Samsung’s mid-ranger, the Galaxy A3 has jumped in the Lollipop ground. The device debuted with Android 4.4 KitKat, but Samsung made the Galaxy A3 owners pretty happy way early. Users in Russia have witnessed Android 5.0.2 OTA. In the first place, this device has a very nice metal build, and now the device has received the greatest version of Android OS as well, that adds charm to the software of this device. Galaxy A3 has become quite a great combination of hardware and software now. The new update brings all the goodies for this device. Top of the line changes include a new UI that has been revamped according to Google’s new Material Design. It offers flat and smooth graphics now. Notifications can be seen on the lock screen in the form of cards now. New multi-user modes and guest mode have been introduced. Over all performance of the device and battery life enhancements have been made. Since this is the biggest iteration in the history of update, its worth updating your Galaxy A3 right now.
At the time of writing this post, this update is available for Galaxy A3 A300F only. If you own this variant and you’re living out of Russia, you may not be able to update your device through OTA. You will have to use a different method instead. Before you start looking for the method here and there, we have already written it down here for you. Let’s go through some early preparations and then flash latest Android 5.0.2 Lollipop with the build number XXU1BOD5 on your Galaxy A3 A300F.
Early Preparations & Precautions
- This guide is only for the Galaxy A3 A300F. Do not try this on any other device. Make sure that you check your device’s model number in settings > system > about device.
- Make sure that your batter has 50% of its battery. This is recommended in order to avoid any power issues during the installation process.
- Enable USB debugging on your device. To do so, you need to enable developer options first by going to settings > system > about device > tap build number for 7 times. Once you’ve the developer options enabled under settings > system > developer options > enable USB debugging.
- Backup all of your important stuff. This includes contacts, call logs, text messages and your important media content. This is important since you need to wipe your phone to achieve a neat and clean installation.
- Make sure that you’ve backed up your EFS partition [Strongly recommended].
- If your device has a custom recovery installed previously, you may create a Nandroid backup. Otherwise, skip this step.
- Factory reset your phone by booting into recovery mode. To do so, turn off your phone completely. Now turn it on by pressing and holding Volume Up + Home + Power Key. Once you’re in recovery mode, wipe factory data.
- While using Odin3, turn off Samsung Kies if you’ve installed it. Also turn off your Firewall or any Antivirus software if enabled.
- Use original data cable to establish connection between your device and your PC.
- This is official firmware and it won’t void the warranty of your phone. It will not cause any damage to your phone either.
- Follow these instructions to the letter to make it happen successfully.
Required Downloads
- Download & Install Samsung USB drivers. MAC users do not need to install drivers or Samsung Kies.
- Download & extract Odin3 v3.10.6. MAC users may use JOdin.
- Download & extract firmware for your device.
Firmware Details
- Model: SM-A300F
- Version: Android 5.0.2 Lollipop
- Build date: 15/04/2015
- Code: SER
- PDA: A300FXXUIBOD5
- CSC: A300FOXY1BOD5
How To Update Galaxy A3 A300F To Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Official Firmware
- Make sure that you’ve carefully prepared according to the instructions listed above. Also make sure that you’ve made the necessary downloads and installs as explained.
- Open Odin3 V3.10.6.exe on your PC. MAC users will use JOdin.
- Connect your phone to your PC or MAC in download mode now. To do so, turn off your phone completely first. Now turn it on by pressing and holding Volume Down + Home + Power Key. Once your phone turns on and shows you warning, press Volume Up to continue. You are in download mode now. Plug in the data-cable now. As soon as Odin3 detects your phone, the ID:COM bar in the top-right corner should turn blue or yellow depending upon your version of Odin.
- Load the downloaded and extracted firmware file, which should be in .tar format. To do so, click the “AP” tab and locate the extracted .tar firmware file. If you’re using an older version of Odin, you will use “PDA” tab to load the firmware file. Once you’ve selected the file, it will take a while for Odin to load it. Wait patiently at this point.
- If the Auto-reboot option is un-ticked, tick it. Leave all other options as it is. The picture below can explain you further.
- Once you’re done with it according to the steps explained above, you’re set to flash the firmware now. Simply click the “Start” button now.
- This will start flashing the firmware on your device. It will take a few minutes for Odin to complete installation. Once the installation is finished, Odin will show “Finished” status in the installation box, the ID:COM bar will turn green now. Your device will reboot automatically if you ticked the Auto-reboot option before the installation. Disconnect your device now.
- If your device doesn’t reboot automatically, you may reboot it manually now. To do so, disconnect it from your PC and keep the power key pressed for a while and your device will turn off. Now turn it on by pressing power key only.
- For the first boot it may take up to 10 minutes, so hold on tighter. Once your device boots up, set it up and enjoy the all new Android 5.0.2 Lollipop on it. That’s all 🙂
If you’re stuck with anything or facing any issues, make sure that you reach us out through the comment box below. We’d love to help you out. Thank you 🙂
