How to Identify the Binary Version on Samsung Phones and What to Know Before Updating
If you own a Samsung phone, understanding the binary version of your device is crucial, especially when considering updates or modifications. This guide will walk you through how to identify your phone’s binary version and key considerations when updating or changing ROMs.
What is Binary Version in Samsung Phones?
The binary version on a Samsung phone is tied to the system’s firmware, and it indicates the software version currently installed on your device. Knowing your phone’s binary version is essential before performing operations like updating or downgrading the firmware, as some updates may not be compatible with lower binaries.
How to Identify the Binary Version on Samsung Phones
There are several ways to check the binary version on your Samsung device. The most common methods include using your phone’s dialer or accessing the Settings menu.
1. Using the Dialer to Check Binary Version
To quickly identify your binary version, open your dialer (the phone icon you use to make calls) and type the following code:
*#1234#
This will display your phone’s PDA or Build Number, which can help you identify the binary version.
2. Check Binary Version in Settings
Alternatively, you can go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information
Here, you’ll find the PDA or Build Number displayed, which also contains your binary version.
How to Find the Binary Version in Samsung Recovery Mode
In cases where your Samsung device has a corrupted system, you can still identify the PDA or binary version via the Android Recovery screen. Here’s how to access Recovery Mode on different Samsung models:
Devices with a Physical Home Key:
- Power off the device.
- Press and hold the volume up, Home, and Power buttons simultaneously.
- When the first screen appears, release the Power button but continue holding Volume Up and Home until the Android Recovery screen appears.
Devices Without a Home Key:
- Power off the device.
- Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons together.
- When the first screen appears, release the Power button but continue holding Volume Up until you reach the Recovery screen.
Devices with a Dedicated Bixby Key (Android 10 or below):
- Power off the device.
- Press and hold the Volume Up, Bixby, and Power buttons together.
- Release the Power button when the first screen appears, but continue holding the other buttons until the Android Recovery screen appears.
Devices with Android 11 or Higher (One UI 3.0 or above):
- Power off the device and connect a USB Type-C cable or USB headphones to your device.
- Hold the Volume Up and Power buttons together.
- Once the first screen appears, release the Power button while continuing to hold Volume Up until you see the Android Recovery screen.
Once in the Recovery screen, you can identify the PDA or binary version displayed.
What’s the Relation Between PDA, Build Number, and Binary?
The PDA or Build Number includes the binary version. Typically, the binary version is the first number after the model name, represented by either a number or a letter. For example:
- N975FXXS 6 USA1: Here, binary 6 is indicated by the number 6 after the model code (N975FXXS).
- N975FXXS B USA1: This indicates binary 11 because of the letter B, which represents binary 11.
Binary Table (Lettered Binary Values):
| LETTERS | BINARY |
|---|---|
| SA | 10 |
| SB | 11 |
| SC | 12 |
| SD | 13 |
| IF | 14 |
| SF | 15 |
| SG | 16 |
| SH | 17 |
| YES | 18 |
| SJ | 19 |
| SK | 20 |
| SL | 21 |
| SM | 22 |
What Should You Know Before Updating a Samsung Phone?
Before updating your Samsung device or modifying its ROM using tools like Odin, you should be cautious, especially regarding changes to your binary version.
Key Considerations:
- Touch or Screen Replacement: If your Samsung phone’s touch or screen has been replaced and you try updating to a newer version of Android, you might face the infamous “My Touch Locked After the Update” issue.
- Binary Compatibility: Ensure that your device’s binary version is compatible with the ROM you intend to install. The binary version mustn’t be downgraded during updates, as doing so may result in installation errors.
Can You Downgrade Your Binary Version?
Unfortunately, downgrading the binary version on your Samsung device is not possible. You cannot install a lower binary than the one currently installed on your phone. Firmware updates must always be equal to or higher than the existing binary version. If you attempt to install a ROM with a lower binary, the installation will fail with an error, both on Odin and the device’s screen.
What Happens If You Try to Install a ROM with a Lower Binary?
Trying to install a ROM with a lower binary version than your current one will result in an error during the installation process. Odin will give an error message, and your device will not accept the ROM.
Conclusion
Understanding your Samsung phone’s binary version is critical when considering Samsung Stock Firmware updates, downgrades, or Custom ROMs installations. Always ensure that your binary version is compatible with the ROM you wish to install to avoid issues like failed updates or device errors. If you’re unsure, it’s best to verify your binary version using the steps outlined above.
By following the correct steps, you’ll have a smoother experience updating your device and avoid common pitfalls.