Mods offers customizations on different aspects of system framework and...
forum.xda-developers.com
As for RAM, see if this helps, it "Expands RAM memory by converting a part (Internal) storage to swap RAM."
Thank you. I'm going to check it out now.
Ok. My phone didn't like swapper very much. After rebooting, my screen was flickering out of control and I couldn't do anything but power down. After a couple of reboots it started up normally but now I can't use mobile data and I'm not able to access any Magisk Modules. The button is greyed out. Any idea how to reverse this?
keylimepienapples3000 said:
Ok. My phone didn't like swapper very much. After rebooting, my screen was flickering out of control and I couldn't do anything but power down. After a couple of reboots it started up normally but now I can't use mobile data and I'm not able to access any Magisk Modules. The button is greyed out. Any idea how to reverse this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh wow that's very odd how many GB did you do? I suggest 2 but if it's doing that then yea lets rid it.
when it's grey it mean it'sdisabled. you can click the remove button and reboot and it will be gone.

Great to join the club!!

Hey guys! I have been scouting around for Note 8 help but thought it was time to join myself.
Hopefully if I am able to solve my specific problem or get my questions asked it can help someone else.
Specifically, right now, I picked up and refurbished a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 since I have one currently that is phenominal, and wanted one in the back pocket in case anything happens but it is locked to ATT, which isnt the real problem. The real problem is that it is still on Android 7.1.1 and I would like to get it to Android 9 Pie.
I am unsure of a few things like whether I need all updates between 7 and 9, or if I can jump straight to it. But things of that sort.
It sucks that its ATT locked but I feel its worse that its on old Android since I refurbed it, (fixed screen and replaced with fresh samsung battery) but its being held back in certain functional capabilities. Either way, I am a techy, not yet able to solder, but definitely able to troubleshoot my way around a Windows Blue screen of death.
Looking forward to learnin more!
MethudMann said:
Hey guys! I have been scouting around for Note 8 help but thought it was time to join myself.
Hopefully if I am able to solve my specific problem or get my questions asked it can help someone else.
Specifically, right now, I picked up and refurbished a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 since I have one currently that is phenominal, and wanted one in the back pocket in case anything happens but it is locked to ATT, which isnt the real problem. The real problem is that it is still on Android 7.1.1 and I would like to get it to Android 9 Pie.
I am unsure of a few things like whether I need all updates between 7 and 9, or if I can jump straight to it. But things of that sort.
It sucks that its ATT locked but I feel its worse that its on old Android since I refurbed it, (fixed screen and replaced with fresh samsung battery) but its being held back in certain functional capabilities. Either way, I am a techy, not yet able to solder, but definitely able to troubleshoot my way around a Windows Blue screen of death.
Looking forward to learnin more!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to XDA! As for updating your phone, could you please tell me your model number?
ethical_haquer said:
Welcome to XDA! As for updating your phone, could you please tell me your model number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, sorry for long response time.
For the important info:
Model: SM-N950U
Android. 7.1.1
Build:NMF26X.N950USQU1AQH7
CSC: ATT
I'll monitor more closely so let me know if you need any other info
MethudMann said:
Yeah, sorry for long response time.
For the important info:
Model: SM-N950U
Android. 7.1.1
Build:NMF26X.N950USQU1AQH7
CSC: ATT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, there are two versions of firmware available for your device. One is "branded" and has carrier bloat, whereas the other does not have carrier bloat but might have issues with VoLTE (probably not, but there is a chance). What one would you prefer? Let me know if you have any questions regarding the difference.
ethical_haquer said:
Alright, there are two versions of firmware available for your device. One is "branded" and has carrier bloat, whereas the other does not have carrier bloat but might have issues with VoLTE (probably not, but there is a chance). What one would you prefer? Let me know if you have any questions regarding the difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the research and yes I do have questions if its not too much of an issue:
1.) Carrier bloat is like the usual and can just be deleted anyways correct?
2.) In what scenarios (in case everything was working fine with OTA updates) would the phone have downloaded a version without bloat?
3.) Would updating to the non-bloated version cause any issues since the phone is still carrier locked?
4.) Lastly, for the firmware, would I need to download multiple updates until that point or just straight to the firmware?
If not, I can research the answers as I have been on it on and off for a month with research but other than that, you're a god send.
By the way, if #1 is true, I'll just take the bloatware no doubt just to be as safe as possible.
Thanks again for all the help @ethical_haquer
Been busy researching in the Samsung Note 8 ATT threads and I was able to find the answer to number 4 in that using Full ODIN files is a complete flash and different than just an update which requires the previous updates.
The answer to number 3 from what I have seen no. The only thing is that certain features may NOT work such as VoLTE; pretty much you already answered 3 and I was literally too dumb to see that until I started writing this message. *face palm
Question 2 is pretty much inconsequential so don't worry answering that. Its was just curiosity. But for anyone who does see this possibly, my speculation is that NO, the carrier version would never download the non-carrier version. The non-branded update is for those unlocked phones that receive over-the-air (OTA) updates that were not associated with any carrier, in other words buying a phone directly from samsung's website.
For 1, I am guessing it is "Yes" since I was able to do that in the past with all my other phones. But either way it is not a make it or break it so it doesn't matter.
I have been able to find some full ODIN files for the updates I was looking for, so will be attempting my first flash soon. Will be posting all my findings to the thread I was reading just to potentially help anyone else (though rare since this device is getting real old) who has the same questions I had and I can get them up to speed without having to search everything
Just finished flashing the ATT Note 8 to and the Answer to Number 1 is that NO, you cannot Uninstall the bloatware
Again, will post all these findings to the proper thread in after completed
Sorry for the late reply! I would try installing the firmware for the SM-N950U1 (notice the 1). It should work and won't have carrier bloat.
ethical_haquer said:
Sorry for the late reply! I would try installing the firmware for the SM-N950U1 (notice the 1). It should work and won't have carrier bloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're all good!
I may but I actually have to find one more update I am looking for (Full ODIN FILES). My daily driver note 8 is on N950USQS7DTE5 and it is a T-Mobile Version (though it bein g TMO is inconsequential at the moment. Just thought I might mention it).
That is the update I would like for ATT just so that I know there wont be any differences (or less differences) between my daily driver and this.This is me being picky at this point but isn't the point of life getting what you want? I found one update above that but different bootloader. So for whatever reason may happen, no going back.
What I currently flashed to was N950USQS3BRA8 so it's still on Android 7.1.1 but I did this just to test to the process (my first flashing). Now I am ready.
So I will look for that then flash it and update as usual
Just found, or couldnt find, that ATT has the same update so will just go with what I have. Close as I can get

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