[INDEX] ZTE nubia Z7 Max (NX505J)

[pnin]

I have seen Index threads on many forums here at XDA-Devs. I find this device needs one, since a lot of posts about it go to a help thread ([THREAD="2832760"][HELP] New ZTE Nubia z7 MAX[/THREAD]) that lacks a comprehensive first post, while others are getting posted to similar sounding but not fully compatible ZTE nubia Z7 Mini threads (like [THREAD="2916106"]this one[/THREAD]).

This is WIPo: If you want something to be added here, post it, and I'll try to keep it updated... ​

DISCLAIMER: all credit goes to the respective posters (see end of present post); I own nothing and claim nothing (apart where I explicitly state otherwise); as usual, your device warranty is voided merely by reading beyond this point, so close your browser and go away if that's not what you intended...

NOTE: looks like Nubiaforums.com went offline a while back, so all links pointing there are now dead. I'm currently looking for valid replacements.

General

• Main specs: Snapdragon 801 SOC MSM8974AC = CPU Krait 400 quadcore 2.5 GHz + Adreno 330 GPU
  5.5", 1080x1920 pixels, ~403ppi density, 160g
  (Note: full specs at http://www.gsmarena.com/zte_nubia_z7_max-6491.php)
  
  
• For an excellent comparison breakdown with other current flagship devices see:
  http://www.phonearena.com/phones/ZTE-nubia-Z7-Max_id8756/rivals
  
  
• Recovery mode is entered by pressing VOL.UP + POWER continuously at startup.
  
  
• Most info concerning the NX505J was first posted to [THREAD="2832760"][HELP] New ZTE Nubia z7 MAX[/THREAD], so check it out.
  (Also, if you understand Italian, a comprehensive list of ROMS, kernels and assorted tools can be found here.)

Guides/HowTo

• Original rooting/recovery installation guide at AndroidPit
  http://www.androidpit.com/forum/617128/nx505j-nubia-z7-max-root-cwm-recovery-and-cm11-rom-tutorial
  
  
• ZTE Nubia Z7 Max -- installing GApps howto
  http://cleanimport.xda/index.php?THREADs
  
  
• KitKat: repartition your internal SD to give 'oxygen' to your Nubia
  [THREAD="2969189"]http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2969189[/THREAD]
  
  
• Unbricking guides (Italian only)
  http://www.androidiani.com/forum/zte-nubia-z7/446548-guida-di-unbrick-z7-max-mini.html
  http://www.androidiani.com/forum/zte-nubia-z7/446548-guida-di-unbrick-z7-max-mini.html#post6451409
  
  
• A little known trick of Nubia Updater might provide an easy way to recover a lost IMEI:
  (Revealed by user mahaline @needrom)
  
  

Root/Recovery

• [THREAD="2783157"]TowelRoot[/THREAD] seems to be the most consistent rooting method, although other methods may work (e.g., SRSRoot claims NX505J compatibility)
  http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2783157
  (also at https://github.com/kidputer/NX505J/wiki/Rooting-the-Nubia-Z7-Max)
  (Note: you still have to install some superuser application from the Google Play market)
  
  
• On any Android v5.x (Lollipop) Stock ROM, Tigreos Z7 Max All In One Tool (Currently v3.3.0) will give you the latest TWRP...
  http://www.needrom.com/download/z7-max-all-in-one-tool-v1-1-0/
  
  

ROMs

• See post #9 for info on Tigreos newer ROMs and Tools...
  
  
• Latest ZTE Official Nubia Z7 Max ROM is v3.86 (Lollipop) on Needrom.com...
  http://www.needrom.com/category/zte/serial-nubia/nubia-z7/
  (WARNING: Lollipop ROMs are NOT compatible with previous v1.x ROMs!)
  (Also, be sure to access *#7678# menu to enable both ports before and after flashing.)
  (You can read my personal account of the update to stock rom v3.19: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3108822)
  
  
• paolothlw8's CM12.1 Lollipop 5.1.1 v22 (dated 2016-04-14)
  Stable unofficial CyanogenMod ROM, almost no bugs.
  http://www.needrom.com/download/cm-12-1/
  (Original Androidiani forum thread at http://www.androidiani.com/forum/in...e-z7max-android-5-1-1-cm-12-1-unofficial.html)
  (WARNING: Lollipop ROMs are NOT compatible with v1.x ROMs!)
  (If you're on Stock ROM, check hidden *#7678# menu to enable both ports before flashing.)
  
  
• pesa1234's Nubia Z7 Max stock based ROM 3.62 ComboRom V12.0 (Android 5.1.1; BB72 & Cuoco92 ROMs successor)
  Download: https://mega.nz/#!AsghXbKK!4s9TPLe8EBw3B8eyH4IC-kAwEbCq4r0vYwxdwRuGjUg
  Forum topic: http://www.androidiani.com/forum/zt...bia-z7-max-mod-pesa1234-special-thx-bb72.html
  (With GAPPs, rooted, some useful apps added, most Chinese apps removed, and OTA updates)
  
  
• Stock based ROM ZTE Z7Max Base 1.64 By BB72 (KK4.4.2)
  http://www.androidiani.com/forum/zte-nubia-z7/423861-rom-1-38-mod-bb72-zte-nubia-z7-max.html
  
  
• Stock ROMs in Chinese/English only can be downloaded from nubia's site:
  http://www.nubia.cn/service.php?sid=5
  (Note: painfully slow speeds)

Kernels & Mods

• paolothlw8 Z7 MAX kernel NZ7ML custom kernel v1.3
  http://www.androidiani.com/forum/zt...bia-z7-max-kernel-compilato-dai-sorgenti.html
  (released 2015-06-17, v1.30 is the only alternative kernel for stock Lollipop)
  
  
• paolothlw8's nubia Z7 Max custom kernel (v1.20, released 2014-12-30, is only for stock KK!)
  http://www.androidiani.com/forum/zt...bia-z7-max-kernel-compilato-dai-sorgenti.html
  (with overclocking and additional governors/schedulers; Trickstermod compatible)
  (Recommended settings: freq min=300, max=2764; governor=intelliactive; scheduler=bfq; read ahead buffer=4096; undervolt all freq by -50mv; )
  
  
• ZTE stock v1.29 kernel GitHub is at:
  https://github.com/ztemt/Z7Max_NX505J_H129_kernel
  
  
• If you have trouble connecting to LTE networks with your Z7 Max, see this:
  http://nubiaforums.com/showthread.php?tid=148&pid=903#pid903
  
  
• A XDA thread dedicated to solving 4G network troubles:
  [THREAD="2871269"]http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2871269[/THREAD]
  
  
• How to Install Viper4Android in ZTE Nubia Z7 Max
  [THREAD="3115242"]http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3115242[/THREAD]
  
  
• "Porting delle suonerie e notifiche dell'LG G3" (LG G3 sound files addon)
  http://www.androidiani.com/forum/zt...38-mod-bb72-zte-nubia-z7-max.html#post6034083
  (unless you install a v1.6x BB72's custom ROM, your sound files will all have Chinese names; this ones don't)

Themes & Misc

• Many original apps can be downloaded directly from the nubia homesite:
  http://app.nubia.cn/app
  (Note: most are Chinese/English only)
  
  
• Many wallpapers with compatible resolution can be downloaded freely from:
  http://sonymobilephones.com/sony-xperia-z3/wallpapers
  (Note: the Xperia Z3 is also 1080x1920)

Tools

• Nubian Emergency Tool by Tigreos (v1.0.6)
  (A tool to restore bricked phones and backup/restore IMEI/MEID)
  http://www.needrom.com/download/nubian-emergency-tool-v1-0-6/
  
  
• Download official ZTE USB Host Driver v5.2066.1.6 signed (not for XP!):
  http://support.zte.com.cn/support/uploads/ZTE_Android USB_Driver_For_Microsoft_PC.rar
  (Softpedia mirror; newer versions may be available from http://www.ztedevices.com/support/)
  
  
• User tp2droid has posted the drivers included in a stock ROM
  http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61616210&postcount=11

CREDITS: AndroidPit, Andoidiani (especially BB72), GSMArena, NubiaForums, NeedROM, SonyMobilePhones, nubia, and XDA-Devs team and users.

 

[pnin]

RESERVED

Keeping this for later, if I can...

 

[bluemask69]

good thread! finally

 

[GiantNutz]

Hello everyone,

I am looking for somebody to help me learn how to build a rom from source for this device. I am mostly interested in lollipop based ones (AOKP AICP CM12...)

I assume it will involve coding a kernel and ****, please let me know if you can help.
Thank you.

 

[pilililo2]

I can point you towards the kernel source code Lwang from TDBeta uses to build his roms. Buy i have rather zero idea of how to compile a rom

 

[nuno169]

I can point you towards the kernel source code Lwang from TDBeta uses to build his roms. Buy i have rather zero idea of how to compile a rom

Hi pilililo2, can you point me to that sources?

Thank you!

 

[hayastan06]

Top smartphone

This phone is really the best because it is powerful and consistent 4G dual sim

 

[pnin]

Marshmallow available

FYI, paolothlw8 is currently developing and releasing Beta ROM versions of CM13.0 (Android Marshmallow) at Androidiani and Needrom:

• http://www.needrom.com/download/cm-13-0/

 

[tigreos]

Z7 Max All In One Tool Created By Tigreos v2.0.0​

Download: Z7 Max All In One Tool Created By Tigreos v2.0.0

Nubian emergency tool v1.0.6​

Download: Nubian emergency tool v1.0.6

Stock Rom v3.74 (UI3.8)​

Download: Stock Rom v3.74

LightX v3.74 (UI3.8)​

Download: LightX v3.74 (UI3.8)

 

[Wywern.pl]

I think you should link here this ROM: Mokee (marshmallow), looks quite promising.
Thanks to tigreos (altough I can't install it)