If your Cubot S500 is experiencing unresponsive touch inputs, rear camera app crashes, intermittent charging failures, or random bootloops, flashing the official stock firmware provides the most reliable solution. This guide features verified firmware downloads, concise SP Flash Tool instructions, and a troubleshooting section tailored for the S500’s hardware specifics.
🚨 Critical Pre-Flash Warning
Flashing firmware will erase all data on your S500, including contacts, photos, and apps. Back up your data before proceeding. Incorrect SP Flash Tool use can damage IMEI—follow instructions precisely. For detailed flashing procedures, see: How to Flash MediaTek Smartphones.
Device Specifications Verification
Confirm these match your device:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Device Name | Cubot S500 |
| Chipset | MediaTek MT6580 (Quad-Core 1.3 GHz) |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 @ 500 MHz |
| Display | 5.5″ IPS LCD, 1280×720 HD |
| RAM/Storage | 2 GB RAM / 16 GB internal |
| Battery | 2600 mAh removable Li-Ion |
| Android Version | Android 5.1 Lollipop |
| Key Features | 8 MP rear + 5 MP front camera, GPS, proximity sensor |
Official Firmware Download
| Filename | Date | Size | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cubot_S500_V07_20151201_5.1.zip | Dec 2015 | 558 MB | MediaFire |
⭐ Recommendation: Flash the V07 December 2015 firmware to restore touch-panel calibration, update charging-IC thresholds, fix camera ISP stability, and prevent known MT6580 bootloop issues.
Required Tools & Drivers
- SP Flash Tool (latest version)
- MediaTek USB VCOM Drivers
- Cubot S500 firmware package
Quick Flashing Instructions
- Install SP Flash Tool and VCOM drivers on a Windows PC.
- Extract firmware; load
MT6580_Android_scatter.txtin SP Flash Tool. - Select “Download Only” mode to preserve IMEI and data partitions.
- Power off the S500, click “Download,” then connect via USB to start flashing.
- Wait for the green checkmark, then reboot your Cubot S500.
Troubleshooting & Optimization Guide
1. Unresponsive Touch & Dead Zones
- Symptoms: Screen fails to register taps near edges, swipe lag.
- Remove any screen protector to restore touch sensitivity.
- Adjust pointer speed: Settings > Developer Options > Pointer Speed.
- Enable one-handed mode: Settings > Display > One-handed mode.
- Flash V07 firmware to update touch-panel driver for the 5.5″ panel.
2. Camera App Crashes & Image Failures
- Symptoms: Camera app closes unexpectedly, preview black screen, photos not saved.
- Clear Camera app data: Settings > Apps > Camera > Storage > Clear Data & Cache.
- Test camera in “Pro” mode to reduce ISP load.
- Flash V07 firmware to restore camera ISP calibration and stability.
- Use Open Camera app if stock continues to fail.
3. Intermittent Charging Failures
- Symptoms: Charging stops randomly, requires cable wiggle, slow beyond 80 %.
- Use original 5 V/2 A charger and a high-quality USB cable.
- Clean Micro-USB port with compressed air and isopropyl swab.
- Calibrate battery: full drain to 0 %, then charge to 100 % uninterrupted.
- Flash V07 firmware to recalibrate charging-IC thresholds for 2600 mAh pack.
4. GPS Drift & Slow Satellite Lock
- Symptoms: GPS location drifts over 25 m, takes over 2 minutes to lock.
- Enable AGPS & Wi-Fi scanning: Settings > Location > Scanning Options.
- Reset A-GPS data using GPS Test app: Manage A-GPS state > Reset & Download.
- Flash V07 firmware to update GNSS driver and satellite almanac.
5. Random Bootloops & Crashes
- Symptoms: Device loops on logo after app installs or updates.
- Wipe Cache Partition in Recovery: Power + Volume Up to enter > Wipe Cache.
- Uninstall recent apps in Safe Mode (hold Volume Down while booting).
- Flash V07 firmware using “Download Only” mode.
- Perform Factory Reset if loops persist post-flash.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does flashing affect my IMEI?
- No—using Download Only mode preserves your IMEI. Always back up the EFS partition before flashing.
- How fix unresponsive screen edges?
- Remove screen protector, adjust pointer speed, and flash firmware to update touch drivers.
- Why do camera crashes occur?
- Corrupted ISP firmware or cache. Clear app data and flash official firmware to restore stability.
- What fixes GPS drift?
- Enable AGPS, reset A-GPS data monthly, and flash firmware for updated GNSS drivers.
- Why does charging stop mid-cycle?
- Debris or miscalibrated charging IC. Clean port, calibrate battery, and flash firmware for correct thresholds.
Unique Expert Recommendations
- Perform AGPS reset monthly via GPS Test app.
- Use Safe Mode to isolate app conflicts before flashing firmware.
- Keep at least 500 MB free storage to avoid app caching issues.
- Clean speaker and charging port quarterly to prevent hardware faults.
- Wipe cache partition after each firmware update to clear old files.
- Calibrate battery quarterly for accurate charge readings.
- Test camera in Pro mode to reduce ISP processing during low-light captures.
Conclusion
Flashing the Cubot S500 V07 stock firmware resolves touch unresponsiveness, camera crashes, charging interruptions, GPS drift, and bootloops on the MT6580 platform. Follow SP Flash Tool instructions precisely and apply these targeted troubleshooting steps to restore reliable performance to your Cubot S500.
Success? Share your results—let us know if firmware resolved your touch or GPS issues so other S550 users can benefit!
