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Samsung Galaxy A20 - $159 (Vodafone Prepaid and Includes $30 Prepaid Starter Pack) @ BIG W

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Samsung Galaxy A20 - $159 (Vodafone Prepaid and Includes $30 Prepaid Starter Pack) @ BIG WAffiliate
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GCSteve on 12/08/2019 - 22:14 bigw.com.au (6933 clicks)
Last edited 23/08/2019 - 17:20 by 4 other users
This post contains affiliate links. OzBargain might earn commissions when you click through and make purchases. Please see this page for more information.

Vodafone Prepaid Samsung A20 handset.
Includes Vodafone $30 Starter pack
Handset is locked to the Vodafone network.
$50 to unlock via vodafone.com.au/unlock
Good price compared buying $276 unlocked at Officeworks

Display - Large 6.4" HD+ Super AMOLED Display
Dual Rear Camera (13MP+5MP)
8MP Front Camera
4000 mAh battery

Advertised in the BigW catalogue page 7

Update: 23-Aug-2019 Some stores are showing stock again

This is part of Father's Day deals for 2019.
Mobile Father's Day Mobile Phone Prepaid Mobile Plan Samsung Vodafone Android

Related Stores

BIG W
BIG W

closed Comments

    • tshepherd on 15/08/2019 - 22:58
      +1

      Next task: to try and flash the multi-CSC firmware and change the carrier version to XSA as well, so that VoWifi works for all carriers. Anyone attempted that yet?

      • saminn on 16/08/2019 - 07:38

        I was trying to unlock using this method but didn't work for me. Can you please let me know which method have you used - the new or old unlock method. Am having trouble when trying to use either of the methods. New method gives an error (Please restart your phone or try to flash with a different firmware and the old one says Read error - R4!)Also can you please confirm the baseband version.thank you.

        • tshepherd on 16/08/2019 - 08:24
          +12

          Here are the details for my A20.

          Model: SM-A20YN
          Baseband: A205YNDVU2ASF2
          SP SW ver SAOMC_SM-A205YN_LDT_VAP_PP_0008 VAP/VAP/VAP

          Steps I used:

          1. Downloaded and installed the Samsung USB drivers and the Samsung Unlock tool from the link provided above.
          2. Enabled developer mode on the phone
          3. Enabled USB debugging mode on the phone
          4. Removed SIM card from phone and rebooted phone
          5. Removed all security (PIN, Pattern, Fingerprint, Face Unlock)
          6. Ran the Samsung unlock tool, loaded in the licence key information
          7. Connected phone to PC using the USB to USB-C cable that came in the box
          8. Pressed "Read Info" on the unlock tool to confirm that the comms was working ok
          9. Pressed "Allow USB Debugging" on the phone multiple times
          10. Selected "Unlock (New)" on the unlock tool.
          11. Accepted "Allow USB Debugging" on the phone more times
          12. Phone rebooted a couple of times
          13. Unlock tool confirmed that Unlock process was successful, and the unlock code had been reset to 00000000
          14. Put a non-Vodafone SIM card in and restarted phone
          15. Phone asked for an unlock code, entered 00000000
          16. Everything worked from here

          From what I can work out, the tool does NOT unlock the phone itself. It generates an unlock key based on a NULL SIM (hence why you have to remove all SIMs before starting the process), and changes the unlock code to 00000000. When you then insert a "foreign" SIM, it then normally prompts for the unlock code, except the code is now set to the known 00000000.

          If someone else can confirm the steps are correct (I'm doing this from memory), that would be good

          • No ONE on 16/08/2019 - 08:32

            @tshepherd: Thanks for the detailed instruction.

            the tool does NOT unlock the phone itself. It generates an unlock key based on a NULL SIM

            How would this effect if the phone is flashed with a different Rom? Would it still be network unlocked?
            Thanks

            • tshepherd on 16/08/2019 - 08:37
              +2

              @No ONE: I believe so. The SP lock status is not part of the ROM firmware image generally. I've unlocked earlier Samsung phones before using this method, then flashed CyanogenMod and similar custom ROMs over it, without it re-locking the phone. Haven't tried it with the A20 yet though.

              Normal firmware upgrades (Odin or OTA) should not reset this either. I've subsequent to unlocking the A20, flashed the June 2019 update with no problems.

          • saminn on 16/08/2019 - 08:44

            @tshepherd: Thank you very much .. but looks like this isn't working for me…same error ..
            Running tool: ERROR! [L7]
            PLEASE RETRY AFTER THE PHONE RESTART! IF STILL HAVE ERROR THEN FLASH WITH DIFFERENT FIRMWARE!

            tried multiple times and not sure if it has triggered KNOX..

            • tshepherd on 16/08/2019 - 09:43

              @saminn: Can you do a ReadInfo on the phone? When does it fail?

              USB Debugging is definitely turned on? (Settings / Developer Options / USB debugging - slider set to on)?

            • Noire on 16/08/2019 - 10:10

              @saminn: I'm experiencing the same issue. Did you check Knox in download mode?

              • saminn on 16/08/2019 - 10:15

                @Noire: yes luckily its 0X0.. downloaded an app called phone info which confirmed.. .. so definitely not f***ed up …

                • tshepherd on 16/08/2019 - 11:20

                  @saminn: No further ideas, unfortunately, short of the usual try different cable; reinstall software; do a factory reset of phone and try again … none of which have any real reasoned rationale for. Might need to contact the developer of the tool, or the reseller to see if they have any advice.

                  Would be keen to hear though if anyone else has had success.

                  • tshepherd on 16/08/2019 - 18:45

                    @tshepherd: If you (or someone else trying) wants to walk through the steps to see if we can work out what's causing this problem, PM me

          • Nextacy on 16/08/2019 - 17:22

            @tshepherd: How long does the license key take to be sent and how is it sent? Thanks

            • tshepherd on 16/08/2019 - 18:41
              +1

              @Nextacy: Looking back at the emails, I ordered mine at 7.42pm last night, with payment using Paypal. At 8.08pm, I received an email from the supplier with the license key, so just under 30 minutes.

              The supplier appears to be UK based, so I would hazard a guess that if you order during the UK night/early morning, response times might be slower.

          • aznsniper on 16/08/2019 - 22:27

            @tshepherd: Manage to get it unlocked as well through this method so Thanks Tshepherd!

            So in terms of the method, the above is correct. One thing to note is, since the unlock is based on ADB, after enabling USB debugging mode, when you plug in the phone, a dialogue should pop up and ask do you authorize this computer in which you will have to press yes to, otherwise the ADB connection will fail.

            One thing to test is to, after the installation of the Samsung USB drivers, open up Command Prompt, just search CMD, then type in 'adb devices', if the drivers are installed correctly, it should find the phonee and be similar to the following ' R58M723PVOL Device', if it says unauthorized, this is because you have not press the authorization popup on your phone.

            Hope this helps someone make this work. I suspect this is the main cause that is stopping this unlock process from working.

            • aznsniper on 17/08/2019 - 00:00

              @aznsniper: Another item that I noticed when doing it, the first time, it randomly closed on my and I found it was due to the antivirus, either with the third party antivirus or the in built Windows 10 antivirus, so close them and try again.

            • Noire on 17/08/2019 - 00:08

              @aznsniper: I believe there might be something up with my Samsung USB drivers, so following the command prompts i'm getting " 'adb' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."

              • tshepherd on 17/08/2019 - 09:06
                +2

                @Noire: Check that you are in the same directory that you installed the Samsung USB drivers to before you run adb. That directory is likely not in your $PATH. Or, search for adb.exe using the Windows file explorer, and when you're in the command prompt, change to that directory before running the "adb devices" command.

                @aznsniper is right - if adb is not properly working, the unlock is going to fail

                • saminn on 17/08/2019 - 11:39

                  @tshepherd: Called the fonefunshop support and they were on call while i was doing the stuff but tough luck … they refunded the money saying the software works for below models (mine was SM-A205YN)as listed in their website. Lucky you if its working for you…
                  SM-A205F
                  SM-A205FN
                  SM-A205G
                  SM-A205GN
                  SM-A205S

                  • tshepherd on 17/08/2019 - 11:48

                    @saminn: Mine is definitely the SM-A205YN. I believe all the Australian models are YN, so it should work perfectly fine. There's some other issue at play here.

                  • tshepherd on 17/08/2019 - 11:59

                    @saminn: Just had a close look at the screen capture you sent last night. The only difference I can see with the versions is that I did my unlock before updating to the June security patch, whilst it looks like you've updated to the June patch already. It shouldn't make a difference, but that's the only thing I can see. It should be possible to use Odin or Heimdall to downgrade the firmware (use Frija to get an old firmware image downloaded).

                    Others who were successful / unsuccessful: do you recall if you did a firmware update before or after unlocking?

                    • aznsniper on 17/08/2019 - 12:18

                      @tshepherd: I havent done a firmware update, but wouldnt think it would matter. It is most likely due to the ADB connection.

                      • tshepherd on 17/08/2019 - 23:16
                        +1

                        @aznsniper: I've been able to do some testing with a couple of people from here, plus had a conversation with the developer. It appears that the issue is the bootloader. If you have a phone with a version U1 bootloader, this tool can unlock it. If you have a version U2 bootloader, you're out of luck, until the developer cracks the algorithm for the U2 bootloader.

                        • bonz on 18/08/2019 - 00:21

                          @tshepherd: How would one know which version of bootloader the phone has?

                          • tshepherd on 18/08/2019 - 00:26
                            +2

                            @bonz: Easiest is probably to install an app like Phone Info Samsung, and look up the firmware tab.

                            There'll be an entry called bootloader, and in the middle of some other characters starting with A205YN… there will be a U1 or U2

                            • bonz on 18/08/2019 - 00:32

                              @tshepherd: Thanks, will look for the app in the morning

                        • aznsniper on 18/08/2019 - 00:55

                          @tshepherd: Completely forgot about that but that sounds reasonable. I wonder if there are different batches of the Galaxy A20, haven't updated mine, the security update is only February 2019. and once the bootloader is updated, I don't believe that is downgradable. May the latest updates has caused updated the bootloader in this instance.

                          Might be interesting to compare the Manufacturing Dates of Phones with https://sndeep.info/en
                          Mine comes up as July 2019.

          • ashftc on 24/08/2019 - 00:49

            @tshepherd: @tshepherd:

            I successfully managed to unlock my phone. Followed your 16 steps instructions and Violah!! Telstra is working for me. Thank you very much.

          • kimba88 on 24/08/2019 - 09:55

            @tshepherd: Really silly question here.. But I honestly can't figure it out.. Do you download the usb drivers/software to your pc and attach the phone via usb or do you download the usb drivers/software onto the phone via WiFi?

            • tshepherd on 24/08/2019 - 13:05

              @kimba88: PC. Everything runs on the PC, and the phone is connected to the PC via USB.

              • kimba88 on 24/08/2019 - 13:34

                @tshepherd: Thanks for your reply.
                Unfortunately I just found out I have boot version U2, so cannot do anything anyway :-(

                I have contacted fonefunshop to see if they are any closer with an unlocking code. Do you know of any other ways I can unlock this phone?

                • tshepherd on 24/08/2019 - 14:11

                  @kimba88: So, the newer batch might have a U2 bootloader? I helped someone last night who bought one yesterday when stocks came back in (bought from Big W Browns Plains), and they were still on a U1 bootloader. Perhaps we can help others by checking IMEI?

                  The 3 I have personally unlocked all have IMEIs in the range:

                  355776/10/115xxx/y

                  where xxx ranged from 02x to 94x

                  Anyone who got a U2 out of the box, what was the IMEI range? Or, anyone who successfully flashed - is your IMEI outside that range?

                  • kimba88 on 24/08/2019 - 14:26

                    @tshepherd: My imei starts like this 35677610151xyzz?

                  • lisa651 on 25/08/2019 - 00:41

                    @tshepherd: I picked up a phone today and ran the unlock tool only for it to fail. Downloaded the Phone Samsung Info app and turns out I indeed have the dreaded U2 bootloader. Phone manufacture date is August and it already had the June update installed. IMEI starts with 3567.

                    Fingers crossed the developer can crack this one for us!

                    • No ONE on 25/08/2019 - 01:40

                      @lisa651: Same thing. Picked one today. Checked the software update, it said up to date with Jul patch. At the bottom it also mentioned the bootloder U2.

                    • urluv4u on 25/08/2019 - 10:12

                      @lisa651: Hopefully :)

                  • kimba88 on 25/08/2019 - 03:31

                    @tshepherd: So it seems anyone with an imei starting with 3567 has newer stock with boot loader U2. If it stays with 3557,you might be ok for boot loader U1. That's my assumption anyway.

                    • tshepherd on 25/08/2019 - 05:54

                      @kimba88: Apologies people - I made a typo..The three I unlocked do start with 3567, not 3557. I think it's the serial number that matters here.

                      The IMEI is of the form

                      TTTTTT/FF/SSSSSS/C

                      where
                      T is the Type Approval Code issued by the central authority
                      F used to be for a manufacturer batch number, but is now also part of the TAC
                      S is the serial number for the device
                      C is the check digit

                      I think the determining factor is the serial number. The three I unlocked all had serial numbers starting with 115.

                      We have one report above that a U2 out of the box had a serial number starting with 15.

                      @lisa651, @kimba88, @No ONE - can you check the serial numbers?

                      • Relmz on 25/08/2019 - 07:51

                        @tshepherd: I bought 2 yesterday (from different stores) which are both throwing the [L7] error with the unlock tool.

                        Both had the June update preinstalled out of the box.

                        The IMEI's are:

                        356776/10/150xxx/y
                        356776/10/154xxx/y

                      • lisa651 on 25/08/2019 - 09:55

                        @tshepherd: Mine seems to start with 16.

                        356776/10/1618

                      • No ONE on 25/08/2019 - 11:48

                        @tshepherd: Serial number 150xxx that comes with U2 out of The box.

                        • tshepherd on 25/08/2019 - 11:54

                          @No ONE: I think it's pretty conclusive then. The earlier serial numbers (in the 11x range) are ok, but the later ones (15x and above) have the U2 bootloader.

                          Hopefully the developers crack the U2 bootloader soon.

          • BluebirdV on 26/08/2019 - 14:06

            @tshepherd: I just ordered on my phone. Does it take some time to provide a link to download? Do I need to use my PC? I only have Ubuntu.

            • tshepherd on 26/08/2019 - 14:30

              @BluebirdV: You mean you ordered a license key for the unlocker software?

              When I ordered mine it took about 3 0 minutes to get the email with the license key and link, not sure what the experience of others has been.

              When I did my unlock, I ran the unlocker under Wine in Fedora, so you'd think it should work in Ubuntu. I've also successfully run it in a Win 10 virtual machine under Gnome Boxes on Fedora.

              • BluebirdV on 26/08/2019 - 14:35

                @tshepherd: Yes, I ordered a license key for the unlocker software. I'm not really sure how to do this on Ubuntu. I'm not holding my breath for any results. Do you happen to know of any YouTube videos or websites that can help? Thanks.

                • tshepherd on 26/08/2019 - 15:11

                  @BluebirdV: Have you checked the bootloader version? At present, it is only the U1 version bootloader that can be unlocked. The U2 bootloader doesn't appear to be cracked yet.

                  I don't use Ubuntu, but I'd expect the process to be the same as Fedora. Make sure you have the Wine package installed, then from a terminal, install the Samsung USB drivers (you may need to manually map the USB devices), then run the samunlock.exe executable using wine. Not aware of any videos though

                • tshepherd on 26/08/2019 - 15:11

                  @BluebirdV: Duplicate post

                  • Godgodgod on 28/08/2019 - 20:23

                    @tshepherd: Any update on the u2. Just got mine today and it has June update preinstalled. :(

                    • tshepherd on 28/08/2019 - 20:31

                      @Godgodgod: Haven't heard anything, but I'm not keeping in contact with the developer (only had that initial brief contact to do some testing for him when we were working out the bootloader issue). If he does contact me to advise U2 is ready, I'll post here, but I don't see any real reason why he would.

                      • Godgodgod on 28/08/2019 - 20:37

                        @tshepherd: Thanks mate is there a direct forum link I can keep an eye on?

                        • tshepherd on 29/08/2019 - 05:21
                          +2

                          @Godgodgod: Discussion at GSMHosting.

                          You'll be looking for discussion about any of the A series phones and the U2 bootloader (also called the BIT2). I've noticed 4 or 5 separate threads.

      • tshepherd on 17/08/2019 - 12:33
        +2

        Flashed the XSA firmware using Odin. VoWifi and VoLTE are now working with the Telstra SIM.

        • gunso on 20/08/2019 - 23:49
          +2

          After unlocking - put in Telstra SIM. Wifi calling and VoLTE active. No need to flash to XSA, as the installed firmware is already XSA

    • ashftc on 16/08/2019 - 08:47
      +1

      Thanks. Will try unlocking this tonight. I bought 3 for family so will this tool be able to unlock all 3 or is it for 1 credit only?

      • saminn on 16/08/2019 - 09:01
        +3

        3 credits per unlock..

        • ashftc on 16/08/2019 - 09:10

          Beautiful. Just what I need.

    • cestmoisuraj on 16/08/2019 - 21:54

      I was able to unlock using this tool. Thanks

      • tshepherd on 16/08/2019 - 22:02

        Would you mind reviewing the steps I listed above to see if my "next-day" recollection of them was correct?

        • cestmoisuraj on 16/08/2019 - 23:27

          I followed exactly same steps as you listed.

  • io on 16/08/2019 - 01:13
    +1

    How many phones ppl are buying? Just two weeks ago many bought the LG V30+ from JB HiFi and now this. The price difference between A20 and the V30+ is approx $228 if considering 5% discount cards.

    $228 is the price for wireless charging, water resistance, 32 bit Quad DAC, Oled, 128gb, dual sim, unlocked, NFC, wide angle camera, QC 3.0, gorilla Glass, flagship status and many more.

    • hawkeye93 on 16/08/2019 - 02:36

      The thing is, will they use all of them? We all have different purposes of using phones.

      • Ronnnie on 16/08/2019 - 03:38

        Also $228 more is over double the price of this phone. I would consider the type of user buying a phone at this price wouldn't be able to extend their budget by over double to get an older generation flagship.

        Also the A20 has fast charging and wide angle camera.

  • OzBurger on 16/08/2019 - 08:53
    +2

    Got it, a great phone.
    Camera is quite meh, butI only planned to use it as an Audible / MP3 player.

    Audible saves to internal memory, MP3's saved on SD card with Pi Player. Perfect.
    Ordered case and screen protector via AliExpress.

    Thanks GCSteve!

    • Agret on 16/08/2019 - 12:04

      Looks like you can get Audible to save to the SD card

      https://audible.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4816/~/…

      If you are a member of your local/state/capital city libraries you can probably access Libby which has a ton of audio books you can loan for free too

      https://meet.libbyapp.com/

      • OzBurger on 16/08/2019 - 12:15

        Inquisitor Eisenhorn will never reside anywhere other than on main memory…

        • Agret on 17/08/2019 - 14:11

          Hmm, I don't use Audible myself but I guess the publishers must have some way to override this setting for certain releases? Seems odd since I believe the files are still encrypted as it states you can't play them back on other devices in that FAQ. Oh well, guess you gotta make do with what you can. I know Games Workshop can be pretty strict with their IPs.

  • urluv4u on 16/08/2019 - 12:03

    No stock anywhere in and around Brisbane/Gold Coast. I've called few stores to check if they will restock but all of them replied they are not expecting any :(

    • tshepherd on 16/08/2019 - 14:06
      +1

      Granddaughter just picked up one from Warwick, Qld. Apparently two left. Might be a bit far out from Brisbane though.

      • urluv4u on 16/08/2019 - 15:40

        Thanks for that :) Unfortunately, it's far from where I live. Also, NSW Ballina store got some stock if anyone's interested.

    • aznsniper on 16/08/2019 - 18:58
      +1

      There should be a few left at Robina, Ibought around 5pm today.

      • urluv4u on 16/08/2019 - 19:48

        :O I called them this morning, and they said all gone!

        • aznsniper on 16/08/2019 - 21:49
          +1

          Well when I called in the afternoon around 4, they said they had a few left. Went instore, they seem to have maybe 2 left, but they are stored below in the glass cabinet but not actually displayed. If you live close, might be worth trying first thing in the morning.

          • urluv4u on 17/08/2019 - 00:19

            @aznsniper: Thanks, mate. I might call them tomorrow morning :)

  • DirtyBoots on 16/08/2019 - 15:10

    Just got a refund advice email from them. Apparently it was out of stock when I ordered it only (a couple of days back). Anyone else?

    • viki8702 on 16/08/2019 - 17:28

      I ordered yesterday early morning and it's been shipped today.

      • DirtyBoots on 16/08/2019 - 17:33

        Wow.
        My order was at 8:16am Tuesday and went through fine. Out of stock email came today at 12:56pm.

  • aboutconfig on 16/08/2019 - 21:55

    It's funny that all those retailers, big w, jb hifi, thegoodguys, eb games, all of them have a very bad or 'loose' stock management system

  • kimba88 on 16/08/2019 - 22:14

    Do any other stores sell these that can price match?

    • 00broke00 on 17/08/2019 - 00:33

      JB, the Good Guys and Harvey Norman all have the unlocked version for $279. I'm just wondering if they'll price match even though the Big W is locked to Vodafone. Dues anyone know?

      • kimba88 on 17/08/2019 - 11:41

        Let us know if you try and succeed

  • shaybisc on 17/08/2019 - 09:11

    Showing as available at all the stores in my region but pickup only and they are all 60km or more away so I will pass.

    • kimba88 on 17/08/2019 - 09:50

      What's your region?

      • shaybisc on 17/08/2019 - 10:09

        Mid north coast - Grafton to Port Macquarie including Coffs, Kempsey all show as available but all pickup only.

        • kimba88 on 17/08/2019 - 10:11

          Bugger. A bit too far for me living in western Sydney.

  • kimba88 on 17/08/2019 - 17:46

    Has anybody been told that big w stores or online will restock? I tried calling the call centre this afternoon but they said their system was down so they couldn't check.

  • Tapek on 17/08/2019 - 20:58

    Out of stock everywhere in SEQLD and no delivery :(

    • saminn on 23/08/2019 - 15:47

      back in stock…

  • sigmacom on 18/08/2019 - 11:22

    Just confirmed that mine has bootloader version U2 and the unlock tool fails. I had already installed the June security update before trying so that may have updated the bootloader version? Can anyone confirm if they have U2 but did not yet install June update ?

    • tshepherd on 18/08/2019 - 12:12

      I've just checked with my granddaughter. She has a U1 bootloader, February security patch level, and hasn't installed any updates. I've told her to reject all updates till I can unlock it.

      There's quite a bit of discussion found within some of the threads at GSMHosting that confirm that the U2 bootloader was installed with the June security update and it is currently uncracked. Hopefully soon though, sounds as though there are a few teams working on it, as the new protection mechanism applies to various types of locks and factory reset protection across a range of Samsung devices, not only the A20.

    • kimba88 on 24/08/2019 - 12:43

      I just unwrapped my a20 (purchased today) and can confirm it has U2 bootloader :-( mine was connected to wifi and was trying to install some updates.. I don't think it was updating the system though.. All I have done is look up the bootloader. I'm so bummed. Have we got any way around unlocking this phone? I need to start using it asap :-(

      • Godgodgod on 29/08/2019 - 21:05

        Did you find an unlock yet?

  • kangaroo on 18/08/2019 - 13:04
    +1

    Anyone experiencing gps issues with this handset. Strava is unable to detect the gps signal, even though location access is enabled.

    • theBestBastion on 02/09/2019 - 21:21
      +1

      Same here. Take very long time to fix, I installed GPSData on both A20 and Note9, while Note9 got a fix within 2 - 10s, A20 took 2 to 20 mins to get a fix. Not sure if it is a firmware issue tho. I bought this phone for AA in my car, but the GPS doesn't work …

  • hawkeye93 on 18/08/2019 - 17:51
    +1

    FYI, u may get a price match to the overseas model (dual sim) from qd_au eBay. I managed to get 1. YMMV though so just test your luck.

    • urluv4u on 18/08/2019 - 18:19

      Did you manage to get one through price match or this deal (Big W)?

      • hawkeye93 on 18/08/2019 - 19:07
        +1

        Price match on eBay with the price of this deal.

        • urluv4u on 18/08/2019 - 19:47

          Thanks :) I just sent them a message.

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