The ZTE Blade A511 is an entry-level smartphone from 2016 that stood out from the competition with a surprising feature for its price: a vibrant 5.0-inch AMOLED display. This screen technology, typically reserved for more expensive phones, provided deep blacks and vivid colors that were exceptional for a budget device. The phone is powered by a MediaTek MT6735 processor and is designed for essential daily tasks. This guide provides the official stock ROM, which is essential for unbricking the device, fixing software bugs, or removing a Google FRP lock.
Important: This firmware is specifically for the ZTE Blade A511. As a MediaTek device, it requires the SP Flash Tool for flashing. Flashing this on a different model will cause a hard brick. This process will erase all data on your device.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: ZTE Blade A511
- Release year: 2016
- Chipset: MediaTek MT6735
- Display: 5.0″ AMOLED, HD
- Battery: 2200 mAh
- Original OS: Android 5.1 (Lollipop)
- Key Feature: AMOLED Display
Required Downloads
To flash a MediaTek device, you will need the specific drivers and flashing tool. You can find the downloads for these in our main guide linked below.
- SP Flash Tool
- MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers
Stock ROM (Firmware)
| Build Date | Android | Type | Download | Chipset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-06-07 | 5.1 | SP Flash Tool Firmware | Download | MediaTek |
How to Flash the Stock Firmware
Flashing the stock ROM onto your ZTE Blade A511 requires a Windows PC and the SP Flash Tool. The process involves installing the MediaTek VCOM drivers, loading the MT6735m_Android_scatter.txt file from the firmware into the tool, and then connecting your powered-off phone to start the flash. This will completely restore your device to its original factory software.
For detailed, step-by-step instructions with screenshots and tool download links, please follow our comprehensive pillar guide: How to Flash Firmware with SP Flash Tool.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for ZTE Blade A511
- Correct Driver Installation: The most common failure point is incorrect drivers. If the tool doesn’t see your phone, you must install the MediaTek VCOM drivers, which often requires you to disable ‘Driver Signature Enforcement’ in Windows first.
- Using the “Boot Key”: To initiate the flash, power the phone off completely. Press and hold the Volume Down button, and while holding it, connect the phone to your PC. The tool should then detect it and begin the process. If Volume Down doesn’t work, try holding Volume Up.
- Fixing Google FRP Lock: If you’re locked out of your phone by Google’s Factory Reset Protection (FRP), flashing this stock ROM will perform a complete wipe and remove the locked account.
- Safer Flashing (Uncheck Preloader): For a safer flashing process that is less likely to cause a hard brick, it is highly recommended to uncheck the `preloader` partition in SP Flash Tool before clicking Download. Flashing an incorrect preloader is the most common cause of a permanently dead phone. Only flash the preloader if the device is already completely bricked.
FAQs
Q1. Why was an AMOLED screen on this phone a big deal?
In 2016, AMOLED screen technology was a premium feature almost exclusively found on high-end Samsung flagship phones. Its inclusion in a budget ZTE device was highly unusual and offered superior display quality with deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to the standard LCD screens in its price range.
Q2. What is a “scatter file”?
The scatter file (e.g., MT6735m_Android_scatter.txt) is a crucial map for MediaTek firmware. It tells SP Flash Tool the name, size, and location of every partition on the device’s storage, ensuring each part of the software is flashed to the correct place.
Q3. Will this unlock my phone from its network carrier?
No. Flashing the stock firmware restores the phone’s original software, but it does not remove the SIM/network lock put in place by a carrier.
Q4. My phone is stuck on the ZTE logo. Will this fix it?
Yes. Being stuck on the logo (a “bootloop”) is a classic software problem. Flashing the stock ROM is the most reliable way to fix this issue as it completely reinstalls the phone’s operating system.
