Instructions for installing the official single-fuel firmware on Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 (SM-A510X).

Drivers and programs

Attention!

To establish official stock firmware on Galaxy A5 (2016) and return the phone status ("Settings"\u003e "About Device"\u003e "Properties"\u003e "Device Status") to "Official" after switching from custom firmware and thereby return the possibility of obtaining updates by air enough to follow the presented instructions.

Installation Instructions

Unpack the downloaded archive to the folder with ODIN PC for convenience. The file in the ".tar" or ".tar.md5" format must be left, and "SS_DL.DLL" can be deleted.

Run the device data reset.
To do this, go to the settings in the section " Backup and resetting the settings", Choose the item" Data reset» > « Reset device", Enter a PIN code (if so installed) and click on the" Delete everything" The phone will be rebooted.

Run ODIN PC on behalf of the administrator.

Translate the device to download mode ( Download Mode.).
To do this, you must simultaneously press the volume key, the home button and the power button. Then wait until the phone restarts and accept the warning by pressing the volume key.

In such a state, connect the smartphone to the computer. In Odin should light up the inscription " Com.».

Press the " Ap."And choose the TAR-archive of firmware.

Points " AUTO Reboot"And" F.Reset Time." must be activated, but " Re-Partition.", If active - need to disable.

Press the " Start." The firmware installation process will begin.

At the end of the operation, if everything went successfully, "All Threads Completed Odin PC Log should appear. (Succeed 1 / Failed 0). " The phone must be restarted manually by holding the power button until the screen turns off. Initial loading of the device can take up to 5 minutes.
ATTENTION!
If the device is not loaded for a long time or a data reset was not made, it must be made from the recovery.
To do this, you must simultaneously hold the volume key, the home button and the power button. After downloading, select the item " WIPE DATA / FACTORY RESET", and then - " Reboot System Now." If after these actions, the device also freezes when loading, it is necessary to re-flash it.

Samsung manufactures cell phones On the basis of the Android operating system. Everyone new gadget equipped with a modern version of the OS. Owners of earlier devices are recommended to update software up to fresh options. If you still have old version Firmware, let's look at how to update OS Android on the Samsung phone.

The easiest method

He refers to the list of powers of an ordinary user and does not require deep knowledge, so anyone is able to implement it independently.

Before making changes, we advise you to make backup Stored data on external storage. It is also important to check the battery charging level. The process is long, so it is worth charging the phone to a mark of 80-90% to avoid a sudden stop of the update.

Before the procedure is recommended to enable the reception Wi-Fi Signal In order to avoid material losses from the mobile account. When the data is received from the server, go to the Install field, expect an alert about the completion of the changes. After the adjustable.

This algorithm is described for use on the Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone. However, the essence remains relevant to all devices.

Update through a computer or laptop

It is required to install the KIES program. The utility must be licensed to not spoil the OS.

Return of factory settings

It happens when a person does not suit the expansion. Then roll back.

How to get rid of the pirate version

Suppose you accidentally installed a unlicensed file and think how to delete an update.

Samsung, for the first time, released Galaxy A5 in 2014, continued to improve the model, adding to his Arsenal for one updated A5 per year. At the time of creation of this review official price samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) SM-A520F / DS in Russia is $ 484, and in Ukraine according to the portal Mobcompany.info - $ 408.

The updated model inherited some features previously inherent in flagmans. Compared to the previous version, the device got a fresh processor, protection against dust and water, increased memory and port USB Type-C. But in some way the smartphone is still inferior to his predecessor.

1. Characteristics of Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)

The device got a good stuffing, but if you compare it with competitors, the cost A5 SM-A520F will seem overpriced.

1.1. Design, case materials, sizes and weight

Smartphone comes in black, gold, blue and pink body color.

Most often, the domestic buyer will meet options in black and gold colors. The side faces are made of metal, the screen is protected by tempered glass with rounded edges, the rear wall is also made of glass. The curved rear panel and relatively small dimensions contribute to a good grip. However, due to the glass and the wicked form, the device constantly strives to slip out of the hands.

It seems that the manufacturer has a little overwhelmed with roundings of the corners. And yet, the frames from above and the bottom of the screen for some reason more than in the A5 2016. Subjectively, the previous version looks "cultural". But there are improvements. For example, the rear camera lens is now lying with a panel.

The body is assembled well. Moreover, it is protected from dust and water from the IP68 standard. It can be 30 minutes to lie at the depth of one and a half meters, without prejudice to the inputs of the device.

At the bottom of the screen there is a mechanical key "Home", with a built-in print scanner. On the sides of it - the touch buttons for switching back, and display the list of running applications.

It is noteworthy that the device received separate slots for setting cards. The first tray for SIM is located on the left side, next to the volume buttons. And on the top of the face there is an extra hole in which the combined slot is placed for another SIM and a memory card.

On the right face there is a power button and the lattice of the main dynamics.

On the bottom - symmetrical USB connector Type-C, a microphone hole and a 3.5 mm connector for headphones.

All this is placed in the housing with dimensions of 146.1x71.4x7.9 mm, and weighing 159 grams.

1.2. CPU

The manufacturer has installed a fresh 64-bit SAMSUNG EXYNOS 7880 chipset into the smartphone, with an integrated graphic chip MALI-830 MP2. SOC includes 8 cortex-a53 cores, the maximum frequency of which reaches 1.9 GHz. The processor is made according to the modern 14-nm technical process, with all the consequences. For example, energy efficiency is improved, there is no essential heating. As a result, the level of performance does not fall at intensive loads.

Test Antitu gives the average for the current standards the result of 60 thousand points. There are no complaints to the performance of the device in everyday use. The device has enough power for almost any tasks. The exception is the most resource-intensive 3D games. For example, on the maximum graphic settings, all the favorite "tanks" turn into a slideshow. But, with the basic settings, graphics can be counted on a smooth game with 50-60 FPS.

1.3. Memory

SAMSUNG A5 2017 is equipped with 3 GB random access memory. For a device of this class, this is normal. If you do not assume that, together with the OS and the launched services, the shell from Samsung eats up a half gigabyte. The manufacturer has recently trying to optimize the shell in every way. clean Android In any case will work faster.

The volume of the built-in drive is 32 GB, the user is available approximately 23 GB. By modest calculations, this with your head is enough to install an impressive list of applications, a couple of "heavy" games, and for storing the photographs and videos. The memory expansion slot is always available for installation. maps of MicroSd. With a maximum volume of 256 GB.

1.4. Autonomy

Built-in non-removable battery for 3000 mAh and the uncomfortable chip with technical process 14-nm give a good result. The device in the usual, mixed use runs up to two days from one charge. With intensive operation of the battery, there is enough for a day. Lovers Watch TV shows on the smartphone are lucky: FullHD video is reproduced for 17 hours. In HD resolution via MX Player - up to 19 hours, and on full brightness!

Extend the operation time will help the power saving mode, due to restriction of performance and other tricks. Fast charging is supported, from 0 to 100% the device is charged in just 1 hour.

1.5. Camera

SAMSUNG A5 SM-A520F is equipped with a 16 megapixel sensor of the main chamber, with an equivalent focal length of 27 mm, and aperture F / 1.9. The flash is quite bright, although it consists of one LED. An application interface for shooting is concise, easy to learn. There is a scant mode Pro. It is a separate section, which simply suffered the basic settings: ISO, white balance and exposure.

During the day, the camera takes off well, at the level of good-quality middling from China. The color reproduction of the pictures is good, close to natural, the level of detail is high enough. White balance is defined correctly, the dynamic range is wide. In the evening and at night, things are not so fun. IN automatic mode The appearance of noise, the loss of detail and the overgrown of bright objects is provided. In addition, the device focuses slowly, very often the blurred picture is obtained.

It affects the lack of optical stabilization. This is a significant downgrade compared with the 2016 version. But it is not all that bad. If you install a smartphone to a tripod, manually adjust the sensitivity and exposure, you can achieve an acceptable result. Maximum resolution Recorded videos - FullHD (30 FPS). By quality, the result is not bad. But other manufacturers offer at least the possibility of shooting at 60 fps, or 2k and 4K permission.

The frontier received wide-angle optics, and can be removed with a resolution of 16 megapixel. Photos are obtained by good, but nothing special to wait. For the quality of pictures front-camera Significantly inferior to the main one. But there are branded chips that smooth the skin, increase their eyes and allow you to adjust the face form. Focus fixed, configured to shoot at close range. Because of what distances are obtained by non-veins. In the twilight, instead of an outbreak, the face is illuminated due to the bright screen backlight filled with a white background.

1.7. Display

The device is equipped with a 5.2-inch display with solid FullHD (1920 × 1080) resolution. Excellent image clarity is achieved due to the high density of pixels (424 PPI). The Superamoled matrix is \u200b\u200bused, with a saturated color reproduction characteristic of it, and deep black. "Divorced" gamma is regulated in the settings, if desired, you can activate more calm tones. The viewing angles are good, colors can be distorted only under extreme corners. Maximum brightness high reserve.

There is a blue filter, for those who worry about their eyes. One of the main advantages of this smartphone is the Always ON DISPLAY feature. This is a chip, swinging from flagship models in medium segment. Thanks to it, the current time and date, charge level and missed notifications are displayed on the locked screen. The screen is covered with 2.5d glass, with good oleophobic coating. Touchscreen recognizes 5 touches of simultaneous touch.

1.8. Communication

SAMSUNG A5 2017 you can simultaneously install 2 Nanosim cards. A set of supported mobile networks includes 2G, 3G and 4G (LTE-A Cat6), with all the widespread frequencies. The smartphone is equipped with a Bluetooth V4.2 module, and two-band (2.4 and 5 GHz) Wi-Fi A / B / G / N / AC. Due to the presence of NFC and MST, the machine can be used for contactless payments. The payment service support has been implemented Samsung Pay.. True, the owners of the "A" series is temporarily unavailable.

For navigation and geopositioning, you can use GPS + A-GPS, GLONASS and Beidou. With the role of the navigator, the smartphone copes flawlessly: satellites finds for 10 seconds, accurately determines the location.

1.9. Sound

The external speaker received a non-standard location - on the top of the right edge.

Accordingly, it will not overlap, regardless of which position the smartphone lies on the table, or is in his hands. Undoubtedly, this is a plus, but the sound seems muffled. This is due to the fact that the speaker is protected from dust and moisture inwards using a special membrane. If you make a discount on this, the sound can be considered not bad.

It is quite clean, moderately loud, almost all musical instruments are transmitted. Is that bass not heard. When using headphones - without surprises, you can enjoy quite normal sound. There is a built-in samsung software equalizer. Also supported FM radio. The device has two microphones: one conversational, second for noise reduction.

1.10. Operating system

From the SG A5 2017 box comes with Android OS 6. The impact of the update to Android 7 is promised. Traditionally for sAMSUNG smartphones, on top of the system installed a branded shell from the manufacturer. Only instead of TOUCHWIZ, as in Note 7, grace ui is used. A relatively new shell inherited from Touchwiz not only voracious resources. But also a pleasant eye, bright and customizable interface, with a built-in designer manager.

There are also branded software chips, also inherited in the legacy of the flagships of past years. For example, screen separation into 2 parts for two applications, managing one hand, quick Start Cameras double by pressing the "Home" button and others.

1.11. Features

In order for the scanner to work, you need to make a finger at the right angle, and only when the screen is enabled. That is, to unlock the device, you first need to press the HOME button, and then scan the print. Fortunately, re-for this to press the button and spend on the scanner it is not necessary - it is enough to make a finger.

2. Pros and Cons Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)

Advantages:

• design (for amateur)
• dust- and moisture protection of the IP68 case
• at the same time, you can use two SIM and memory card.
• a good display, the function "Always Active Screen", the ability to filter blue
• normal autonomy

Disadvantages:

• no optical stabilization
• there is no possibility of shooting at 60 frames per second and in the 4K resolution
• features of the scanner imprint

3. Alternatives

OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T are different high performance. Honor 8 is also more powerful, and his camera is better. Xiaomi MI 5S offers a more practical metal case and a convenient dactyloscopic sensor. Meizu pro. 6 is a music flag with 4 GB of RAM. And finally, Galaxy S6 is located in the same price category, but the camera is so cooler.

4. Our opinion about SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 (2017)

In general, Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) is a good smartphone that has got the flagship chips from the "Senior Brothers". As can be seen from the review, it does not stand out best performance and cameras among competitors. But pleases with autonomy, water and the Always on Display feature.

I want to praise the manufacturer for seeing small luggles of a large company to meet the user. We are talking about individual slots under 2 sim and memory storage, as well as a chamber module that does not stick out of the case.

SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 Smartphone (2017)
SAMSUNG GALAXY A5 Smartphone (2017)

Until recently, people wishing to acquire a decent smartphone with a budget of $ 350-400, the choice was, in fact, between the Chinese flagships from Xiaomi, Zte, Meizu, Oneplus and the like companies that offer balanced solutions with close to top characteristics. Smartphones from A-brands, with a similar price tag, gave, to put it mildly, more modest use experience, and felt frank middling with a bunch of compromise.

Samsung, are a visual illustration of the foregoing, it seems to have decided to change the established situation and will seriously compete for the average market segment. In the new generation Galaxy A there are many features previously available only in flagships, and many other, no less interesting updates. Let's start a review Samsung A5 2017 and deal with whether it is good, as it seems at first glance.

Price and main characteristics

Galaxy A5 2017 has already been on sale, it is possible to buy it at a price of 28 thousand rubles. The device is presented in the 4th colors of the coprus - black, light blue, pink and gold.

Specifications:

Display: 5.2 ", Super-amoled FHD 1920 * 1080 px, 424 ppi;
Processor: Exynos 7880 (8 cores, 1.9 GHz) + MALI-830 MP3 video accelerator;
RAM: 3 GB;
inner memory: 32 GB + Micro SD Flash Maps up to 256 GB;
Camera: Basic - 16 megapixel (F / 1.9), frontal - 16 MP;
Optional: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, LTE, NFC, USB-C;
Battery: 3000 mAh.

From the box, the device works on operating system Android 6.0.1, covered with a shell of Grace UI (the same Touchwiz, victims of pleasant cosmetic changes) that in 2017 it looks somewhat incomparable for the device of this level. Update to the 7th version of Android Samsung promises in the first quarter of this year.

Design and ergonomics

Samsung A5 2017 is relatively compact smartphone With a screen diagonal of 5.2 inches. The housing is made of glass (front part, rear panel) and aluminum (lateral frame). The back cover of the housing is bent, and the side angles are rounded, which gives the body a streamlined form.

The front panel glass has a 2.5D rounding. Above the reduction of the width of the side frames were not particularly bored - they are very noticeable here that, in other matters, does not spoil appearance Smartphone. Over the screen, the hole of the conversational speaker is cut, next to it is the sensor block and the front camera. Also from above caused Samsung's logo.

Under the screen is located a manual HOME key with a built-in fingerprint scanner. On the sides of it - the sensor navigation keys, which are practically not noticeable without the backlight. The scanner works quickly and stably, in addition to unlocking the smartphone, it is used when making the Samsung Pay payments and to gain access to pellet folders.

On the back there is a flash and a camera that is recessed into the housing, which will potentially prevent the appearance of scratches on optics.

The location of the functional elements on the side edges of the A5 case is not standard enough. From above there is a speaker for noise reduction and a hybrid tray under the memory card.

On the lower end - the microphone, 3.5mm headphone jack and UBS Type-C port, which for some reason is not located in the center of the face, but noticeably slides towards back cover. It looks not quite aesthetic.

On the right - the screen lock / power lock key and the stereo speakers, which is made in the form of several perforations. The location of the dynamics is not familiar, but when the smartphone is on something lies the speaker does not stall, as if it were behind.

Left - two spaced volume keys and another tray under the SIM card. A5 allows you to fully use 2 sims and a flash drive, which is an indisputable advantage of the smartphone in comparison with gadgets equipped with a hybrid tray.

Generally, sAMSUNG Overview A5 showed that the smartphone is made of high-quality materials and has excellent build quality. He is very weighty and comfortably lies in his hand due to the streamlined form. In black, A5 looks very solid, more expensive than its price. Another weighty plus is the presence of dust-moisture protection according to IP68. We do not recommend purposefully to bathe a smartphone, but any unforeseen situations associated with short-term drowning (according to the manufacturer's application - up to 30 minutes), it will survive without problems.

Now about the shortcomings. The ceramic body looks effectively and is pleasant to the touch, but it is pretty slippery and quickly covered with fingerprints, so you will most likely use a smartphone. But serious consumes are the lack of an event indicator and vibration clock when the touch keys is pressed. Also note that the case has the new A5 is unbearable, and if necessary, change the battery to do this will have to be in the service center.

Screen

Samsung A5 screen is a 5.2 inch Superamoled matrix made by OGC technologies, with a resolution of 1920 * 1080 px and a pixel density of 424 PPI. There is support for ALWAYS ON mode (the displays of a locked smartphone displays the time, charge and most important notifications), which eats less than 1% of the battery per hour.

Focusing the display is difficult at all wishes. It has the maximum viewing angles and good factory calibration, which provides accurate color reproduction. The maximum brightness exceeds 357 cd / m2, which, along with the presence of an anti-reflective coating, gives good readability of the screen in the sun, the minimum - 2 cd / m2. From the screen, you can comfortably read in a dark room, it helps the existing mode of eye healed (blue filter).

Also note the presence of high-quality oleophobic coating and adaptive color rendering mode, which adjusts the image based on the script of the smartphone using the photo, video, etc.). From controversial moments - multitouch for 5 touches, however, does anyone need someone? In general, the screen at A5 on the solid five.

Performance

Processor A5 2017 - Exynos 7880, its own development of the company, made according to the 14-nm technical process. This is a chipset based on the 8-core Cortex A53 (up to 1.88 GHz) and the MALI-T830 MP3 graphics and accelerator. In terms of exynos 7780, it costs about the same level with Snapdragon 625, it does not have a large stock of gaming performance for the future, but it allows you to play any toys on high settings with a comfortable FPS, and also provides a scolder and smooth operation of the system.

Results of synthetic tests:
ANTUTU BENCHMARK - 61.8 thousand points;
3DMark Ice Storm - 13.3 thousand points;
GeekBench: Single-Core - 4692, Multi-Core - 817 points.

Of the 3 GB of RAM, the user is available about 1.3 GB, from 32 GB of integrated memory - 24 GB. The ability to expand memory is present, the smartphone without problems recognized the flash drive by 124 GB, the manufacturer declares support for cards up to 256 GB. During the use of A5, I showed excellent speed, no complaints about the thoughtfulness or consistent system, with any use scenarios, did not occur.

Camera

Both sAMSUNG chambers A5 (front and main) have a resolution of 16 megapixel. The main module has a f / 1.9 luminosity, a focal length of 27 mm and a hybrid autofocus. On the one hand, the resolution of the chamber has increased compared to A5 2016, but the novelty has lost optical stabilization and never received the ability to record 4K video, which disappoints somewhat.

With the quality of shooting at A5 there are no serious problems. Pictures are almost perfect in good shooting conditions: pleases excellent detail, accurate color rendition and a large dynamic range, but with poor lighting the absence of opt. Staby still affects.

The front camera is good, 16 MP is honest here, in contrast to the interpolated permission from most competitors. The video smartphone writes in the FHD / 30PFS resolution, the quality of the picture and sound is not bad, but when shooting moving objects, the picture is noticeably gates (there are small twitching). Autofocus in video mode is present.

Speaker, sound quality

The sound of the main dynamics of Samsung A5 is loud and high enough. Music, even at high volume, does not turn into porridge and does not cut the rumor. There are no problems with a conversational speaker, the interlocutor is great. The sound in the headphones is standard, no components for improving the audio code in this model are not used, 95% of users will be satisfied.

Battery

The built-in 4000 mAh battery capacity is enough for a day and a half of the smartphone in the mode of medium load. If you use A5 to the whole coil, it will be asked to charge at the end of the day. Fast charge Present, a smartphone is charged from a complete adapter for about an hour.

Communication and Internet

One of the main chips A5 - availability nFC modules and MST, which, in aggregate with support for Samsung Pay, allows contactless payments to 90% of Russian terminals. To do this, just attach a smartphone to the terminal and confirm the fingerprint payment.

Also note that instead of the systemally obsoletical Micro-USB in the novelty used uSB-C interface. In all other way - the quality of communication, synchronization and navigation on GPS, work in 3G and LTE networks, there is no complaints to the device.

SAMSUNG A5 2017 Video Review

Competitors, conclusion

Complete review SAMSUNG A5 summarizes - the device turned out not without small drawbacks ( old android, the absence of an opt.

A5 is a very high-quality product: a beautiful, pleasant to use, moderately powerful and well balanced. Its pluses include design, assembly, high-quality screen, perfectly removing the chamber day, good autonomy, separate SIM cards and a flash drive, dust-moisture protection, support for Samsung Pay and much more.

Competitors for the price -, and many other smartphones, among which you can find much more productive devices. But whether it is necessary to deny the protected housing or, for example, the possibilities are fully used 2 sims and a flash drive, for the sake of an additional gigabyte RAM or a little more powerful processorif during everyday use it is practically not felt?

To start working on a new firmware, a special tool is required - PDK (Platform Development Kit). This tool creates Google's company for each new version of Android. After PDK is ready, Google sends it to Samsung and other manufacturers of smartphones and tablets.

Then google announces new android For users, and Samsung proceeds to work on the firmware. On average, its creation takes 6 months, but an accurate release date is unknown.

Samsung can not start working on the firmware until he gets required tools from Google.

You can not get the firmware immediately as soon as you heard about it - it needs to be adapted for a specific smartphone or tablet.

Why accurate release date of the new firmware unknown

Before answering this question, consider what firmware consists of. The firmware consists of several parts:

Source - New android with basic functions, which creates Google. This part cannot be immediately put on any smartphone or tablet, because to adapt code under concrete device Requires at least drivers.

If you provide the creation of the firmware on the example of building the building, the source code is the framework of the new design.

Drivers - Help tie android and components that make up a smartphone or tablet: processors, memory, buttons, connectors, sensors and other microcircuits. Drivers write microcircuit manufacturers - Samsung and companies that produce only certain details.

If manufacturers do not write the driver at least for a single chip for a new firmware - the device will not be able to work normally with it. If the manufacturer of the communication chip with mobile network Driver will not write - the smartphone will not be able to call. If the camera manufacturer does not write the driver - the smartphone will not take pictures. The firmware will not be released as long as all manufacturers do not write running drivers. Creating drivers takes 2 - 4 months.

Drivers - cement to connect the frame (android) and foundation (components), without it, the building will collapse.

Device manufacturer services - They are responsible for the appearance of the desktop, menu items, programs, for unique applications and functions. Without them, all tablets and smartphones would look equally and had the same set of functions. This part of the code writes Samsung.

Services are finishing materials: facing brick, wallpaper, tile, paint, parquet.

After all parts are ready, the Samsung task is to combine and bring them into a working look. At this stage, the firmware is carefully tested to find and eliminate all errors. The total number of tests - a few thousand times.

The final firmware necessarily approves the company Google is like receiving the building of the State Commission. If something does not like it, the process continues until the desired option appears.

No one calls the exact date The appearance of the firmware, because: a) there are several companies over it; b) The process lasts until complete adaptation and eliminate errors.

For which smartphones and tablets will come out firmware

New firmware are manufactured for flagship devices for 18 months from the date of sale.

Flagship devices - smartphones and tablets of the Galaxy S series, Galaxy Tab. S, Galaxy Note., Some models of the middle segment.

New firmware is not released for all devices.

Over time, the firmware for a specific device is no longer released.

Below a preview list of models that will receive updates to Android 9 (PIE), with approximate dates. List of models and release dates can be changed.

Already received an update:

How to find out what a new firmware came out

If a new firmware is available for a smartphone or tablet, a notification will appear at the top of the display.

Similar notification will appear if you connect the device to the computer and run the program Smart Svitche.

If there are no notifications, then: a) the firmware has not come out yet; b) something is wrong with the device (the current firmware is incorrectly installed or modified, the device is not for sale in Russia). In the first case - expect, in the second - contact service center.

Where to download new firmware

Samsung does not lay out the firmware in open access. New firmware is installed through the device menu or program Smart Svitche.

The firmware cannot be downloaded on the Samsung website.

How to update the firmware

We have done detailed instructions Separate article.

How to return to the previous firmware

Officially, without losing guarantee - in no way. Therefore, we recommend to make a weighted solution before updating.

Changes in the new firmware

Not all changes that are in the source code will definitely appear in the new firmware. A detailed list of changes appears before downloading each new firmware.

Changes that can do.