[Q] Fake Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with dodgy Android - Install clean ROM - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi
I bought a fake Samsung Galaxy Note 2 in China.
I bought it for the hardware, its the best I can afford.
The phone feels fast and has a beautiful IPS screen and a good camera.
I want to load a trustworthy Android OS on it.
FOUND RECOVERY MODE
So far I've gone into recovery mode by holding Vol Up+PWR+Select.
I was presented with 3 options normal/fast boot/recovery mode.
When I enter recovery mode it looks like this
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
After Selecting recovery mode and pressing volume down I get this menu
At this point I don't know how to do anything because volume up/down just move the selection up/down and the select button just shows/hides the menu. The power button seems to do nothing.
What recovery mode is this? Is it a universal Android recovery mode?
=========================================================
WHAT MY PHONE SAYS
MAC ADDRESS d0:e7:xx:xx:xx:xx
Serial Number: 0123456789ABCDEF (literally)
Model Number: GT-N7100
Android Version: 4.1.1
Baseband Version: MAUI.11AMD.W12.22.SP.V17,2012/12/06 23:38
Kernel Version: 3.0.31-178067
SMP PREEMPT Wed Apr 24 16:51:38 CST 2013
Buiild Number: JRO03C.N7100ZSALIA
Custom Build Version: I968.1500A.02.02.J.B-V1.0.1B02R25
STORAGE (This is weird)
Internal Storage:
> Total Space: 12.00GB
> Apps: 59MB
> Available 473MB (where did the 12GB go?)
Phone Storage:
> Total Space 2.06GB
> Apps: 3.59MB
> Pictures: 23MB
> Available: 2.04GB (okay that makes more sense)
SD Card:
> Not inserted.
How does internal storage differ from phone storage?
===============================================
IDENTIFYING MY PHONE'S HARDWARE
Do I need to figure out what CPU, wifi, camera etc my phone uses?
What about hardware compatability?
(Its possible my phone's hardware is different from an Original Samsung Galaxy Note 2)
==============================================
Final questions:
* Do I need to root my phone?
* How can I check if its already rooted?
* How can I backup my phone's current ROM?
* What ROM should I download? (from what I've read CyanogenMod sounds good)
* Do I need to add hardware drivers to the ROM?
Thank you very much.

---

To be honest you will nor find many roms for that device as those clone devices don't use the same hardware or chips the normal devices do. There are no official CM roms for it or recoveries at the moment. You will most likely have to dig in and make your own or check some China based forums
Wayne Tech Nexus

---

Thanks, what about the numbers I referenced such as baseband version etc, would it not work to use a ROM with the same baseband version?
Does an Android ROM have to be configured for every single piece of hardware (CPU, modem, camera, screen, etc) or can it auto detect hardware at startup?
Is there any way I can de-compile the ROM on my phone to extract the drivers etc then overwrite the drivers on a new CyanogenMod ROM?

---

Lop3 said:
Thanks, what about the numbers I referenced such as baseband version etc, would it not work to use a ROM with the same baseband version?
Does an Android ROM have to be configured for every single piece of hardware (CPU, modem, camera, screen, etc) or can it auto detect hardware at startup?
Is there any way I can decompile the ROM on my phone to extract the drivers etc overwrite the drivers on a new CyanogenMod ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the roms have to built for the hardware. Baseband is just for getting the network connections. You wont be able to extract the drivers as AOSP uses its own open source drivers built for the hardware. I really hate to say it but your pretty much stuck. You may find something on a China based forum but you wont find anything here.

---

Thanks for your reply.
I've moved my efforts over to
forum.cyanogenmod.org/topic/73833-i-bought-a-fake-samsung-galaxy-note-2-in-china/#entry392091
But I'm still subscribed to this thread.

---

Good news!
Good news!
So I plugged the phone into my computer and loaded up USBDeview.
The device description is MT65xx Android Phone. I looked up the Vendor ID 0bb4, its HTC!
I downloaded a few hardware info apps, here is some more info:
Product: t03gzs Device: t03g
CPU: smdk4x12
CPU ABI: armeabi-v7a
CPU ABI 2: armeabi
User: se.infra
Radio: unknown
Bootloader: unknown
Incremental Version: N7100ZSALIA
Release Version: 4.1.1
SDK Version: 16
Root dir: /system
Data dir: /data
Ext storage: /storage/sdcard0
Display W: 480
Display H: 854
Pixel Format: 5, Refresh rate 150.92, Density 1.5, X DPI 240, Font Scale 1, Screen Layout 34 (NORMAL|YES), Touch Screen 3 (FINGER), Keyboard 1 (NOKEYS), Keyboard Hidden 1(NO), UI MODE 17 (NORMAL|NO)
Processor: ARMv7 Rev 10 (v7l)
Cores: 4
Max Freq: 1600Mhz
Instruction sets: armeabi-v7a, armeabi
NEON Supported: Yes
Back Camera: 8MP
Front Camera: 1.9MP

---

Lop3 said:
Hi
I bought a fake Samsung Galaxy Note 2 in China.
I bought it for the hardware, its the best I can afford.
The phone feels fast and has a beautiful IPS screen and a good camera.
I want to load a trustworthy Android OS on it.
FOUND RECOVERY MODE
So far I've gone into recovery mode by holding Vol Up+PWR+Select.
I was presented with 3 options normal/fast boot/recovery mode.
When I enter recovery mode it looks like this
snag.gy/NaggY.jpg
After Selecting recovery mode and pressing volume down I get this menu
snag.gy/5iPar.jpg
At this point I don't know how to do anything because volume up/down just move the selection up/down and the select button just shows/hides the menu. The power button seems to do nothing.
What recovery mode is this? Is it a universal Android recovery mode?
=========================================================
WHAT MY PHONE SAYS
MAC ADDRESS d0:e7:xx:xx:xx:xx
Serial Number: 0123456789ABCDEF (literally)
Model Number: GT-N7100
Android Version: 4.1.1
Baseband Version: MAUI.11AMD.W12.22.SP.V17,2012/12/06 23:38
Kernel Version: 3.0.31-178067
SMP PREEMPT Wed Apr 24 16:51:38 CST 2013
Buiild Number: JRO03C.N7100ZSALIA
Custom Build Version: I968.1500A.02.02.J.B-V1.0.1B02R25
STORAGE (This is weird)
Internal Storage:
> Total Space: 12.00GB
> Apps: 59MB
> Available 473MB (where did the 12GB go?)
Phone Storage:
> Total Space 2.06GB
> Apps: 3.59MB
> Pictures: 23MB
> Available: 2.04GB (okay that makes more sense)
SD Card:
> Not inserted.
How does internal storage differ from phone storage?
===============================================
IDENTIFYING MY PHONE'S HARDWARE
Do I need to figure out what CPU, wifi, camera etc my phone uses?
What about hardware compatability?
(Its possible my phone's hardware is different from an Original Samsung Galaxy Note 2)
==============================================
Final questions:
* Do I need to root my phone?
* How can I check if its already rooted?
* How can I backup my phone's current ROM?
* What ROM should I download? (from what I've read CyanogenMod sounds good)
* Do I need to add hardware drivers to the ROM?
Thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I got the same phone with exactly the same kernel,build,etc. .I know the camera says 8MP and 1.9MP but the quality seems to less than that.Also, Have you found any method to root it yet? What Apps/tools have you loaded to make it seem more authentic?
Thank You

---

Rav_Singh said:
Hey, I got the same phone with exactly the same kernel,build,etc. .I know the camera says 8MP and 1.9MP but the quality seems to less than that.Also, Have you found any method to root it yet? What Apps/tools have you loaded to make it seem more authentic?
Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the same phone with exact specs. I'm still searching a method to root it. Real CPU is mtk6575 and mtk droid tool 2.47 is handling some how. But cannot root it. I've tried roottool bin4ry.v31for rooting and choose method 1, tool is first requesting system backup from phone and after succesful completion of this, second stage then request a system restore finishing of restore, 3. stage is reboot after requesting of system reboot phone doesnt come up. The only way for awakening the phone is removing and reinstalling the battery. If you can find a way for proper reboot let me know.

---

I am actually really new to these type of clones.I v only owned a SG ace duos before.So I'm afraid I can't hlp you much.
I looked up some threads like "How to root every MT65xx device "etc. But I really have'nt tried them much
P.S - At least someone else has this phone .I am so relieved
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

---

your answers
Lop3 said:
Hi
I bought a fake Samsung Galaxy Note 2 in China.
I bought it for the hardware, its the best I can afford.
The phone feels fast and has a beautiful IPS screen and a good camera.
I want to load a trustworthy Android OS on it.
FOUND RECOVERY MODE
So far I've gone into recovery mode by holding Vol Up+PWR+Select.
I was presented with 3 options normal/fast boot/recovery mode.
When I enter recovery mode it looks like this
snag.gy/NaggY.jpg
After Selecting recovery mode and pressing volume down I get this menu
snag.gy/5iPar.jpg
At this point I don't know how to do anything because volume up/down just move the selection up/down and the select button just shows/hides the menu. The power button seems to do nothing.
What recovery mode is this? Is it a universal Android recovery mode?
=========================================================
WHAT MY PHONE SAYS
MAC ADDRESS d0:e7:xx:xx:xx:xx
Serial Number: 0123456789ABCDEF (literally)
Model Number: GT-N7100
Android Version: 4.1.1
Baseband Version: MAUI.11AMD.W12.22.SP.V17,2012/12/06 23:38
Kernel Version: 3.0.31-178067
SMP PREEMPT Wed Apr 24 16:51:38 CST 2013
Buiild Number: JRO03C.N7100ZSALIA
Custom Build Version: I968.1500A.02.02.J.B-V1.0.1B02R25
STORAGE (This is weird)
Internal Storage:
> Total Space: 12.00GB
> Apps: 59MB
> Available 473MB (where did the 12GB go?)
Phone Storage:
> Total Space 2.06GB
> Apps: 3.59MB
> Pictures: 23MB
> Available: 2.04GB (okay that makes more sense)
SD Card:
> Not inserted.
How does internal storage differ from phone storage?
===============================================
IDENTIFYING MY PHONE'S HARDWARE
Do I need to figure out what CPU, wifi, camera etc my phone uses?
What about hardware compatability?
(Its possible my phone's hardware is different from an Original Samsung Galaxy Note 2)
==============================================
Final questions:
* Do I need to root my phone?
* How can I check if its already rooted?
* How can I backup my phone's current ROM?
* What ROM should I download? (from what I've read CyanogenMod sounds good)
* Do I need to add hardware drivers to the ROM?
Thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I need to root my phone?
Yes
How can I check if its already rooted?
see if the super user app is installed on the phone and if it's from china most probably it's rooted
How can I backup my phone's current ROM?
Don't know about that the recovery mode should have a backup option
What ROM should I download?
Really you think there will be a rom for a wasteful china crap
Do I need to add hardware drivers to the ROM?
IDK.
Ok Now the important points looks like there is a nice original android pre installed. also mention the hardware in that way I may be able to help you also if there is any name on it like HDC ZOPO or any crap just post it then let's see if I can make/find a rom for it
:highfive:

---

I've already reset to factory default but no help. Still cannot reboot. Even there is no reboot choice when pressing power button!
Recovery menu can be reached by pressing volume down+power on+menu button at the boot time. But menü is in chinese and I'm lost in these crap.

---

girdap said:
I've already reset to factory default but no help. Still cannot reboot. Even there is no reboot choice when pressing power button!
Recovery menu can be reached by pressing volume down+power on+menu button at the boot time. But menü is in chinese and I'm lost in these crap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chinese menü is shown at the attachment. Can any one tell me what to choose to reboot for rooting

---

The last option...

---

Nice to meet you guys
Lets help each other and share anything we learn about making this phone secure.
I haven't touched my phone. Its just been collecting dust.
When I first got it I did all these investigations and I tried super1click on it. It didn't work.
I don't really see the point in rooting it.
I would only really feel safe to use the phone if I install a stock android or CyanogenMod on it. That means a whole complicated process of porting the drivers from the existing phone to CyanogenMod.
Its too much hassle for me.
I'm just going to sell the phone.
I'm subscribed to this thread so if you find a way to secure the phone, let me know.

---

Lop3 said:
Lets help each other and share anything we learn about making this phone secure.
I haven't touched my phone. Its just been collecting dust.
When I first got it I did all these investigations and I tried super1click on it. It didn't work.
I don't really see the point in rooting it.
I would only really feel safe to use the phone if I install a stock android or CyanogenMod on it. That means a whole complicated process of porting the drivers from the existing phone to CyanogenMod.
Its too much hassle for me.
I'm just going to sell the phone.
I'm subscribed to this thread so if you find a way to secure the phone, let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey,
The thing is ....I need root desperately My phone is nothing without Titanium backup! I think that maybe we are going to need root for porting cyanogen mod or any thing. Also,The RAM of this phone totally kills me. Games that require lots of memory dont work.
I was thinking of using Ram expander after rooting.
Are we making any progress with this phone yet?
Thanks !
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

---

use mtk android tool to root after rooting, use the remove china option to secure the phone
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2160490
use this to port cwm using your boot.img
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1825722
p/s
the phone uses mtk6577 and not exynos - it has 512 ram and 8gb internal memory
phone memory shows 12 gb used ( basically the kernel has faked info shown )

---

bevoc said:
use mtk android tool to root after rooting, use the remove china option to secure the phone
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2160490
use this to port cwm using your boot.img
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1825722
p/s
the phone uses mtk6577 and not exynos - it has 512 ram and 8gb internal memory
phone memory shows 12 gb used ( basically the kernel has faked info shown )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ,I will try to do that
The internal memory(USB storage not phone storage ) is only 2.06 GB in mine:what:
What does it mean to 'secure' the phone?
P.S I hope it will not brick the phone.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

---

I've tried the solution offers in links but stuck in some where?
link is http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=38337401&postcount=5
My phone mtkdroidtools info is below
Hardware : MT6575 (SMDK4x12 is Fake!)
Model : GT-N7100
Build number : JRO03C.N7100ZSALIA
Build date UTC : 20130314-082048
Android v : 4.1.1
Baseband v: MAUI.11AMD.W12.22.SP.V17, 2012/11/28 12:38
Kernel v : 3.0.31-178067 ([email protected]) (gcc version 4.4.3 (GCC) ) #1 SMP Thu Mar 14 16:18:12 CST 2013
I've created the scatter file and tried to read the phone memory by using SPFlash tool but failed.
My scatter file is below
PRELOADER 0x0
{
}
DSP_BL 0x40000
{
}
MBR 0x600000
{
}
EBR1 0x604000
{
}
__NODL_PMT 0x660000
{
}
__NODL_NVRAM 0xa60000
{
}
__NODL_SECCFG 0xd60000
{
}
UBOOT 0xd80000
{
}
BOOTIMG 0xde0000
{
}
RECOVERY 0x13e0000
{
}
SEC_RO 0x19e0000
{
}
__NODL_MISC 0x1fe0000
{
}
LOGO 0x2040000
{
}
__NODL_EXPDB 0x2340000
{
}
EBR2 0x23e0000
{
}
ANDROID 0x23e4000
{
}
CACHE 0x224e4000
{
}
USRDATA 0x425e4000
{
}
__NODL_FAT 0x626e4000
{
}
__NODL_BMTPOOL 0xffff0050
{
}
I'm trying to read start of recovery to end of usrdata but progress indicator always at %0 percent??

---

girdap said:
I've tried the solution offers in links but stuck in some where?
link is http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=38337401&postcount=5
My phone mtkdroidtools info is below
Hardware : MT6575 (SMDK4x12 is Fake!)
Model : GT-N7100
Build number : JRO03C.N7100ZSALIA
Build date UTC : 20130314-082048
Android v : 4.1.1
Baseband v: MAUI.11AMD.W12.22.SP.V17, 2012/11/28 12:38
Kernel v : 3.0.31-178067 ([email protected]) (gcc version 4.4.3 (GCC) ) #1 SMP Thu Mar 14 16:18:12 CST 2013
I've created the scatter file and tried to read the phone memory by using SPFlash tool but failed.
My scatter file is below
PRELOADER 0x0
{
}
DSP_BL 0x40000
{
}
MBR 0x600000
{
}
EBR1 0x604000
{
}
__NODL_PMT 0x660000
{
}
__NODL_NVRAM 0xa60000
{
}
__NODL_SECCFG 0xd60000
{
}
UBOOT 0xd80000
{
}
BOOTIMG 0xde0000
{
}
RECOVERY 0x13e0000
{
}
SEC_RO 0x19e0000
{
}
__NODL_MISC 0x1fe0000
{
}
LOGO 0x2040000
{
}
__NODL_EXPDB 0x2340000
{
}
EBR2 0x23e0000
{
}
ANDROID 0x23e4000
{
}
CACHE 0x224e4000
{
}
USRDATA 0x425e4000
{
}
__NODL_FAT 0x626e4000
{
}
__NODL_BMTPOOL 0xffff0050
{
}
I'm trying to read start of recovery to end of usrdata but progress indicator always at %0 percent??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try with
__NODL_BMTPOOL 0xe2620000
________________________________________________
My Phone imfo:
Model : GT-N7100
Build number : JRO03C.N7100ZSALIA
Build date UTC : 20130529-062310
Android v : 4.1.1
Kernel v : 3.0.31-178067 ([email protected]) (gcc version 4.4.3 (GCC) ) #1 SMP Wed May 29 14:21:02 CST 2013
Baseband v: MAUI.11AMD.W12.22.SP.V17, 2012/11/28 12:38
my phone hard bricked.
i need FlashtoolFromReadBack files.

---

son wnaboa
Thanks for the info bevok!
I will check out the info and see what I can do.
Thank you for the reply
yash.khatri3297