ZTE A520S Firmware Flash File Download [Stock Rom]

The ZTE Blade A520s is an entry-level smartphone that was released in different regional variants with two completely different chipsets. Because the flashing tools and firmware are not interchangeable, it is absolutely critical to identify which version you have before downloading any files. Flashing the wrong firmware will hard brick your device.

This comprehensive guide provides the stock ROMs and separate flashing instructions for both the Qualcomm (QPST) and MediaTek (SP Flash Tool) variants of the ZTE Blade A520s. Use these files to unbrick your phone, fix software errors, or restore it to its original factory condition.

How to Identify Your Device Variant

Before you download anything, you must determine if your phone has a Qualcomm or MediaTek processor.

• Check Settings: If your phone can turn on, go to Settings > About phone and look for the CPU or Processor information.
• Check Build Number: The build number in “About phone” can also be a clue. The Qualcomm versions often use the model number P809S10, while the MediaTek version uses P637T10.
• Check the Original Box: The retail packaging often specifies the processor type.

Quick Device Specs

Required Downloads

Download the specific tools and drivers for your phone’s chipset.

For Qualcomm (QPST) Variant

For MediaTek (SP Flash Tool) Variant

Stock ROMs (Firmware)

How to Flash Qualcomm Variant (using QFIL)

1. Install the Qualcomm QDLoader drivers. You may need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows.
2. Install QPST, launch QFIL, and ensure “Flat Build” is selected.
3. Click “Browse” next to “Programmer Path” and select the prog_emmc_firehose_… file from the extracted firmware folder.
4. Click “Load XML” and select the rawprogram… and then patch… files.
5. Put your phone in EDL Mode (9008). To do this, power it off, then press and hold both Volume Up + Volume Down buttons and connect the USB cable.
6. The port should appear in QFIL. Click the blue “Download” button to begin flashing.

How to Flash MediaTek Variant (using SP Flash Tool)

1. Install the MediaTek VCOM drivers. You may need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows.
2. Launch SP Flash Tool. Click “Scatter-loading File” and select the MTXXXX_Android_scatter.txt file from the extracted firmware folder.
3. Ensure the mode is set to Download Only.
4. Power off your phone completely.
5. Click the green “Download” button in SP Flash Tool, then connect your powered-off phone to the PC. The process will start automatically.

Device-Specific Troubleshooting

• For BOTH Variants – Driver Issues: The most common problem is the PC not detecting the phone. You must install the correct drivers (Qualcomm or MediaTek) for your variant. Disabling Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows before installation is often required.
• For Qualcomm – Sahara/Firehose Error: This QFIL error indicates a communication problem. Use a high-quality USB 2.0 port and cable, and ensure the correct drivers are active.
• For MediaTek – BROM ERROR: This SP Flash Tool error is also usually a driver issue. Ensure the VCOM drivers are properly installed and that you are connecting the phone while it is completely powered off.
• Fixing Google FRP Lock: For both variants, flashing the stock ROM is a common and effective method to remove a Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP) lock if you are stuck after a factory reset.

FAQs

Q1. My phone is a Blade A520s, why are there two different flashing methods? ZTE manufactured this model with two different types of processors (Qualcomm and MediaTek) for different regions or carriers. Each processor type requires its own unique flashing tool and firmware.

Q2. What happens if I flash the wrong ROM, for example a MediaTek ROM on a Qualcomm phone? The flash will fail, and in the worst case, it will hard brick your device, making it unresponsive and very difficult to repair. It is crucial to identify your variant correctly.