Disclaimer: I’m not an expert user, just someone who spent some time in trying to install eOS on the A3-2017. I just report my experience(s) which might not be the best one(s).
Well frankly speaking I just trust them. As far as I know xda-developers is a reliable source, but from there you just take a couple of scripts (usually only the re-partitioner) and if you want you can have a look to them as they are shell scripts.
To restore the OEM OS you need to either have a back-up and/or download the right ROM for your device/ country and flash it via Odin. For example mine is the following: sammobile
I hope this helps, but I know Android world is not so straightforward and (at least for me) it is a new world. So take your time to research and read and maybe a second hand cheap phone to make some test.
Just wanted to say that I decided to take the risk and install /e/ os on my (daily driver) A3 2017. Wish I did it earlier, everything works perfectly and the install process was ok for a tinkerer like me. I am a bit bothered by the “Bliss” launcher which is not usable in my opinion, but I guess this is tweakable (it is a shame that I can’t use Trebuchet as the default one for whatever reason, it is even preinstalled).
Anyway, thank you everyone for this thread, I couldn’t have done it without your help.
I tried almost all of them but I really prefer Trebuchet. It is just perfect for what I want it to do and as it is the default with lineage os it integrates very well with the rest of the system (top bar in particular). I ended up sticking with Bliss, but would definitely switch to Trebuchet if an update allows me to do so.
Back to the topic of this device in particular, the only thing that didn’t worked well was the encryption. When I try to enable it, it is stuck in a boot loop. I had to format data and use my backup to get it back working. I also tried with lineage os treble images (that I don’t use because I trust /e/ os more than unofficial lineage images) and it has the exact same behaviour. I don’t keep much sensitive data on my phone, but for the banking app I would prefer this option to be enabled. I don’t think it can be fixed but if anyone has advices on this I am all hears.
Does anyone have issue with the video recorded with the built-in camera app? I noticed that the videos recorded can’t be correctly reproduced:only one frame is shown and the duration is way longer than the reality. The sound on the other hand is fine.
I don’t remember, I think it is from the thread. The build number is “e_phhgsi_arm64_ab-userdebug 10 QQ3A.200805.001 eng.root.20220226.012431 dev-keys,dev-release”
The download page linked in the end of the pdf (I’m not allowed to post that link, it’s the last link in the pdf in beposanfior’s post from feb 18th) has two newer versions than the one the positive commentaries mention. Is it generally not advised to just use the latest version from that list?
For some reason you have to use OrangeFox recovery, beacuase twrp doesn’t work to flash the image. You also have to execute a repartitioner script from TWRP or OrangeFox. There is a detailed tutorial in a pdf in this thread.
Ok, I did get e to work by more or less following the pdf description. Did anybody have the issue of not being able to turn off the software Navigator buttons at the bottom at the screen? The system seems to not care about the setting. It seems to not be activated. This unfortunately is a reason not to use the phone, since the A3 has hard buttons.
I’m on the newest version from the download thread (202204021).
and maybe a second hand cheap phone to make some test.
