yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Lucho321:
Flash Hard spl to install original ROM?

Hi there!

I´ve just bought a SEX1a and I would like to update it with this rom:

Generic Latin America R3AA014 Software Update

(posted at the begining of the thread)

Is it necessary to flash Hard-SPL? I´ve never installed any ROM other than the originals provided by manufacturers via their webs even with my Omnia so I´m quite new. Any suggestions will be most welcomed! (I´m trying to read as much as possible before asking but any tip always helps)

Thanks to all!
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] kremlincrackers:
To flash an original rom, use SEUS! :D

The hard spl is only need to flash custom roms or to change the language...
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] confusedtadpole:
Hey sorry im replying but i see u have a different rom to the original 6.1, i just flashed a rom 6.5 custom but i aim now regreting it so need to find a 6.1 offial wm rom for xperia please could you help me much appriciated! :D x
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] razor_razor:
How do i restore to default rom?

Is it just to start the .exe file ? Or do i need to do something else?
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Olaf90:
I've downloaded a stock rom for my X1, but when I unzip it I get a .image file. My X1 don't recognize it. How do I get it as a .nbh?

EDIT:

Just changed the extension, it worked.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] PavelX1:
i got first X2 flash:

X2_1231-7617_GENERIC_SG_R1AA097_CDF1231-7557_R5A.software

(i know its not HTC made) but maybe someone interested here for some "hacking and extracting" stuff from it?

Regards Pavel
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] darkhalf520:
Well i Think i got u wrong....is this an x2 rom ??

if yes up it...am sure lots of chefs will be interested
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] PavelX1:
FLASH = ROM

so yes its first X2 ROM :)

Regards
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] :
Most definitely interested in this one.....

Regards,

WC
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] augie7107:
I'm happy you're interested.

I'm interested in what you will make with it:)
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] PavelX1:
check your PM - X2 ROM link wait for you there...

Regards Pavel
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] williyung:
Hi PavelX1, can I get it too?:D

Thanks
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] darkhalf520:
if u post a link for the rom publicly ...u'll ensure more and more chefs to work on it, which will speed up the process:cool:....i'd like to give it a look too....just my 2 censt
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] dj.ilias:
:):):):):):):):):):):):):)
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] PavelX1:
ok here it is for all:

RapidGSM XPERIA X2 Free Firmware Download

its original uncrypted format, but as everyone knows its not HTC made phone so its not HTC format....maybe somebody will find it useful to extract things from it....

Happy x-mass to everyone

Regards Pavel
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] fecskeneo:
Hi Guys!

I need the GENERIC_UK_R3AA010 ROM rapidly, but the RapidShare say me that:

"This file can only be downloaded by becoming a Premium member"

Please, give me some working link where I can download this file.

Thanks a lot in advanced!
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] circleofomega:
how do i find out what is my default ROM..ok i wil be honest, i dont know how to take a backup of my stock ROM..so i thought to download the stock ROM from here. So where do i find what is my stock ROM>>..

what i DID find was this:

CE OS 5.2.19608 (build 196081.2.60)??

ROM version: 1.05.931.10

IS this my stock ROM??if yes, so where do i find it
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] jerpelea:
thanks pavel
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] circleofomega:
can sum1 plz answer my previous querries..i just want to download my default ROM..plz help me locate one here on XDA...thanx a ton!!
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] hassan1990:
can any one help me i need the last rom for sony ericsson x1 in english uploaded to mediafire please!!!
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] circleofomega:
Im also looking for the GENERIC_UK_R3AA010 ROM..im not looking for a Software update, im looking for the original software, the complete OS...I am planning to flash the OS and need to take a back-up, and im kinnda lazy, so can any1 plz give me a link for this ROM..thanx a megaton!
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] PavelX1:
few more X2 ROMS released:

RapidGSM XPERIA X2 Free Firmware Download

all the best in 2010

Regards Pavel
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] jerpelea:
thanks

can you upload?
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] PavelX1:
just uploaded check:

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=5256802&postcount=1540

Regards Pavel
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] williyung:
Thanks Pavel and Happy New Year :)
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] melbadri:
Original ROM for X1 bought from UAE with arabic Keyboard

Hello,

I'm trying to program my X1 with the original ROM Build my X1 came with. I never backed up my ROM :(

I need to return the X1 for repairs so I have to put the original build on there. Sony Ericsson's customer support wants me to run Sony Ericsson Service Update (SESU) first before I send it in for repairs, however when I try to run SESU I get an error saying the software has been manipulated and cannot be updated. :(

If you must know, my screen goes black when I try to push-out the keyboard but the touch interface works great in both portrait or landscape-black-screen modes. :confused:

I'd like to note that I already tried Generic_UK_1832_KOV_R1AA017 (which is what i thought was the original ROM but SESU somehow knows, :confused:) and ROGERS_CA_1438_R3AA010 (because I'm in Canada).

Thanks.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] melbadri:
RE: Original ROM for X1 bought from UAE with arabic Keyboard

So I found the information after two days of searching, thanks to all for this great forum and the http://www.xperiax1.net/ website.

I used the original Stock ROM (Generic UK build) from here (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=477801). Then I used the Stock_SPL which can be found here (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=431218).

I used the tutorial which can be found here (http://www.xperiax1.net/forum/how-t...deo-guides-thread-new-home-now-completed.html).

I'm only replying saying thanks to all for your hard work and keep up the great work.

Cheers,

Mo
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] paranoia5h:
Hi.

i have downloaded an original rom and i extracted an image file extension not an nbh. How can i install it? I search on this forum but i couldn find. Sorry i'm a beginner
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] williyung:
Just rename the *.image file to kovsimg.nbh, copy to your root directory micro sd and flash...:cool:
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] jake222:
Does this void the warranty?
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Edi_Min:
Succesfully upgrade from R1A017 to R3A010 Generic UK

but i think hv no different.

btw thanks to all whose post in here

coz i can flash my x1 by my self.

Then now i'll try flash to unofficial roms.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] jawadji:
HOW CAN I OPEN .image File

*** HELP REQUIRED ***

Can someone please tell me how I can open or extract the .image file?

Thank You.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Lazarosh:
rename it to KOVSIMG.nbh
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] bprince:
I tried to download a NL orginal rom (unbranded) from the Rapidshare link but no luck. Does anyone knows where I can download a rom?

Thanks in advance.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] souzasouza:
X1 *.image files help...

Hello forum members. I am Portuguese member and was wondering if I can help. How do to decompress the *. image, I have a ROM in Portuguese but it's like the *. image. How do I turn it into *. nbh file?:(:confused:

Thanks to those who can help me. Thanks!
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] souzasouza:
X1 *.image files help...

I've replaced the name by KOVSIMG.nbh and when I "boot loader", it says "image not found" ...:confused::confused::confused:
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] augie7107:
Read the tutorial in the sticky thread.

If you are flashing via SD card method it is Kovsimg.nbh

PC method name is RUU_signed.nbh

Also, have you Hard_spl the device?
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] souzasouza:
X1 *.image files help...

Thanks augie7107....

Yes I already installed this: X1_HardSPL_v1 ... I already installed a different ROM version of the original in Portuguese, but as the X1 slowed again wanted to install the original ROM, Wiindows Mobile 6.1 in Portuguese, I did "hard reset "but always install the latest version of the ROM I have installed now.

Sorry my English .... "google translator"

thanks
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] cyleo:
Does anyone know any mirrors, Rapidshare pretty much sucsk atm.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] playaz22:
CAn someone please post mirrors to the Rogers Canada English rom ... i;ve been trying to download it since 3 days and apparently the servers have been busy the whole time. Rapidshare sucks nowadays ... :(
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Jonasvo:
Can someone please upload a nl generic rom?

Rapidshare is impossible to use

Please & Thanks...

update:

I tried the firefox addon Rdown- rapidshare downloader (addons.mozilla.org/nl/firefox/addon/8376) and i was able to download the lateste generic NL rom

I will upload the rom elswhere later..

update 2:

you can download the latest generec NL rom here:

http... cid-faeec910a432c4ed.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Public/Xperia%20roms

(moderator: i cannot post real links, is it possible to remove that restriction?)
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] PavelX1:
new X2 released from my last topic:

X2_1230-2397_GENERIC_SE_R1AA097_CDF1231-4911_R16A.software

X2_1230-2799_GENERIC_UK_R1AD0006_CDF1231-4909_R13A.software

X2_1230-2804_GENERIC_FR_R1AA097_CDF1231-7592_R6A.software

X2_1230-7142_GENERIC_ES_R1AD006_CDF1231-7574_R5A.software

X2_1230-7149_GENERIC_TW_R1AD006_CDF1231-7601_R9A.software

X2_1230-7152_GENERIC_CZ_R1AA097_CDF1231-7599_R6A.software

X2_1230-7155_GENERIC_BE_R1AA097_CDF1231-6795_R6A.software

X2_1230-7157_GENERIC_IN_R1AD006_CDF1231-7576_R7A.software

Anybody need some?

Regards Pavel
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] shithead:
They work flawless on X1's?
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] augie7107:
They work flawless on X2
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] shithead:
Lol, I've already figured that one out.

Anyway, i'll wait for the final X2-rom release :)

Sad that SE delayed X2 :-(
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] jerpelea:
please upload

thanks
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] aeratos:
hey help

upload any greek x1 rom p[lz cant download rapidshare all the time got error help really need
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Jonasvo:
Try the firefox addon Rdown- rapidshare downloader (addons.mozilla.org/nl/firefox/addon/8376)

It worked for me.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] firefox9204:
i need the original and first rom that is swedish can anyone help me ? i need the original swedish rom not r2 or r3 i need the initial one so help me plz
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] kremlincrackers:
Whey you need the Swedish R1?

If is to sent the phone to warranty don't need to be the R1, can be the R2 or R3.

To sent to warranty, you only need install the R3 (this will put the version of radio to R3 ROM default) and them install the stockSPL. :p
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] fredastere:
Hi guys...

I downloaded an image here, thanks a lot btw, and I am following those steps with NBHutil in order to convert it kovsimg.nbh

Everything works fine excepts as soon as the utility says "done!" the temp file that was writen in the chosen directory dissapear and I end up with an empty folder ...

I use NBHUtil v0.92 - Olipro 2008

Anyone got any tips in order to get myself that .nbh image :(

Thanks a ton in advance,
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] PavelX1:
Hello, all XPERIA X2 ROMS are online...check the first post of this topic for the details.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] souzasouza:
Portuguese WM6.5 Rom...Please People!

Anybody know where I can find a WM6.5 ROM in Portuguese for the X1?:(:(

Thanks for help-me!:D:D:
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] odba8076:
XPERIA X2 Free Firmware can use on X1? tks
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] emuneee:
Absolutely not.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] caveb:
how come the x2 firmware cannot load onto x1 although they both share the same specs? can anyone enlighten me? Thanks:)
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] ultrashot:
Same QC platform, different optional hardware (=>different drivers), different radios, different ROMs' formats, ...
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] caliban2:
a bit late, but just to clarify for everyone else:

if you've downloaded an x1-stockrom, you don't need to use nbhutil.

all one has to do is to rename the file, depending on the flash-method:

- via usb: rename file to "ruu_signed.nbh"

- via micro-sd: rename to "kovsimg.nbh"

important:

".nbh" is the filetype, not part of the filename!!!
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] zaicev:
What program to use for flashing Xperia X2 or describe the procedure of the firmware please.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] caveb:
okie, if that's the case, then if suppose i have an x2 rom is is ported from an x2 and i flashed it in my x1, then perhap the firmware update will work?:)
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] augie7107:
Rapidshare is uncooperative.

I need a mirror for R2A or R3A NAM, either one.

Anybody?
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] emuneee:
You cannot flash an X1 with an X2 ROM. There are very different low level components in the X2 vs. the X1. The hardware is similar, but not the same.

What you may have is an X1 ROM with a lot of embedded X2 software (panels, panel manager, contact/dialer app, etc.) but at its very very core, it is still an X1 ROM.

However, you can be the first to attempt to flash an X2 ROM onto an X1. Let us know how that goes. :p
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] rakec00:
yeap,hardspl is a need wneh you flash ANY rom.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] toucam:
Am I right in saying that if I'm happy with a custom ROM and not bothered at all with the whole panel thing then I shouldn't upgrade to any of these?
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] emwdava:
No, Hardspl is not required if you choose a rom that is meant for your phone and your country code.

I updated using microsd and that went great on the first try.

Just make sure you choose the right rom.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] xperian:
Thanks for the answer. But how does Sony upgrade them then? I mean they are official ROMs and all...
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Golgo:
No, you dont need hardspl for flashing these roms.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] xperian:
Thanks! I'm living in Switzerland (CH) and the X1 I bought (also in CH) had GENERIC_AT on it. I would sure as hell like to know if a switch to the GENERIC_CH ROM would be any better than upgrading my GENERIC_AT one... Maybe reception improves?
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] mkouk:
Any news on a Generic UK R2 ROM? :confused:
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] PavelX1:
on rapidshare u have now all 3 X1a ROMS:

X1a_GENERIC_LAM_CDF1219-1259_R1AA021 (1.02.947.8)

X1a_GENERIC_NAM_CDF1219-1224_R2AA008 (1.03.948.8)

X1a_TELSTRA_AU_CDF1221-3134_R1AA021 (1.02.949.8)

Regards Pavel
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] PavelX1:
its SWISS ROM, only CHINA is for TW/HK :

X1i_GENERIC_TW_CDF1216-5863_R2AA007 (1.03.941.7)

Regards
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] PavelX1:
already uploaded, enjoy...
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] PavelX1:
no newz yet....

Pavel
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] rookie333:
Hi,

i have the following ROM version: X1i_O2_DE_CDF1215-1634_R1AA019

i want to flash the newest version: X1i_GENERIC_DE_CDF1215-3303_R2AA006

is it possible to flash the phone without change Hard SPL...
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] skycamefalling:
No.

Your phone only uses the O2 branded version.

Generic would be the unbranded one.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] maasil:
updated ROM for GENERIC UK

Could u upload the latest version of the GENERIC UK ROM. Can i use the GENERIC AT ROM instead?
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] artesea:
have you read the thread??????
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] xperian:
Well actually I'd like to know this too.

Can you flash GENERIC_AA -> GENERIC_BB without HardSPL? Do the country codes really matter??
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] skycamefalling:
Of course they matter.

SEUS won't go and flash a UK device with a Chinese ROM.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] xperian:
Okay, I decided to test this myself and it WORKS!!

Current: X1i_GENERIC_AT R1

Flashed: X1i_GENERIC_CH R2

How-to (SD card Method):

1) Extract the RAR

2) Rename the extracted file (.nbh) to Kovsimg.nbh

3) Put it on the SD card (I used a Sandisk 16GB SDHC with Sandisk card reader and FAT32 formatting)

4) Shut off your X1 completely

5) Plug it into the USB power (play it safe)

6) Press and HOLD the volume down key AND THEN ALSO press an HOLD the power key. Do that until you get a screen with 4 colored stripes.

7) WAIT until it says: "SUCCESS"

8) Wait 1 or 2 minutes, then take the battery out. Phone gets stuck after the success message.

9) Reboot!

10) TADA! (Phone reports the new ROM as generic_ch)

Apparently country codes don't matter...

Yes you can, but 1) everything will be in German (AT=Austria and they speak German there) and 2) your reception may be worse (Radio is optimized for Austria networks)

Other than that, you should be fine. You can't change the language though, so you better speak German :-)
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] caliban2:
yeah, as if another thread named "HELP!!! I BRICKED MY PHONE" would make any sense at all... :p
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] emuneee:
lol lol :p
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] zato_boy:
help

can anybody sent me a mirror to the latest swedish rom. i getting only an error at rapidshare
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] hamedmrz:
I got the same problem for latest Generic UK R3AA010 ROM ....

somebody help please :(
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Semih1:
great! thanks!
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Ch3wyzzz:
Dutch rom

hi all im new to this and all but i did manage to flash my 1 day old x1.

but the OS is slow as @#$!. so i want my old OS back can someone PM me whit the Netherlands(Dutch) rom file.

And can i flash the original rom straight away whit hardspb.

sorry guys i do not intent to highjack this thread and i dint want to start a HELP thread

Thx guys

MVG

Richard
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] wickedrami:
Yes you can flash it with hardspb..

This is the file you need: http://rapidshare.com/files/232147899/APP_SW_X1i_GENERIC_NL_CDF1215-3311_KOV_R3AA007.exe

Rapidshare seems to be fcked up.. I've been trying to get the UK update since 3 hours to no avail.. :(
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] sonderschalter:
Interesting question - at least for me. Does anyone have an idea how to flash it?
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] n_s_simpson:
I think I'll stay clear of WM in future. It's soooo flaky. I've never known anything like it.

It's sometimes very slow, SMS start to say they're failing but they sometimes get through anyway, it needs rebooting, just horrible.

Anyway, that's my rant over. Come on free Orange upgrade. Only another month to go. Anyone got any suggestions about a good phone with keyboard?
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] autumnshe:
somebody help me

my x2 need to flash english version, but firmware is not nbh format.

how do it, if i want flash my x2 to english version

thanks
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] clozzed:
i cant download from rapidshare, is there any other server or way to get the original english rom?

thank you...
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] fauno:
What's the procedure / sw needed to flash X2 ROMs?

The package is a .software file

Thanks
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] niekie:
I´ve been trying for hours to download the dutch rom. Searching all internet but keep being redirected to rapidshare. :mad:

Anybody know another place to download from.....
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Tsubasa_Air:
Hello all!

Sorry for my English, but I am a Spanish girl and only speak Spanish.

Please I need help. Last week I bought a Xperia X2 of "Vodafone" and I want to install a Original firmware. Following the link from the first page of this thread, I opened rapidgsm page and I downloaded "Xperia X2 firmware R1AD006 Generic Spain"

I unzipped and now I have this file: X2_1230-7142_GENERIC_ES_R1AD006_CDF1231-7574_R5A.software

Can anyone help me and tell me what I do with this file? I need any program or some special for this file or for this firmware? please help me I am desperate.

thank you very much in advance. And sorry again for my poor english...
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] azrillunatic:
can the x2 rom be use on x1? hehe just wondering ;p
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] augie7107:
You have to hard_spl your X2 to flash it yourself and the Hard_spl for the X2 has not yet been written.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] augie7107:
Simply stated....no
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Draken Korin:
some are on gtrabs xperia x1 rom library thread (sticky as well), but those are not the latest, currently don't know any other mirrors

c*rapidshare for free users is a nuisance, I know

try to find off-peak times to succeed with dl and if you use firefox install skipscreen add-on, that might help as well

gl
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] mathiosn:
just a question (because I can't seem to find an answer) I have a n X2 FRENCH ROM generic, do i have to hard spl my X2 to install generic UK or can I install generic UK with the known micro sd method?

without hard spl as it was possible with the X1. Thanks in advance for any replies.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] cwkchan:
Hi, I would like to know can I flash X-2 original Rom to X-1 device since I only have X-1 but dun want to replace. Thanks
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Draken Korin:
far as I know hspl for x2 is still being worked on...

so I think you are also not able to change language (read here)

want a brick? go on

x2 stuff needs adaptation to work on x1, check sections rom dev and themes&apps (jerpelea, ethermind,gtrab)
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] omar.meer:
Just down loaded the stock image for my Xeperia, but the file is a *.IMAGE and not an *.NBH file. What do I need to do to use the stock ROM image?
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Draken Korin:
rename it :)
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] yuribernardes:
THANK'S

Greit work, thank you !:)
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] nguyennghiep:
SE Xperia X2 boot Loader

I'm new ,I just have the SE Xperia X2 ( Radio SW.6.5 .60221 ) WM 6.5 Profecsional .CE.OS.5.2.21436 Build 21436.5.0.36 - will I need to load this new F/Ware ? ,if yes than , can any one tell me where I can get the Hard SPL for SE Xperia X2. I like to load this new F/Ware , but I don't known wher can I get hard SPL ,or we have an opther tool to use
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] underdog23:
X1 Hebrew Rom

hi can you please Upload X1i GENERIC_UK CDF 1221-5963 Israel /

1221-5964 Israel, or let me know where i can find those and also if you know if they have Generic Hebrew on Rom ?

thx...
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Draken Korin:
it's beeing worked on, but it's not available yet

top of the page too btw
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] dagurasu:
So is hardware the same in all regions? Aren't there GSM and CDMA versions for instance? Don't settings need adjustment for different carriers? Sorry for silly questions. I may be interested in getting an SK X2 to work in english.. on SK, assuming I can get ahold of one in the first place.
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] Draken Korin:
all I read so far was it will be GSM only

and there were and probably always will be regional hardware differences, as for e.g. for X1, P1, W980...

key coding:

XXXi (West-)Europe and parts of Asia versions

XXXc China versionen

XXXa North America and Japan(?) versions

so when you buy it in Europe it shoild be X2i and GSM, exactly what you should need for SK, right? :)

cheers
[XPERIA X1 ROM Development] dagurasu:
I'm not sure if your smiley means your joking? everything I'd heard was that korea uses cdma/wcdma. The X1 certainly was made for Korea and I can't find much googling but an SK salesmen told me they'd be able to order an X2. Another one said Xperia is discontinued, so I don't know. Maybe I'll just go for an X1 anyway, since it's cheap and there's so much english support for it, even if it is an old phone.

Now you got me googling and I do find some mention of SK using some GSM also. here for instance:

http://www.sktelecom.com/eng/html/service/InterRoaming/InternationalRoaming.html

It appears to be an afterthought aimed at allowing foreigners to roam. It doesn't seem to be as developed as their cdma network (no mention of gsm data services), but I really don't know for sure.