Ok, so, I'm now officially out of ideas. I simply cannot get this thing updated to 3.2. Here's my current details, everything stock:
Model number: TF101
Android version: 3.1
GPS Version: V1.3.2
Wifi version: V5.150
Bluetooth: V6.17
Kernel: [email protected]#1
Build: HMJ37.US_epad-8.4.4.11-20110711
No OTA to 3.2, and downloading the update from Asus's ftp site and trying to run it (turn off, hold power and volume down, followed by volume up to enter recovery mode) doesn't work - I get the exclamation mark right away. Tried renaming it to EP101_SDUPDATE, that didn't work either. Tried both the US and WW versions (even though it's the US version I have) and nada, nothing. Tried putting the file into the root of the SD card, didn't work, into the update folder, didn't work, into the root of the internal memory, didn't work.
Am I doing anything wrong, or is there just something wrong with my device?
I think it needs to be on a microsd card to install
Personally I wouldn't waste my time. I see more harm than good from the update. Now I can't even type a simple reply on this site using the default or Dolphin browser. In the text box sometime I cannot backspace to delete characters. You can't open browser short cut from you desktop without rotating the screen after every shutdown. Hopefully Asus will fix some of these issues. If these promblem occur with all Honeycomb devices the Google needs to pull their heads out of there asses.
Don't waste your time with stock 3.2. I'm running Prime1.7 and for me it's much better and malso more stable.
can you root it nd get it by using CWM ?
or do you really want your TF complete original?
Fellow Pro10 6203 users:
Welcome! As we do not yet have a forum dedicated to this device, I am creating this thread to serve as a means to share everything that I've come to discover about the usage of this inexpensive yet capable Android tablet. This thread will include varying topics such as rooting, custom recovery, accessories, customization apps, custom ROM's, and anything else I might come across that may enhance our experience with the product. I have found no real one-stop source for information concerning this device, so I am beginning this one that I hope everyone that owns one will find useful. Please feel free to ask questions and add constructive commentary
Tech Specs:
Model Number: RCT6203W46KB
Operating System: Android 4.4.2
CPU Chip: Quad Core
CPU Chipset Model Number: MTK MT8127 1.5GHz
GPU: Mali-450 MP
Resolution: 1024x600
Density: 160dpi
Screen Features: 10.1 Thin-film Transistor
RAM: 1GB
RAM Type: DDR3
Storage Capacity: 16GB
Camera: Yes (Front & Back)
Camera Specifications: Front Facing 0.3M pixel webcam (640x480), Rear 2M pixel webcam (1600x1200)
Battery Life: 6 hours
Battery Life Details: Playback downloaded video with WiFi turn off
Connectivity/Audio: Headphone jack, Micro USB, DC jack, Micro HDMI
Dimensions: 262(W)x165(H)x11.5(D)
Weight: 921g
Software: Walmart, Sam's Club, Vudu, eMusic, Kingsoft Office
Included Accessories: Power adapter, Keyboard Folio
If you happen to find something here worth your while, please hit the thanks button!
Rooting
Always remember, you root your device AT YOUR OWN RISK. Rooting will void your warranty and you may brick your device in attempting this. Its a choice and you're the only one who can make it.
Rooting instructions (tested up to RCA firmware 1.9.50):
(Beginning with a tablet never before rooted, or has been completely unrooted prior)
1. On your tablet, go to Settings > About tablet > Build number and tap the build number 7 times. This will unhide the Developer options menu.
2. Tap the Developer options menu. Enable it by sliding the slider to the right in top bar. Select "USB debugging" by placing a check mark in the box next to it.
3. Go to Settings > Security. Select "Unknown sources" by placing a check mark in the box next to it. Deselect "Verify apps" by removing the check mark in the box (you can enable it again afterwards if you wish).
4. Connect your tablet to PC via USB.
5. Download the Windows iRoot rooting application here.
6. Install the app.
7. Start iRoot and follow instructions to root. Remember to enable USB permissions on tablet when prompted.
8. Once successfully completed, download and install SuperSU from here to replace the Chinese root manager called Superuser 1.0.4.
9. Start SuperSU and you will be asked for permission, choose to allow.
10. SuperSU will prompt to install SU binary, go ahead with OK and install normally (not TWRP). IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO INSTALL THE BINARY.
11. Once SuperSU is installed and the binary updated, you can uninstall Superuser 1.0.4 and the second app it installs, something like "Clean Master" (unless you want it).
Happiness is now achieved with having a rooted device
* For further details regarding root, please see "Rooting considerations" in the Misc. section below.
Custom Recovery
Always remember, you install a custom recovery on your device AT YOUR OWN RISK. Installing a custom recovery will void your warranty and you may brick your device in attempting this. Its a choice and you're the only one who can make it.
99% of the credit for this section goes to johnemc2, PatF and mexicandroid for creating and contributing to this thread. Although it was created for a different but similar RCA tablet model, they provided everything I am going to reiterate here. Also the original thread for TWRP on MediaTek devices (which is the chipset for these RCA tablets) is here, and all credit goes to yuweng for this. Make sure to hit the thanks button in the respective threads for these guys!
TWRP installation instructions (tested up to RCA firmware 1.9.50):
1. Device must be rooted. See rooting section above or use another method of your choice.
2. Download the TWRP recovery image for the 6203 from here. Rename it by deleting "[RCA 6203 TWRP - Remove this tag]" so that the file name reads only "recovery.img" (with no quotes of course).
3. Place this file on your external sdcard.
4. Download and install [ROOT] Rashr Flash Tool from here. If the app suggests updates, go ahead and install them.
5. Rashr will ask you to make a backup. If you try, it will fail. Not to worry too much though, a stock recovery image is available below.
6. Start Rashr. From the menu, tap Recovery from Storage. From the "Pick a file" menu select /storage/emulated. Select /storage/, then select sdcard1/. From there select the recovery.img file you saved in step 3.
7. It will give you a warning prompt asking if you are sure. If so, select "Yes please" to install TWRP.
8. Upon successful flashing of TWRP you will have the choice to boot into the custom recovery, go check it out!
9. One procedural maintenance item to perform after: I have noticed that the rashr app holds on to a large amount of data for some reason and haven't found the need. Once you reboot, you can go into Settings > Apps > All and find Rashr and clear data to reclaim the space.
Good guide for using TWRP can be found here.
How to manually get into recovery (TWRP or stock):
From a powered off state, simultaneously depress the power and volume up buttons until the white RCA boot screen appears. Once this screen appears, release the power button but REMAIN DEPRESSING THE VOLUME UP BUTTON until you are in recovery.
Stock recovery installation:
It is the exact same procedure as was with TWRP, with the exception of step 2. Instead download the stock recovery image from here, rename it by deleting "[RCA 6203 Stock Repacked - Remove this tag]" so that the file name reads only "recovery.img" (with no quotes of course). Continue on using step 3 above. Check out why you might need the stock recovery image in the "Firmware updating considerations" area of the Misc. section below.
Ultimate happiness and assurance is now achieved with having a custom recovery installed on your device to back it up!
Accessories
Here are some of the accessories I am currently using for the 6203:
Cases:
The keyboard case is good, but I found it cumbersome in most cases and unnecessary. So I purchased this case from Ebay. Here are some photos of mine. I have had it for 5+ months with no issue upon daily use.
Screen Protectors:
I purchased this anti-glare and anti-fingerprint screen protector from Amazon. Although they now have it for the 6203, at the time they only had them for the 6103 and I had to modify it. But 5 months later it is still great. Being anti-glare means there is a slight matte to them, but overall I found it hardly effected the clarity of the screen. It really kept having to wipe off the screen due to fingerprints to a minimum!
I am just sharing what I have found to work for our devices and hope it helps you too in some way!
Customization Apps
Customization apps that require root (seeing rooting section above):
Xposed Framework. Man is this awesome. Here is the description from the site: Xposed is a framework for modules that can change the behavior of the system and apps without touching any APKs. That's great because it means that modules can work for different versions and even ROMs without any changes (as long as the original code was not changed too much). It's also easy to undo. As all changes are done in the memory, you just need to deactivate the module and reboot to get your original system back. There are many other advantages, but here is just one more: Multiple modules can do changes to the same part of the system or app. With modified APKs, you to decide for one. No way to combine them, unless the author builds multiple APKs with different combinations. You can find version 2.6.1 for our tablet here (select "show older versions" at the bottom of the page).
GravityBox [KK]. TONS of customization for our device. Find it here.
Customization apps that do not require root:
Blacked out or inverted apps. I love darkened apps. I prefer a black or dark background to most apps. It looks good and is easier on the eyes! You can download the Team Blacked Out updater apk from here. You can download many popular apps that have been "blacked out" by this team.
I am just sharing these apps for fellow fans of customization. Enjoy!
Custom ROM's
[reserved]
Misc.
Rooting considerations:
Although there is a risk of bricking the device in doing so, to date I have rolled through both the 1.3.51 and 1.9.50 RCA updates without the update being hindered by having my device rooted prior (never unrooted), and I have not lost root once the update completes. Although I have not tried this without, I believe this may be because I use SuperSU Pro OTA survival. This app is not necessary, but the free version does not have the "OTA survival mode" that the pro version possesses. I recommend spending the $3.75 for purchase.
Firmware updating considerations:
If you delete any of the bloatware apps that comes preloaded (VUDU, Walmart, Sam's Club, Opera, etc.) and try to update the device, it will soft brick your tablet. This is because the update performs a core app comparison check to test validity prior to completing installation. You will only be able to get into stock recovery once this happens. Therefore my recommendation is not to delete any of these apps but instead use Titanium or MyBackup Pro to freeze them, and prior to attempting any firmware update remember to UNFREEZE THEM FIRST. This will save you any headache with the firmware updates.
I do not think you can install an official firmware update via TWRP, so you may need to reinstall the stock recovery to do this. See the "Custom Recovery" section above.
Misc. #2
[reserved]
One frustrating thing about our device is that some apps will not install from the Play store. It will state "this item is not compatible with your device". Well I have tried many methods to circumvent this, including changing prop files and using apps that fake screen densities. I don't recommend that . Instead I sideload. I use a Google Chrome extension called APK Downloader. You can get it here. To set up it will ask for devide ID info. I plug in the number for my S4. Once downloaded, I just copy the apk over to my tablet and install from there. The only caveat to this is that it does not work for purchased apps.
There are other ways to procure the app and sideload, but this is the method I use most often for the 6203.
I have a support request in to RCA for these concerns (here is the text as I sent):
Hello,
I have 3 questions. The first is that by reading the specs for this tablet the CPU is supposed to be set for 1.5Ghz. But when you use the tablet, it is only set for 1300Mhz (1.3Ghz) (I can provide screenshots). Which is wrong and why?
My second question is do we have any access to a complete firmware ROM that can be used via recovery? This would be nice to have in case the tablet is soft bricked for any reason. Update ROMs do not provide this.
Lastly, is there anywhere to download USB drivers for this tablet?
Thanks in advance for your help.
From RCA:
Glen (RCA Support)
Apr 27, 3:18 PM
1) The max threshold is 1.5Ghz. The reason it is running at 1.3 is probably because your not using its absolute full capacity
2) We dont have the ROM
3) Is this for the USB stick or memory stick?
Glen
Technical Support
#Madeforyourlifestyle
My response:
Glen,
Here are my responses:
1. I have attached 3 screenshots from independent apps that all report the CPU set for 1.3Ghz and not 1.5Ghz. In fact they show the governor as having the range for the CPU set to 598-1300mhz. I believe this happened in the firmware 1.9.50 update and was not the case prior. Can you check to see why this was done? We purchased tablets that were intending on having a 1.5Ghz processor.
2. You will see many returns then from tablets that were soft bricked due to the most recent update corrupting the system file, and then only allowing people to boot into recovery and not into Android.
3. No, USB drivers as in this explanation: http://developer.android.com/tools/extras/oem-usb.html
Thanks. I really appreciate your assistance with these questions. Please let me know if there is any other information I can offer.
From RCA 5/4/15:
Glen (RCA Support)
May 4, 3:43 PM
The tablet will use the 1.5Ghz only when it will take big update like firmware updates.
#Madeforyourlifestyle
My response:
Glen,
There is no way for the Android kernel to know only to use full CPU capability during an upgrade procedure. Its there for all operations or it is not.
Can I have my concern escalated to your engineering team? As I said previous, the system showed 1.5Ghz was available in processing speed before the last upgrade.
Thanks
From RCA 5-7-15:
Hello,
We'd love to hear what you think of our customer service. Please take a moment to answer one simple question by clicking either link below:
How would you rate the support you received?
Good, I'm satisfied
Bad, I'm unsatisfied
Conclusion:
So apparently RCA doesn't intend to do anything about the most recent update failures outside of performing RMA's for people, and also doesn't care to answer why these tabs are advertised as 1.5Ghz and are being throttled to 1.3.
Rct6203w46-android4.4.2-3101-v50-v1.3.71
What can I do with this or this - no ROM Backups, and an annoying 'brick' on my table?
I successfully rooted with KingRoot and tried to manually switch to SuperSU with a script I found.
The script seemed workable. I found all of the targets and: # root.sh ... oh *hi*
The transition failed and after trying to 'clean up' remnants the script seemed to have missed, the screen froze: RESET BUTTON - nothing, nothing, nothing.
I wish I hadn't believed it would work without a 'dd ... system.img'. The tablet had about 12hrs mileage and is now a very new [Black Friday] $49 item about to be smashed on the driveway.
I read somewhere that RCA will not be distributing winusb drivers.
*uc* it - i b-roke i-t! :victory:
It's Alive! After the battery drained, 2 weeks later, it booted!
removed supersu
probeafargavin said:
What can I do with this or this - no ROM Backups, and an annoying 'brick' on my table?
I successfully rooted with KingRoot and tried to manually switch to SuperSU with a script I found.
The script seemed workable. I found all of the targets and: # root.sh ... oh *hi*
The transition failed and after trying to 'clean up' remnants the script seemed to have missed, the screen froze: RESET BUTTON - nothing, nothing, nothing.
I wish I hadn't believed it would work without a 'dd ... system.img'. The tablet had about 12hrs mileage and is now a very new [Black Friday] $49 item about to be smashed on the driveway.
I read somewhere that RCA will not be distributing winusb drivers.
*uc* it - i b-roke i-t! :victory:
It's Alive! After the battery drained, 2 weeks later, it booted!
removed supersu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
probeafargavin,
Sorry for slow reply. Been a busy month! I recommend sending the unit back to RCA for an RMA. I had to do this once and although it took a month, I received back a working tablet. It doesn't matter that you did this, they will not check. They will end up sending you back a refurbed tablet. Mine works fine.
-droidify
Needing Help
I rooted my device (same exact make/ model you have listed). Well it just so happens that now I am not able to open the Google App store. I have clicked the app logo so many times now and all what I see is what looks like the app is about to open but it just disappears about a half second later.
Looks like I am no longer able to use the back button also. I have tried factory resetting the device yet problem remains. Clearing cache of the Google Play app, no results. Please help!!!!! I would surely appreciate it, I'm sure you can imagine how devastated I am over this.
C_Cee said:
I rooted my device (same exact make/ model you have listed). Well it just so happens that now I am not able to open the Google App store. I have clicked the app logo so many times now and all what I see is what looks like the app is about to open but it just disappears about a half second later.
Looks like I am no longer able to use the back button also. I have tried factory resetting the device yet problem remains. Clearing cache of the Google Play app, no results. Please help!!!!! I would surely appreciate it, I'm sure you can imagine how devastated I am over this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
C_Cee unless you have TWRP installed and had a back up, there is not much you can do. I would RMA the tablet through RCA. I had to do this once and it was a pretty quick turn around.
-Droidify
RCT203W46L Questions
Hi,
I have just purchased the above and rooted it with Kingroot. This is the lollipop 5.0 version.
a) a stagefright detector from lookout reports this device is vulnerable to this hack. Any thoughts?
b) are the twrp and stock recovery images pointed to by droidify post #2 and #3 still usable? even though its lollipop5.0?
Any help appreciated before I mod this thing!!
Thanks
kwmike said:
Hi,
I have just purchased the above and rooted it with Kingroot. This is the lollipop 5.0 version.
a) a stagefright detector from lookout reports this device is vulnerable to this hack. Any thoughts?
b) are the twrp and stock recovery images pointed to by droidify post #2 and #3 still usable? even though its lollipop5.0?
Any help appreciated before I mod this thing!!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lollipop is going to have a different recovery, so what I posted likely will not work and may cause serious problems if attempted. Not sure about stagefright vulnerabilities.
Any advance?
No more advance in this device?
drakedalfa said:
No more advance in this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My tablet is still going. Although not my daily driver device, I use it to watch videos on break at work and to read on. There hasn't been any development for this device that I am aware of and unlikely to be considering it is not that popular.
Flashing recovery from build Build: RCT6303W87DK-ANDROID5.0-V63-V1.12.20-B
kwmike said:
Hi,
I have just purchased the above and rooted it with Kingroot. This is the lollipop 5.0 version.
a) a stagefright detector from lookout reports this device is vulnerable to this hack. Any thoughts?
b) are the twrp and stock recovery images pointed to by droidify post #2 and #3 still usable? even though its lollipop5.0?
Any help appreciated before I mod this thing!!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aloha -
I just received one of these today:
Model: RCT6303W87DK (32GB)
Android version: Lollipop 5.0.
Kernel: 3.10.54
Build: RCT6303W87DK-ANDROID5.0-V63-V1.12.20-B
I installed NewKingrootV4.62_C133_B233_en_release_2015_11_24_105203.apk downloaded from www\.kingroot\.net
On the first attempt, Kingroot rebooted at 22%, and failed to root. I repeated the procedure without rebooting, and achieved root on the second attempt.
I am curious to know if you flashed TWRP and, if so, what results you had.
Also: does anyone know if, in fact, the 5.0 loader actually is different from the 4.4.2 loader.
Thanks in advance.
I'm confused, is this thread on the RCA Pro 10 RCT6203W46KB or for it's successor (I assume) the RCA 10 Viking Pro RCT6303W87DK. I ask because I have the RCT6303W87DK and am looking to see if there are any ROMs for it, as I would prefer to be running Android 5.1.2 or 6.0 over 5.0.
Hello
Seeing there is very little info about this model, I decided to make available my findings. Initially I was a bit annoyed with the phone in the start. The "stock" rom was a disaster (malware-ridden, non-official). First I tried to de-bloat that but the whole rom was just bad and unstable. Since then I've learned some things, and newer official builds have surfaced.
Also I should say; this phone is basically a K3 Note with 720p screen (another difference is MT6752M cpu instead of MT6752 in the K3 Note) and it's very similar to the A7000 model.
The best rom I have tried so far is this : VIBEUI_V2.5_1532_5.1797.1_ST_A7600_CU ---> DL - This is latest official stock Rom for the 7600 (not 7600M which is Chinese version)
Here is also TWRP recovery with english + chinese language: DL
Rename ROM to "update.zip", use stock recovery and flash (probably best to use stock lenovo recovery first to make sure everything gets flashed, can be flashed with twrp but I suspect it only flashes boot and system), boot it up, finish the setup wizard, turn it off. Use SPflashtool to flash TWRP, turn off again.
Start phone in recovery mode (Press volume Up + Down, and power button. Hold until recovery appears). Now you can flash Gapps (arm64, lollipop 5.0, opengapps.org), SuperSU, xposed arm64 lollipop, etc.
I have been able to get a very pleasing phone doing this. I don't really feel right now that much is missing, and I'm not annoyed by various other problems. Using xposed modules gravity box, GEL settings, Lollipop memory fix, etc.
This Rom has very little bloatware, there are some chinese apps, but they can easily be uninstalled - don't even need root. There are a few more you can uninstall using root if you want, but be careful not to break the system.
I'm not going to explain everything in great detail here. Using SPFlashTool is explained so many other places. Getting supersu and xposed also explained everywhere.
If I could I would integrate all in to one flashable package, but I'm not a rom cooker. Sorry
PS: As you can see in the image, i use iFONT xposed. But I don't enable it as xposed module, that caused problems. I just used it to download a font and applied it. It's system wide, and it works
There's a newer link in post #6 with the latest firmware
There's a newer link in post #10 with TWRP 3.0.2.3
Hi,do you have custom rom for lenovo s8 a7600?
askermk2000 said:
Hello
The best rom I have tried so far is this : VIBEUI_V2.5_1532_5.1797.1_ST_A7600_CU ---> - This is latest official stock Rom for the 7600 (not 7600M which is Chinese version)
Here is also TWRP recovery with english + chinese language:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, I had to remove your links, because I have small amount of posts and I am not allowed to submit post with urls - even if quoted.
Hi!
Do you know way to install other languages into ROM (or add them and somehow rebuild ROM), I am searching informations for last few days with no succes. The main problem is when international apps using EN for directory, when all information in directory should be in my language (polish). Changing locale helps, but settings are crashing with changed locales..
Also I installed xposed, but system tells me that xposed is not installed... I heard about it from your post and found only version v79 for sdk 21. I need to remove search box from desktop at google now.
Any custom rom for this device ?
Hi everyone, hi @askermk2000
I just received my Lenovo S8 A7600 "Golden Warrior" phone from an Asian vendor, it came with VIBEUI_V2.5_1524_5.1460.1_ST_A7600_CU and SuperSU was seemingly installed when I first turned on phone (asked me to update binary).
Specs are MTK6752M 64-bit OctaCore, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage.
Can I install your version VIBEUI_V2.5_1532_5.1797.1_ST_A7600_CU through the Lenovo stock recovery/flash (phone) as you suggest?
You mention "not 7600M" so I am not sure...
I also see in other places that there's even a newer VibeUI version VIBEUI_V2.5_1537_5.1978.1_ST_A7600_CU, any idea where to get it and if it is compatible? I cannot find any download link...
Thanks...
konsti said:
Hi everyone, hi @askermk2000
I just received my Lenovo S8 A7600 "Golden Warrior" phone from an Asian vendor, it came with VIBEUI_V2.5_1524_5.1460.1_ST_A7600_CU and SuperSU was seemingly installed when I first turned on phone (asked me to update binary).
Specs are MTK6752M 64-bit OctaCore, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage.
Can I install your version VIBEUI_V2.5_1532_5.1797.1_ST_A7600_CU through the Lenovo stock recovery/flash (phone) as you suggest?
You mention "not 7600M" so I am not sure...
I also see in other places that there's even a newer VibeUI version VIBEUI_V2.5_1537_5.1978.1_ST_A7600_CU, any idea where to get it and if it is compatible? I cannot find any download link...
Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello
It's wise of you to remove that dubious vendor firmware.
Since "A7600M" is a model number, or simply name of the phone, I would be surprised if it doesn't say so anywhere. Look at the packaging, phone and battery compartment etc. If you don't see A7600M anywhere, it's likely not that model.
See here: Lenovo Inquiry Page
At the bottom there you'll find link for the latest official (Full) firmware.
Thank you @askermk2000 for your kind and immediate reply.
This known asian vendor on their page mentions: Lenovo "Golden Warrior" S8 A7600, 4G, LTE, MTK6752M @1.5GHz 64bit OctaCore, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5.5inch HD IPS screen, OTG, Android 5.0 Phone
In settings, the ROM version is: VIBEUI_V2.5_1524_5.1460.1_ST_A7600_CU, no bloatware; was surprised to see SuperSU pre-installed but the vendor does have a service (at a cost) to provide pre-rooted phones (which I did NOT order but maybe got).
The (Lenovo) box doesn't mention much, even under the phone I can see a lot of Chinese, so it's definitely for China -- vendor wrote it's unlocked for world use on their page.
The mentioned model is A7600 on the rear, there's only a A838 reference besides model (i.e. QQ-A838-xxxxxx) but not much more than that.
I suspect these may be older stock they wanted to get rid of.
As you can see, the model is (S8) A7600, not A7600M. The chipset has "M" i.e. is MTK6752M.
So can I not use the official latest (full) firmware that you posted, via stock recovery?
Is this not for MTK6752M processor? Will this firmware brick the phone, you think?
Thank you very much in advance!
konsti said:
Thank you @askermk2000 for your kind and immediate reply.
This known asian vendor on their page mentions: Lenovo "Golden Warrior" S8 A7600, 4G, LTE, MTK6752M @1.5GHz 64bit OctaCore, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5.5inch HD IPS screen, OTG, Android 5.0 Phone
In settings, the ROM version is: VIBEUI_V2.5_1524_5.1460.1_ST_A7600_CU, no bloatware; was surprised to see SuperSU pre-installed but the vendor does have a service (at a cost) to provide pre-rooted phones (which I did NOT order but maybe got).
The (Lenovo) box doesn't mention much, even under the phone I can see a lot of Chinese, so it's definitely for China -- vendor wrote it's unlocked for world use on their page.
The mentioned model is A7600 on the rear, there's only a A838 reference besides model (i.e. QQ-A838-xxxxxx) but not much more than that.
I suspect these may be older stock they wanted to get rid of.
As you can see, the model is (S8) A7600, not A7600M. The chipset has "M" i.e. is MTK6752M.
So can I not use the official latest (full) firmware that you posted, via stock recovery?
Is this not for MTK6752M processor? Will this firmware brick the phone, you think?
Thank you very much in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, your phone is the right model, as you said "Unlocked for world use", the A7600M only works in china.
MTK6752M is the chipset used - it has nothing to do with A7600M, that there are two M's there is a coincidence.
So you can go ahead and use the latest firmware.
OK for the sake of information to everyone, I did the following:
0. Formatted SD card from within the phone (just to be sure). Then charged battery fully to 100%.
1. Copy (via PC) the latest firmware zip file (currently is VIBEUI_V2.5_1628_5.2186.1_ST_A7600_CU_WC5DAF1811.zip about 1GB size) to root of my SD card. This file looks like a recovery type, but files inside (some IMG, DAT and scatter files) could be flashable from PC (i.e. like SP Flash Tool etc.).
2. Renamed it update.zip
3. Put SD and battery back to phone.
4. Started phone in recovery mode: Pressed Volume Up + Down and Power buttons simultaneously; held them until recovery screen appeared. First, Lenovo logo, then a screen to choose language (Chinese/English); pressed English.
5. Selected the Install Upgrade Pack menu and pressed "YES" to the warning about encrypted phones.
6. Waited for update with circle-type update progress; for some reason it got seemingly stuck at 75% for some period. Waited patiently to finish.
7. I selected "Back" to go and clean user data.
8. Once done, I pressed back touch-button and selected "Restart".
9. Waited to see what happens. Was curiously greeted with a white chinese splash-screen saying "4G" something. Waited...
10. Phone next booted to the usual Lenovo logo, with some chinese text at the bottom and three dots [...] flashing with thin white progress-line (most likely "rebuilding apps"?). This took a while, too.
11. The phone finally went into the wizard in Chinese, and then offered choice of English or Chinese as wizard language.
Wizard finished OK, then went to Settings -> About device -> ROM is upgraded indeed to VibeUI v2.5-1628 and Android 5.0.2.
NOTE: There's a LOT of chinese stuff, unfortunately, I guess it's part of the ROM; obviously this ROM is non-rooted...
However, the asian vendor installed/shipped ROM (VIBEUI_V2.5_1524_5.1460.1_ST_A7600_CU) was very light and fast -- I guess a deodex version? Or a VibeUI port?
Many thanks @askermk2000 for your help nevertheless.
Any idea, compared to your experience., if...
a) if your URL for latest firmware is maybe only for China? Your first post photos/screenshots don't have such Chinese apps On this ROM version, the shutdown logo is again that white chinese splash-screen with a big red "4G". Perhaps there's some other version for non-Chinese region?
b) if there's a stock, deodex ROM like that one? How did the Asian vendor find such light ROM, I am curious -- in that shipped ROM version, I had many menu languages. Now I only have English and Chinese as choices
c) if I need TWRP so I can flash Play Store, gapps and SuperSU? I don't think stock Recovery allows for these, any idea?
Cheers mate.
konsti said:
OK for the sake of information to everyone, I did the following:
0. Formatted SD card from within the phone (just to be sure). Then charged battery fully to 100%.
1. Copy (via PC) the latest firmware zip file (currently is VIBEUI_V2.5_1628_5.2186.1_ST_A7600_CU_WC5DAF1811.zip about 1GB size) to root of my SD card. This file looks like a recovery type, but files inside (some IMG, DAT and scatter files) could be flashable from PC (i.e. like SP Flash Tool etc.).
2. Renamed it update.zip
3. Put SD and battery back to phone.
4. Started phone in recovery mode: Pressed Volume Up + Down and Power buttons simultaneously; held them until recovery screen appeared. First, Lenovo logo, then a screen to choose language (Chinese/English); pressed English.
5. Selected the Install Upgrade Pack menu and pressed "YES" to the warning about encrypted phones.
6. Waited for update with circle-type update progress; for some reason it got seemingly stuck at 75% for some period. Waited patiently to finish.
7. I selected "Back" to go and clean user data.
8. Once done, I pressed back touch-button and selected "Restart".
9. Waited to see what happens. Was curiously greeted with a white chinese splash-screen saying "4G" something. Waited...
10. Phone next booted to the usual Lenovo logo, with some chinese text at the bottom and three dots [...] flashing with thin white progress-line (most likely "rebuilding apps"?). This took a while, too.
11. The phone finally went into the wizard in Chinese, and then offered choice of English or Chinese as wizard language.
Wizard finishedOK, then went to Settings -> About device -> ROM is upgraded indeed to VibeUI v2.5-1628 and Android 5.0.2.
There's a LOT of chinese stuff, unfortunately, I guess it's part of the ROM; obviously this ROM is non-rooted.
But the installed/shipped ROM (VIBEUI_V2.5_1524_5.1460.1_ST_A7600_CU) was very light and fast -- I guess a deodex version? Or a VibeUI port?
Many thanks @askermk2000 for your help nevertheless. Your photos/screenshots however don't have such Chinese apps...
Any idea, compared to your experience., if...
a) if your linked latest firmware is maybe only for China? The shutdown logo is again that white chinese splash-screen with a big red "4G". Perhaps there's some other version for non-Chinese region?
b) if there's a stock, deodex ROM like that one? How did the Asian vendor find such light ROM, I am curious -- in that shipped ROM version, I had many menu languages. Now I only have English and Chinese as choices
c) if I need TWRP so I can flash Play Store, gapps and SuperSU? I don't think stock Recovery allows for these, any idea?
Cheers mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello again
Yes, the official Chinese rom only has Eng/Chinese language. There may be a way to add more, idk because I only need English. The 4G boot logo is normal, was there on the rom linked in the first post also.
All the Chinese apps (or almost all) can be uninstalled without root permission. I never experience the rom to be less than fast and good, but I always immediately uninstalled the chinese apps, they do me no good anyways.
The rom you where supplied with is what is called ROW (international). If it's possible to get an updated ROW rom idk. All I know is that if you want a clean unhampered ROM, then the one I've shown you is the way to go.
PS: Yes you need custom recovery to flash the other stuff. Here is an updated TWRP: TWRP-3.0.2.3
^^This recovery has wrong device description in build.prop (actually it uses Lenovo K3) as a consequence you will receive error if trying to flash ROM's. So try the old one if you get these errors.
HI everyone, hi @askermk2000 and many many thanks for sharing your TWRP version 3.0.2.3 with us.
I followed this thread on how to root the Lenovo S8 A7600 phone and downloaded the tools needed (SP Flash Tool v5.1452.00 and VCOM drivers) on my Windows 7 laptop; then, installed them accordingly. Many thanks to @XxpikaachuuxX for providing links and steps on his thread!
1. Started up SP Flash Tool with administrator rights.
2. Chose the scatter file that was inside your shared TWRP-3.0.2.3 zip file; recovery image is automatically selected.
3. Shut down phone, remove battery.
4. Made sure all boxes in list were unchecked, except "recovery" then pressed "Download" button.
5 . Plugged phone on USB cable to PC, then inserted battery under the phone, as instructed.
6. Windows made a "USB plugged" sound, then SP Flash Tool detected phone OK and flashed recovery fine (there was the green tick-mark shown!)
7. Removed cable, removed battery, waited 10 seconds, re-inserted battery.
Then, copied to my SD card root folder, via PC (card reader) the following:
a) UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip
b) gapps-lp-20150211-signed.zip from this thread (lp=Lollipop)
(I had downloaded and installed wrong Gapps for 5.1 Android, but we need 5.0 version for this ROM--silly me. I just re-flashed via TWRP the correct package).
Went into recovery by pressing briefly Power then when the short vibration was felt, pressed VOL+ and VOL- and POWER simultaneously; the pleasant splash-screen of TWRP was shown!
1. Installed the needed SuperSU; then went back.
2. Installed gapps.
3. Wiped cache and Davlik (inside TWRP) then rebooted phone i.e. "system".
4. Waited patiently as it took a few minutes to go on the main Home screen.
5. Created Google account in "Settings" then went straight to "PlayStore" to update all applications, including SuperSU.
6. Ran SuperSU and upon request, updated the binary "normally" and rebooted just fine.
NOTE: In the Wi-Fi detected lists, since my first ever boot of this phone, I get a (fake?) SSID entry "NVRAM WARNING: Err = 0x10" which is apparently easily fixed for other phones. Do you guys you also got that?
A bunch of final questions to you, @askermk2000 when you have time to reply.
1) Does the stock weather display on a Home page work for you? I only get Chinese cities, location doesn't work as it says "city not found". Manual input of e.g. Europe cities doesn't show results, either.
2) Despite removing most via "Settings -> App Manager", any suggestions oh how to remove some further chinese apps that are marked "system app"? This article suggests NoBloat Free, Titanium Backup, System App Remover and App Master. I am not familiar with this approach but for example, "LenovoStore" could be removed...
3) Do you have by any chance the original, black b/g, folding (yes, boring) Lenovo animation boot logo to share? I see there's a file logo.bin for SP Flash Tools but others talk about /system/media/bootanimation.zip file... I ask if you have it, as the "Boot Animations" PlayStore app may not have the stock Lenovo boot. Perhaps flashing it via SP Flash Tool is better?
4) Will you kindly share any updates here to TWRP versions, whenever released? Do you anticipate any update in the coming 1-2 months, for example? (not sure there are bugs in TWRP-3.0.2.3, if any)
5) If there is a newer Lenovo official ROM available (than today) we obviously lose the TWRP recovery if we flash it all via SP Flash Tools; but we keep TWRP recovery if we update to the new ROM via TWRP, correct?
Thank you.
konsti said:
HI everyone, hi @askermk2000 and many many thanks for sharing your TWRP version 3.0.2.3 with us.
I followed this thread on how to root the Lenovo S8 A7600 phone and downloaded the tools needed (SP Flash Tool v5.1452.00 and VCOM drivers) on my Windows 7 laptop; then, installed them accordingly. Many thanks to @XxpikaachuuxX for providing links and steps on his thread!
1. Started up SP Flash Tool with administrator rights.
2. Chose the scatter file that was inside your shared TWRP-3.0.2.3 zip file; recovery image is automatically selected.
3. Shut down phone, remove battery.
4. Made sure all boxes in list were unchecked, except "recovery" then pressed "Download" button.
5 . Plugged phone on USB cable to PC, then inserted battery under the phone, as instructed.
6. Windows made a "USB plugged" sound, then SP Flash Tool detected phone OK and flashed recovery fine (there was the green tick-mark shown!)
7. Removed cable, removed battery, waited 10 seconds, re-inserted battery.
Then, copied to my SD card root folder, via PC (card reader) the following:
a) UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip
b) gapps-lp-20150211-signed.zip from this thread (lp=Lollipop)
(I had downloaded and installed wrong Gapps for 5.1 Android, but we need 5.0 version for this ROM--silly me. I just re-flashed via TWRP the correct package).
Went into recovery by pressing briefly Power then when the short vibration was felt, pressed VOL+ and VOL- and POWER simultaneously; the pleasant splash-screen of TWRP was shown!
1. Installed the needed SuperSU; then went back.
2. Installed gapps.
3. Wiped cache and Davlik (inside TWRP) then rebooted phone i.e. "system".
4. Waited patiently as it took a few minutes to go on the main Home screen.
5. Created Google account in "Settings" then went straight to "PlayStore" to update all applications, including SuperSU.
6. Ran SuperSU and upon request, updated the binary "normally" and rebooted just fine.
NOTE: In the Wi-Fi detected lists, since my first ever boot of this phone, I get a (fake?) SSID entry "NVRAM WARNING: Err = 0x10" which is apparently easily fixed for other phones. Do you guys you also got that?
A bunch of final questions to you, @askermk2000 when you have time to reply.
1) Does the stock weather display on a Home page work for you? I only get Chinese cities, location doesn't work as it says "city not found". Manual input of e.g. Europe cities doesn't show results, either.
2) Despite removing most via "Settings -> App Manager", any suggestions oh how to remove some further chinese apps that are marked "system app"? This article suggests NoBloat Free, Titanium Backup, System App Remover and App Master. I am not familiar with this approach but for example, "LenovoStore" could be removed...
3) Do you have by any chance the original, black b/g, folding (yes, boring) Lenovo animation boot logo to share? I see there's a file logo.bin for SP Flash Tools but others talk about /system/media/bootanimation.zip file... I ask if you have it, as the "Boot Animations" PlayStore app may not have the stock Lenovo boot. Perhaps flashing it via SP Flash Tool is better?
4) Will you kindly share any updates here to TWRP versions, whenever released? Do you anticipate any update in the coming 1-2 months, for example? (not sure there are bugs in TWRP-3.0.2.3, if any)
5) If there is a newer Lenovo official ROM available (than today) we obviously lose the TWRP recovery if we flash it all via SP Flash Tools; but we keep TWRP recovery if we update to the new ROM via TWRP, correct?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About that Wi-Fi problem. No I don't have it, and I was reading that page with the fix. It seems it's caused by using wrong settings in SPFlashtool, so likely the vendor did this when applying his trash firmware.
If you wifi is not working (as some reported in that thread) I would of course try to get a refund.
Weather gadget only has Chinese cities, yes I noticed that so I was using yahoo weather instead on my phone.
I would suggest Titanium Backup, it's what I use.
No, sorry I don't have any boot logos or animations.
This phone is a bit slow on the updates. But if there's an update, you can do it through the OTA update function which only downloads the changes as a patch. Though If your phone is heavily modified it might not work correctly. Could try a factory reset first, or simply start a fresh.
Then you would probably need to download the original recovery and flash that first.
PS: You can break the system by removing too much of the lenovo stuff. Remember VibeUi is heavily integrated and impossible to remove completely. Also, for gapps go to www.opengapps.org
help
Can you help me a bit? I got an infected phone and i need to install a new rom to keep myself safe. (im kinda noob to installing stuff like these)
First bootanimation "china4Gchina", second ok and poweroff ok.
Please help to change to first animation or delete.
Thanks.