Install Android 12 Beta Port on Samsung Galaxy J7 2016

Android 12 is based on the open-source AOSP code, so on a Project Treble phone it can be flashed manually as a GSI port. This guide covers installing an Android 12 Beta port on the Samsung Galaxy J7 2016.

Android 12 and its features

Android 12 introduced the Material You interface, a big visual change built around dynamic color that adapts to your wallpaper, on top of the privacy and security work from Android 11.

It brings redesigned widgets, a reworked notification shade, lock screen and quick settings, a new power menu, and smoother animations. It also adds a Privacy Dashboard with on-screen indicators when an app uses the camera or microphone, scrolling screenshots, a one-handed mode, a quick tap gesture on the back of the phone, app hibernation, and new emojis.

How to install the Android 12 Beta port on the Galaxy J7 2016

This flashes the Android 12 beta build on the Galaxy J7 2016 (ARM64), ported from the Pixel 5. Thanks to PingVN on XDA for the port, changelog, and download links.

Changelog: Android 12 Beta port from Pixel 5

• Dark Google boot animation
• GApps included by default
• Google Velvet removed
• TrebleApp added to disable HW overlays
• Home button fixed
• Dual SIM working

Known bugs

• Rotation (HW Composer, see the note below)
• Bluetooth
• Lock screen lock

Note: Hardware Composer (HWC) does not work on anything newer than Android 11 on the Exynos 7870, so you need a workaround: go to Settings > Phh Treble Settings > Misc Settings > Disable HW Overlays. This fixes the random reboots tied to rotation, DPI changes, and the dark mode toggle. If you see glitches, they are from HWC, so give the phone a moment to settle. It is stable enough to use, but since this is a beta, expect some bugs.

Pre-requisites

• Download all the required files from the links below.
• Charge the phone to at least 50% to avoid a shutdown mid-flash.
• This port is only for the Samsung Galaxy J7 2016. Do not flash it on any other device.

Warning: GetDroidTips is not responsible if you flash this on the wrong device and brick it. Proceed at your own risk.

Installation guide

• Download the Android 12 ported ROM ZIP and the Addon ZIP onto the phone.
• Download the OrangeFox Recovery r11.0 ZIP onto the phone (the r11.0 build, not r11.0-1 or r11.1).
• Install TWRP recovery on the Galaxy J7 2016 using this guide.
• Boot into TWRP, tap Install, and flash the OrangeFox r11.0 ZIP like a normal ZIP.
• The phone reboots into OrangeFox recovery after that (allow it to boot if prompted).
• Flash the Create Partition or Repartition script. Skip this if you already flashed it.
• Wipe Cache, System, Vendor, and Data to format the device.
• Flash the ROM ZIP, then the Addon ZIP.
• Reboot, and the phone starts on Android 12.

FAQ

Is this a stable daily driver?

It is stable enough to use, but it is a beta port with known bugs (rotation, Bluetooth, and lock screen lock), so keep that in mind.

Do I need GApps?

No. The port already includes Google apps.

Will the Galaxy J7 2016 get Android 12 officially?

No. Samsung’s official updates for the J7 2016 ended at Android 8.1 Oreo, so a port like this is the only way to run Android 12 on it.

Flashing this port gives the Galaxy J7 2016 an early taste of Android 12. If you hit extra bugs, report them on the source thread below.

Source: XDA