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42 Galaxy S5 models - Dummies Guide

I feel you may be confusing VoLTE calling over a 4G data connection with wi-fi calling...

How does VoLTE work? What is the difference between VoLTE and VoWiFi?

I understand that mobile devices coming with built in VoLTE feature does not require Data to be kept ON for making and receiving calls, which will conserve battery, whereas mobile devices with LTE but without VoLTE can use 4G voice calling offered by JIO but require Data to be kept ON continuously, which sucks battery.

Therefore I am looking for a software patch to enable VoLTE feature on Galaxy S5 duos model which is powered by snapdragon 801 processor since the 801 processor is having this feature in it.
 
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It appears to be yet another carrier branded minority variant for a U.S.A. carrier, Straight Talk, (I believe, also TracFone & Net10). It is a CDMA model, (Verizon network), of the Galaxy S5 Neo, mentioned in post #1. Strange that its firmware does not appear on the usual Samsung download sites. I doubt that more than a few thousand of these phones were made for Straight Talk. Your Baseband indicates August 2016 firmware for Marshmallow.
 
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Hey I just checked it out as I also just bought the 903vl from straight talk. It's not a neo. Its got the qualcom chip which neo doesnt have. Also it has the charge cover flap, which neo also doesnt have. It's a galaxy s5. Under the batery it says 900v. The isn't really any info out there on the sm-s903vl yet.
 
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hello,
I have the AP G900FXXUIBOH4 CP G900FXXUIBOH4 CSC g900fproibohi, cannot find a marshmallow to match it.
what can I do?
this is a Belgium GSM sim free.
thx

#1.1. Think that everyone's Samsung Galaxy S5 is the same as yours...
Think again!

There are currently 42 models of the Samsung Galaxy S5 phone. Most of which are covered in this
General Galaxy S5 forum.

Some of these models have already had as many as 16 different stock Samsung firmware releases since launch.

So, you can see that when you take into account the different locations worldwide and those locations unbranded and carrier branded firmwares, there is no such thing as one Samsung Galaxy S5 and one firmware but rather, 42 different phones with, currently, over 4,000 different variations of firmware for Android 4.4.2, Android 4.4.4, Android 5.0, Android 5.0.1, Android 5.1.1 and Android 6.0.1.

Therefore, it is important if you are seeking help or are offering advice, to know the precise model and firmware that a device is running as there is the potential to, "brick", (render unusable), a phone with incorrect information.


#1.2. Your MODEL

To locate your model version, go to...

Settings > More > About device > Model number

This will give you the model of Samsung Galaxy S5 that you have.

Now that you know your Galaxy S5 model number, lets see what it means...


#1.3. International models

SM-G900F
This is the 4G/LTE, quad core, phone with around 200 different firmwares for non carrier branded and lightly, (0, 1, 2 or 3 removable apps and possibly a boot screen), carrier branded. This phone, along with the, "H", model below can be considered as Samsung's benchmark handsets since the hardware can not only run the Android firmware with Samsung's TouchWiz overlay and apps but also the limited carrier branding. So called, "bugfix", and security updates for these unbranded models is therefore very easy for Samsung to release and can be as often as every 4-8 weeks. Because there is the option of unbranded firmware models, carriers tend to try and keep abreast of the updates sent to them by Samsung.

U.K., Spain, Poland, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Papua New Guinea, Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Montenegro, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Greece, Croatia, Czech Republic, Portugal, Baltic Countries, France, Uzbekistan, Ireland, Singapore, Philippines, Italy, South America, Nordic Countries, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Bosnia Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, South East Europe, Hong Kong, Switzerland, New Zealand, Cyprus, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Israel, Kazakhstan, Albania, Belgium, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Venezuela, Iraq, Romania, Hungary, etc:


SM-G900H
This is the budget, non 4G/LTE, octa core variant of the above and has around 70+ different firmware versions, based on location, branded or unbranded and network. Like the, "F", model, this can be considered as a benchmark phone for Samsung in that it offers both unbranded and lightly carrier branded firmwares that the hardware is designed to handle. So-called, "bugfix", and security updates on this model tend to be less frequent than the, "F", variant.

Argentina, Trinidad & Tobago, Paraguay, Russia, South Africa, Israel, Dominican Republic, Panama, Venezuela, Uruguay, Kenya, Jamaica, Guatemala, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Tunisia, Algeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Egypt, Afghanistan,


#1.4. Regional models

Hardware and firmware on these models can differ from the International models for technical, political or legal reasons. Based on the G900F firmware, these models offer both unbranded, (except for Canada), and carrier branded firmwares and, "bugfix", and security updates can vary by model and carrier.


SM-G900FD
"Duos", dual sim. Middle East, U.A.E., Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Caucasus Countries, Uzbekistan, Russia, Israel. Both branded and unbranded.

SM-G900I
Covers Australia, India, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand and has about 10 firmwares, both branded and unbranded for this model.

SM-G900M
Covers South America, Uruguay, Colombia, Costa Rica, Argentina, Guatemala, Panama, Mexico and Chile. Both branded and unbranded.

SM-G900MD
Brazil unbranded and branded

SM-G900W8
Canadian, (all branded), and Puerto Rican variant of the Galaxy S5. There are around 13 different firmwares for this model. Carriers include, Videotron, GlobalAlive Wind, Virgin (Canada), Koodoo, SaskTel, Fido, EastLink, MobilCity, Rogers, Telus and Bell.

SM-G9009W
China unbranded.


#1.5. Carrier minority variants

These are carrier branded minority models. Hardware can differ from the International models and firmware is governed by each carrier with branding and modifications to Samsung's original TouchWiz firmware. This carrier branding can vary between medium or heavy, depending on the carrier and although Samsung pass on all their, "bugfix", and security updates to these carriers, it is down to each carrier whether to spend the time and money to make the modifications and return it to Samsung for release. You may also see issues that are only relevant to a certain model and not applicable to all phones.

WARNING! If a poster on these models declares they are running a, "stock", app, it may only apply to that model and not to all Samsung TouchWiz firmwares generally.

China

SM-9008V = China Mobile

SM-G9006V = China Mobile (WCDMA network)

SM-G9009D = China Telecom (CDMA/EV-DO version)

SM-G9006W = China Unicom (Dual sim)

SM-9008W = China Mobile


Japan

SM-G900J a.k.a SCL23
= au KDDI

SC-04F = NTT Docomo


Korea

SM-G900K = KT

SM-G900L = LG Uplus

SM-G900S = SK Telecom



Turkey

SM-G900FQ = La Fleur


U.S.A.

SM-G900R4 = US Cellular

SM-G900AZ = Cricket

SM-G900P = Sprint

SM-G900T = T-Mobile (U.S.A. only)

SM-G900T1 = Metro PCS (T-Mobile U.S.A.)

SM-G900T3 = T-Mobile (U.S.A. only)

SM-G900R6 = Bluegrass Cellular

SM-G900R7 = C Spire


#1.6. Non Samsung firmware models

These models are hybrid, carrier customised, minority variants. Whilst Samsung supply the handsets and the basic TouchWiz firmware details, these carriers then set about heavily adapting that stock firmware to fit in with their eco-system by adding more apps, (25+), to elicit extra revenue and thus reducing their phones storage by around 1.5GB, as well as numerous Android system modifications, (locked bootloaders that now do not permit downgrading of firmware back to KitKat or rooting * and forced firmware updates for instance), to Samsung's original TouchWiz firmware and as such, can be considered as, "clone", firmwares. Also, unlike all the preceding models, these phones are not updated through Samsung but modified and released directly by the carriers themselves. Therefore, any firmware issues on these models, should be addressed directly to the carrier and not Samsung. These models are not usually updated via Samsung's PC Suites, Kies or Smart Switch, and you need to be registered on the carriers networks to receive their OTA updates. These modifications therefore render them totally unsuitable for use on other carriers networks. Whilst the carriers receive all the, "bugfix", and security updates from Samsung as other models, it is up to these individual carriers whether to spend the not inconsiderable time, (around 2 months), and money on incorporating all their modifications and releasing them. Consequently, these tend to receive far fewer, "bugfix", and firmware updates than other models. You will also see issues that are only relevant to these models and not applicable to all phones.

WARNING! If a poster on these models declares they are running a, "stock", app, it may only apply to that model and not to all Samsung TouchWiz firmwares generally.


U.S.A.

SM-G900A = AT&T

SM-G900V = Verizon

(* A rooting exploit was available for G900V on Lollipop, here)


#1.7. Other Galaxy S5 forums on Android Forums are:-

Galaxy S5 Active
SM-G870A


SM-G870D

SM-G870F


Galaxy S5 Mini
SM-G800F


SM-G800H


Galaxy S5 Sport

SM-860P

Galaxy S5 Plus
SM-G901F


Galaxy S5 Prime
SM-G906L


SM-G906K

SM-G906S

Galaxy S5 Neo

SM-G903F

SM-G903W
(Canada)


#1.8. Your FIRMWARE

To locate your current firmware version, (not baseband/modem), go to the dial pad and type in...

*#1234#

This will give you your, "Version", details in full, usually 3 lines of information which are all relevant. The important one to note in this case is the first, "AP:", (a.k.a PDA), detail. This is important because, as previously mentioned, some models have had a number of updates and improvements to their original firmware.***

Example:-

AP: G900FXXU1BOA3 (Model Build no: see #1.9 )
CP: G900FXXU1BOA2 (Model Baseband/modem/radio build may not always match Build no: above)
CSC: G900FOXA1BOA4 (Model CSC code Build)

*** If code *#1234# has been disabled on your firmware, you can download and install, free from the Play Store, Phone Info and it will give you, under FIRMWARE... PDA, Baseband, CSC, versions. This app also has the advantage of showing your phone's PRODUCT CODE, (the last 3 digits are the code), which can be useful if there is more than one firmware for your CSC code.

The CSC, (Customer Software Customisation), code, which dictates the customisations for your location/region/carrier. The 3 letter code comes directly after the model version shown in #1.2 above.

Therefore, it is always useful to ascertain the model of phone and firmware as some problems may only occur with certain models or versions of firmware and may not apply across the board to all Samsung Galaxy S5 models and firmwares. Also, a firmware update may have been released that corrects a problem.

Tip: It is a good idea to make a note of your full firmware details in case you ever need to manually re-install your firmware without voiding your warranty.

#1.9. Samsung releases are categorised as follows:-

P = Year = 2016 (16th letter of alphabet)

E = Month of year (May in this case, 5th letter of the alphabet)

A = Build of that month (10th for, "A", as they start 1-9 first, before letters)


#1.10. Your device's current firmware version is not supported to update firmware via Kies or OTA

This indicates a mismatch with your CSC, (Consumer Software Customisation) code, see #1.8 to obtain this. This can happen for a number of reasons.

You will not be able to receive an update via Kies/Smart Switch, the Samsung PC Suites, or OTA, (Over The Air), if you are rooted, on a custom ROM, had your phone unlocked, (in some instances), or have flashed a stock Samsung firmware with a different CSC code not originally intended for your phone, and may receive the message,"YOUR DEVICE'S CURRENT FIRMWARE VERSION IS NOT SUPPORTED TO UPDATE FIRMWARE VIA KIES" or "YOUR DEVICE DOES NOT SUPPORT SOFTWARE UPGRADING VIA KIES", depending on your version of Kies .

It has also emerged that sometimes vendors have been flashing phones with a different stock Samsung firmware prior to sale in an attempt to sell to a wider market and therefore upgrades via Kies/Smart Switch or OTA are not possible. There are also reports that people who have had their phones repaired at a Service Point and re-flashed with different firmware are unable to receive updates via Kies or Smart Switch or OTA.

Provided that your phone has never been rooted, unlocked, flashed or altered by you in any way, then the best advice is to take it to a Samsung Service Point and ask them to update the firmware for you.

#1.11. Alternatively, if available for your phone model number, you can download a stock Samsung firmware of your choice and flash this via a PC suite called Odin3 v3.10.7.

Warning: This is for competent users and could void your warranty by flashing any firmware other than that intended for your original CSC and Product codes, see #1.8 above, as well as preventing future updates through Kies/Smart Switch or Over The Air, (OTA).
.

#1.12. TIP

If you are a poster it is a good idea to mention your model number and firmware version in case this has a bearing on your problem.

Better still, if you have 25+ posts to your name, you can go to the black bar at the top of this forum and click on your
Username, which will show a drop down menu. Just select, "Signature", and you can enter in the signature box the details of your phone, i.e. - "Galaxy S5 G900F".This ensures that your device details are shown in every post you make. You can update this as often as you like and will help other users immediately identify your phone and firmware.

See, also...
Lollipop Update Problems - Dummies Guide
GPS fix S5 - Dummies Guide
Galaxy S5, Fake Clone or Genuine - Dummies Guide

Galaxy S5 Lollipop User Manuals


E&OE This guide is written solely for, and on behalf of, Android Forums and may not be reproduced, in part or whole, without permission.
 
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hello,
I have the AP G900FXXUIBOH4 CP G900FXXUIBOH4 CSC g900fproibohi, cannot find a marshmallow to match it.
what can I do?
this is a Belgium GSM sim free.
thx

Hello and welcome to Android Forums xeca!

Your model, G900F, is on CSC code PRO for Proximus, Belgium. Here is the OH4 firmware download...

Model SM-G900F
Model name GALAXY S5
Country Belgium (Proximus)
Version Android 5.0
Changelist 5508620
Build date Mon, 10 Aug 2015 11:25:12 +0000
Security Patch Level N/A
Product code PRO
PDA G900FXXU1BOH4
CSC G900FPRO1BOH1


Happy New Year! :)
 
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I have a rooted S5 SM-G900V on 5.0. Baseband G900VVRU2BPB1 for verizon. I just switched to T-Mobile and most of the features work however is there a way to put T-Mobile firmware on it rooted or unrooted?
TIA,
No. I am afraid that firmware for the T-Mobile (USA) GSM network is not compatible with the G900V model of Galaxy S5 for the old, obsolete, Verizon CDMA network. See #1.5 & #1.6 of 42 Galaxy S5 models - Dummies Guide
 
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I have a rooted S5 SM-G900V on 5.0. Baseband G900VVRU2BPB1 for verizon. I just switched to T-Mobile and most of the features work however is there a way to put T-Mobile firmware on it rooted or unrooted?
TIA,
No. I am afraid that firmware for the T-Mobile (USA) GSM network is not compatible with the G900V model of Galaxy S5 for the old, obsolete, Verizon CDMA network. See #1.5 & #1.6 of 42 Galaxy S5 models - Dummies Guide
 
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Hello! I was researching rooting my Samsung Galaxy s5 phone and since I want to do this as safely and effectively as possible, I was wondering if I could get some help with this. I currently have the 6.x Marshmallow installed on my phone and I either wanted to downgrade back to 5 (before the security update) or root my phone. Here is the information:

AP: G900AUCS4DQD1
CP: G900AUCS4DQD1
CSC: G900AATT4DQD1

Any assistance and guidance is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you! :)

Edit: It's a tad late at night for me and I was reading the OP again and saw that my phone is unable to be rooted. Is this true? Am I not able to root my mobile? If this is the case, am I able to downgrade back down to 5.x firmware or what not so I don't have to deal with the awful security update?
 
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Hello! I was researching rooting my Samsung Galaxy s5 phone and since I want to do this as safely and effectively as possible, I was wondering if I could get some help with this. I currently have the 6.x Marshmallow installed on my phone and I either wanted to downgrade back to 5 (before the security update) or root my phone. Here is the information:

AP: G900AUCS4DQD1
CP: G900AUCS4DQD1
CSC: G900AATT4DQD1

Any assistance and guidance is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you! :)

Edit: It's a tad late at night for me and I was reading the OP again and saw that my phone is unable to be rooted. Is this true? Am I not able to root my mobile? If this is the case, am I able to downgrade back down to 5.x firmware or what not so I don't have to deal with the awful security update?

Hello and welcome to Android Forums, ff9zidanegal :D

There does, "appear", to now be a possibility of rooting the AT&T hybrid version of the Galaxy S5, G900A, on Marshmallow. I cannot personally vouch for this method which is for competent and experienced users only. Proceed, after reading through the thread, at your own risk! ;)

Rooting the G900A
 
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Hello and welcome to Android Forums, ff9zidanegal :D

There does, "appear", to now be a possibility of rooting the AT&T hybrid version of the Galaxy S5, G900A, on Marshmallow. I cannot personally vouch for this method which is for competent and experienced users only. Proceed, after reading through the thread, at your own risk! ;)

Rooting the G900A
Thanks ironass! I appreciate the information. Do you happen to know how, if possible, I can downgrade to 5.x firmware before the security update?
 
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Thanks ironass! I appreciate the information. Do you happen to know how, if possible, I can downgrade to 5.x firmware before the security update?

It appears that there are a couple of earlier rollback firmwares in post #2 of the link I gave you previously. The problem with the AT&T model is that they do not update via Samsung or release their firmwares for flashing, unlike the normal, Samsung, Galaxy S5's. Couple that with the mega locked down bootloader of your AT&T model and it means that you have to rely on modded firmware, such as that mentioned.
 
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Sooo, I was given this phone and it was updated to Marshmallow prior. According to Phone Info app it is SM-G900V.005, and I switched it from Verizon service to Straight Talk, so any bugfix updates aren't going to happen. Was hoping to root and switch to a stock Samsung ROM, but doesn't look like that will happen, any advice?

I am afraid that the Verizon's minority variant of the Galaxy S5, G900V, has long ago reached the end of the road as far as stock updates or rooting is concerned. Verizon spent a lot of time and effort to ensure that their phones would be obsolete once they ceased to offer updates.
 
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Hey all sorry for the noob question but I just want to be absolutely sure about this before I make a purchase. I've been running the AT&T branded Galaxy s5 mini SM-G800A for almost 2 years now but in that time it's been through the wars and needing replacement. Am I correct in my understanding that I should have no trouble replacing it with any international spec SM-G800F and activating and using all features on any GSM carrier here in the US? So basically the SM-G800F should function and perform just like my current SM-G800A just without the AT&T boot animation?
 
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Usually international F models will not have to correct bands to fully operate on US Carriers.
You can check here.
https://willmyphonework.net

Ugh boo :( It looks like it will work on everything but 4g/LTE (only the most important, no big deal :rolleyes:)

So are there other versions from odd world markets I should keep an eye out for or am I stuck with the US-spec carrier branded "A"-suffix model?
 
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