Pandora 9.16 Released Unisoc & Samsung Update

Pandora 9.16 Released Unisoc & Samsung Update

Pandora 9.16 Release A Major Leap in Unisoc and Samsung Mediatek Support

The landscape of GSM repair shifts rapidly, and keeping up with the influx of new Unisoc-powered budget devices and Samsung’s hybrid Mediatek tablets has been a challenge for technicians. On January 19, 2026, the Z3X team addressed this head-on with the release of Pandora 9.16.

This isn't just a routine maintenance update; it is a substantial expansion of the Pandora ecosystem. While previous versions focused heavily on Xiaomi, version 9.16 pivots toward strengthening support for Oplus EDL protocols and unlocking a wide array of Unisoc chipsets from brands like ZTE, Umidigi, and Oukitel. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific Samsung Mediatek tablet models fills a critical gap for repair shops dealing with education-series and budget tablets.

If you are a professional technician relying on the Pandora Box or Pandora Online, this update ensures your toolset remains compatible with the latest hardware hitting the market.

Key Features in Pandora 9.16

The update brings a mix of general stability improvements and targeted brand support. Here is what stands out in this build:

• Oplus EDL Improvements: Enhanced support for the latest Oplus EDL updates, ensuring more reliable emergency download connections for Oppo/Realme/OnePlus based devices.
• Agent Updates: Updated Download Agents for Infinix and Tecno devices, resolving flashing issues caused by outdated handshake protocols.
• Samsung Mediatek Expansion: Specific support added for the Galaxy Tab A series and the new Tab S11 Ultra (SM-X930), which run on Mediatek chipsets rather than the standard Samsung Exynos.
• Massive Unisoc Additions: Comprehensive support for ZTE, Umidigi, Oukitel, and Ulefone devices, enabling repair, unlocking, and flashing via EDL and Boot modes.
• Legacy Mediatek Support: Continued updates for older Umidigi models (Bison, F3, G series) to keep legacy operations running smoothly.
• New BIT Loaders: A significant batch of new Boot Init Tables (BIT) for Samsung EDL mode, covering flagship foldables (Z Fold/Flip), S-series variants, and carrier-specific models.

Practical Scenario: Servicing a Bricked ZTE Blade A35 Lite

To illustrate the utility of Pandora 9.16, let’s look at a common workshop scenario: Unbricking a ZTE Blade A35 Lite (P963F10).

• The Problem: A customer brings in a ZTE Blade A35 Lite that is stuck on a bootloop or completely black after a failed OTA update. Standard ADB flashing fails because the device is not booting into the OS.
• The Solution: Since the Blade A35 Lite is a Unisoc device, it requires a specialized EDL approach which was tricky in previous software versions.
• The Process with Pandora 9.16:

1. Identification: Connect the device to the PC. Pandora 9.16 instantly recognizes the ZTE P963F10 model ID thanks to the new database update.
2. EDL Entry: Utilize the improved Unisoc handshaking to force the device into Emergency Download Mode.
3. Flashing: Select the correct scatter file and firmware. With the updated loaders, the tool writes the system partitions without the "buffer size" errors common in older tools.
4. Result: The device is restored to factory settings in a fraction of the time it took with previous workarounds.

This scenario demonstrates how the v9.16 update directly translates to faster turnaround times for technicians handling budget Unisoc devices.

Version Comparison: Pandora 9.16 vs. 9.14

To understand the value of this update, we must look at how it differs from the previous release (v9.14) from late December 2025.

Feature / Focus	Pandora 9.14 (Dec 2025)	Pandora 9.16 (Jan 2026)
Primary Focus	Xiaomi Unisoc (Redmi / Poco)	Broad Unisoc support (ZTE, Oukitel, Ulefone)
Samsung Support	Standard EDL models	New: Samsung Mediatek support (Tab A11, S11 Ultra)
Oplus Updates	Standard support	Improved: Latest Oplus EDL updates
New BIT Loaders	Minor additions	Massive update: 30+ new Samsung BIT loaders (Fold / Flip / S23 series)
Infinix / Tecno	Previous download agents	Updated: Fresh & optimized download agents

While v9.14 was excellent for Xiaomi specific CERT repairs, v9.16 shifts the focus back to the broader Android ecosystem, specifically targeting the influx of Unisoc-powered devices in the mid-range market and the increasingly popular Samsung Mediatek tablets.

Detailed Changelog: New Models Added

Samsung Mediatek Support

The addition of Samsung Mediatek devices is a highlight, particularly for the Tab series.

• SM-X230: Galaxy Tab A11 Plus
• SM-X236B
• SM-X135F: Galaxy Tab A11
• SM-X930: Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra

Unisoc Device Support

Technicians can now service the following ZTE, Umidigi, Oukitel, and Ulefone models with greater reliability:

• ZTE: Blade A35 Lite (P963F10)
• Umidigi: G9 Tab, Note 90, G100A, Note 100A
• Oukitel: G3, G5, G5 Pro, G5 S
• Ulefone: Note 19, Note 20 Pro, Note 21, Power Armor 16S, Tab W10

Mediatek Device Support

Standard Mediatek support is extended for various Umidigi models:

• Models: F3, Bison 2, Bison 2 Pro, C2 (2022), G2, G3, G3 Tab, G5A, C1 Plus, G1 Plus.

New BIT (EDL Loaders)

This list is extensive, covering the A-series, F-series, S-series (Fold/Flip), and Tab series. Key additions include:

• A-Series: SM-A235F (BIT C), SM-A235M (BIT D), SM-A235N (BIT B), SM-A2360 (BIT C).
• S-Series (Foldables): SM-F7000 (BIT 8), SM-F7110/B/N/U (Various updates), SM-F9160/26B/26N/26U (Updates).
• S-Series (Flagships): SM-G781U/V/W, SM-G990U2, SM-G9910/U, SM-G9960/U, SM-G998U.
• M-Series: SM-M145F (BIT 9), SM-M236B (BIT C).
• Tab Series: SM-T636B, SM-T638U, SM-T727V, SM-T735, SM-W9023, SM-X210R/216C/216N/218U.

How to Install, Activate & Download Pandora 9.16

For new users or those upgrading from older shells, follow this professional workflow to ensure your box is recognized and activated correctly.

Prerequisites

• Windows OS: Windows 10 or 11 (Professional/Enterprise recommended).
• Hardware: Genuine Pandora Box, Z3X Box, or supported Smart Card.
• Internet: Stable connection required for activation.

Step 1: Register Your Account

Activation is tied to the official Z3X ecosystem.

1. Navigate to my.z3x-team.com.
2. Register a new account or log in. Ensure your serial number is linked to a reseller-purchased product.

Step 2: Install Z3X Shell (Critical Base)

Pandora does not run as a standalone executable; it requires the Z3X Shell infrastructure.

1. Download the latest shell setup: https://cp.z3x-team.com/static/latest_shell.exe
2. Run latest_shell.exe and complete the installation.
3. Note: Do not skip this step, or the Pandora software will fail to launch.

Step 3: Install Drivers

Proper driver installation is the most common point of failure.

1. Connect your Pandora/Z3X Box via USB.
2. Navigate to C:\Program Files\z3x\Box drivers\.
3. Manually install the drivers if Windows does not detect them automatically.
4. Navigate to C:\Program Files\z3x\Card drivers\ and install the card drivers.
5. Restart your PC after driver installation.

Step 4: Activation & Registration

1. Launch Z3X-Shell from your desktop.
2. Click the "Card" tab/button.
3. The Activation Wizard will appear. Ensure your box is connected.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts for card detection and online verification.
5. Wait for the "Success" message.

Step 5: Download Pandora 9.16

1. Inside Z3X-Shell, click "Goto Support".
2. Locate Pandora in the list of supported tools.
3. Download the Pandora 9.16 installer/package.
4. Install the software to your preferred directory (usually C:\Program Files\Pandora).

Step 6: First Launch & Usage

1. Run Pandora as Administrator (Right-click -> Run as Admin).
2. Select the Brand (e.g., Samsung, Unisoc) and the specific Model.
3. Connect the device in the required mode (EDL, Boot, or Normal).
4. Click Start to perform your operation (Unlock, Flash, Repair).

Common Fixes & Troubleshooting

• "Box Not Found": usually a driver issue. Reinstall the box drivers from C:\Program Files\z3x\Box drivers\.
• Antivirus Interference: Pandora requires deep system access. Temporarily disable Defender or your antivirus if the installer is deleted or the shell won't open.
• Card Activation Error: Ensure you are not using a VPN or Proxy during the initial activation, as the Z3X server detects IP changes.

Download 'Pandora 9.16'

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Pandora 9.16 free to use?

A: No, Pandora 9.16 requires a genuine Pandora Box, Z3X Box, or an active Pandora Online activation linked to your Z3X account.

Q: Can I use this tool without a Z3X Box?

A: Yes, if you have a valid "Pandora Online" activation. However, a physical box or smart card is generally required for the security authentication.

Q: Why do I need to install the old Z3X Shell for Pandora 9.16?

A: Pandora shares the same shell architecture and driver foundation as other Z3X products. The Shell manages the communication between your PC and the box/card.

Q: Does Pandora 9.16 support the iPhone 16?

A: No, Pandora is primarily an Android servicing tool (Samsung, Xiaomi, Unisoc, Mediatek). It does not support iOS devices.

Q: What should I do if my Antivirus flags Pandora as a virus?

A: GSM repair tools often use algorithms that trigger heuristic antivirus scans because they access system-level protocols. These are false positives. Add the installation folder to your antivirus exclusions.

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