The exact process depends on the model and its current software state. The SM-A325F and SM-A225F use MediaTek hardware and connect through bootrom/preloader mode, while the SM-A145F and SM-A047F use Exynos EUB mode. This guide explains how to identify the correct Samsung A-Series test point, what these connections enable, and how technicians can use them during repairs.
What Are Test Points on Samsung A-Series Phones?
A test point is a small contact on the phone’s motherboard, often visible as an unmarked copper pad. These contacts are built into PCBs so manufacturers and technicians can access specific circuits during testing or repair. A general PCB test point guide explains how these points provide a direct connection to electrical signals that might otherwise be difficult to reach.
First, disconnect the battery and short the marked test-point contacts as shown in the model-specific diagram, then connect the phone over USB.. Instead of following the normal boot sequence, the phone may enter a low-level USB mode that compatible repair software can detect.
A Hardware Connection for Non-Booting Devices
A typical Samsung A-Series test point procedure uses a fine wire, probe, or pair of tweezers. Technicians need to connect the specified pad to a ground point and then attach the USB cable as instructed for that model. If the connection is successful, the computer detects the phone through a low-level service interface.
This method can help when the standard Samsung connection modes are no longer available. If the device is stuck in a boot loop, the recommended first step is to reflash it through Download Mode.
However, it is still important to rule out hardware faults first. A failed storage chip, damaged power circuit, or broken USB path cannot be fixed simply by shorting a test point.
The exact pad must always be checked against a diagram for the full model number. A test point shown for one Galaxy A-series phone may sit in a completely different position on another model, even when the devices look similar from the outside.
MediaTek BROM and Exynos EUB
The SM-A325F and SM-A225F are MediaTek-based models and are handled through MTK bootrom/preloader mode in Chimera Tool. On these devices, the test point can be used to open a bootrom-level connection. This interface runs before Android and allows supported repair software to communicate directly with the MediaTek chipset.
The SM-A145F Galaxy A14 and SM-A047F Galaxy A04s use the Exynos 850. These models rely on Exynos USB Booting (EUB mode). The purpose is similar, but the protocol, drivers, and available repair procedures are different.
For a technician, this distinction counts from the start. An SM-A325F should be prepared as a MediaTek device, while an SM-A145F requires an Exynos EUB workflow. Checking the full model code before opening the phone prevents the wrong driver, test point diagram, or repair procedure from being used.
Locating Test Points on Key A-Series Models
The test point must match the full model code. Galaxy A-series phones sold under the same commercial name may use different chipsets and motherboard layouts, so the exact variant should be confirmed before opening the device.
The Samsung test points library provides model-specific board images. Use the USB port, battery connector and camera section to match the physical board with the diagram, then compare the smaller components around the marked pad. The contact itself is often unlabelled.
For the connection, technicians need suitable opening tools, a fine probe or precision tweezers, a USB-C data cable, magnification, an ESD-safe work surface and the correct drivers. A light, precise contact is enough; touching nearby pads can damage the board.
SM-A325F Galaxy A32
The SM-A325F is the 4G Galaxy A32 with a MediaTek Helio G80 chipset. It should not be confused with the SM-A326B Galaxy A32 5G, which has a different internal layout.
Once the board is aligned with the SM-A325F diagram, short the marked contacts as shown in the model-specific diagram and attach the USB cable. The probe can be removed as soon as the phone appears through the MediaTek interface. If there is no response, check the driver, cable, and contact before touching another pad.
SM-A225F Galaxy A22
The SM-A225F also uses the Helio G80, but its test point is in a different position than on the SM-A325F. The shared chipset determines the expected BROM connection, not the motherboard layout.
Match the Galaxy A22 board with its own diagram and use the surrounding components to identify the pad. After bridging it to ground, connect the USB cable and wait for the MediaTek device to appear in the software.
SM-A145F Galaxy A14
The SM-A145F is the Exynos 850 version of the Galaxy A14 and connects through EUB rather than MediaTek BROM. Other A14 variants may use different hardware, so only an SM-A145F-specific diagram should be used.
Short the marked pad to ground while connecting the phone. If EUB remains available, the device should appear through the Exynos USB Booting interface.
Firmware history can also affect the result. Samsung’s April 2025 Exynos security update can permanently disable EUB on affected devices by changing an eFuse-controlled setting. A failed connection may therefore reflect the phone’s firmware state rather than an incorrect pad or poor contact.
SM-A047F Galaxy A04s
The SM-A047F also uses the Exynos 850, but its board layout differs from the SM-A145F. Align the motherboard with the correct image, identify the contact from the surrounding component pattern, disconnect the battery and short the test point, and then connect the phone over USB.
If the phone enters EUB mode, the technician can continue with the procedures currently listed for that model and connection mode. If it does not, verify the cable, driver, battery state and pad contact before repeating the attempt.
Across all four models, a diagram from a similar-looking phone is not a safe substitute. The exact model code and motherboard revision determine which pad to use.
What Test Points Make Possible
Getting the phone into BROM or EUB mode does not complete the repair. It allows service software to work with the device when Android is unavailable, provided the installed firmware still allows test point access.
What happens next depends on the model, firmware version, and security state. Before starting any procedure, the technician should check what is currently supported for that exact device.
FRP Removal Through a Low-Level Connection
Factory Reset Protection is designed to prevent a reset phone from being activated without the Google account previously linked to it. In a professional repair shop, FRP removal should be performed only after the customer’s ownership and permission have been confirmed.
On supported models, access through BROM or EUB mode can allow the FRP procedure to run without a working Android system or an enabled ADB connection. This is particularly useful when the phone is locked at setup, and the usual software routes are unavailable.
The available method still varies by model. The SM-A145F and SM-A047F, for example, list EUB among the service modes used for several low-level procedures. Current support should always be checked before the phone is disassembled, especially on Exynos units that may have received firmware capable of disabling EUB access.
Security Backups and Device Data
Depending on the model, supported procedures may allow technicians to store or restore security-related device data. These functions should only be used for legitimate recovery work and, where relevant, to restore the phone’s original identifiers.
A backup does not eliminate the risk of a low-level procedure, but it provides the technician with a known recovery point when the function is supported. That matters on devices arriving after an unsuccessful repair attempt, where the current state of the security data may already be uncertain.
Two Risks at the Workbench
The most immediate physical risk is damage to the pad itself. Test points are small, and excessive pressure can lift the copper contact from the board. A steady hand, magnification, and a light touch are more useful than force.
Static discharge is another avoidable problem. The motherboard is exposed during the procedure, so the job should be carried out on an ESD-safe surface with the technician properly grounded.
Once the phone is detected, the probe should come away from the board and the rest of the work should continue in the software.
Why Chimera Tool?
Once the phone appears in BROM or EUB mode, technicians can move straight to the required repair. The supported models database shows which procedures are available for the exact model and which connection mode they use, so this can be checked before the phone is opened.
From Test Point Connection to Repair
After the USB connection is established, the device appears in Chimera Tool through the active low-level mode. The SM-A325F and SM-A225F connect through the MediaTek interface, while the SM-A145F and SM-A047F use EUB where access is still available.
Once the phone is detected, the technician can choose from the procedures available for that model and connection mode. Chimera displays the connection status and the running procedure, allowing the technician to follow the job until it finishes.
This is particularly useful when the phone arrives after a failed flash or an earlier repair attempt. Instead of trying several unrelated methods, technicians can work from the connection and functions available on that specific device.
One-Click FRP Removal
FRP removal is one of the main reasons to use a test point connection on these models. Chimera Tool lists the procedure for supported MediaTek and Exynos devices, including EUB-based access on the SM-A145F and SM-A047F.
Once the phone has been detected, the software procedure itself is simple: select Remove FRP and start the operation. Android does not need to boot, and ADB does not have to be enabled first. Chimera also states that the connected device is recognized automatically before the available FRP procedure is presented.
The phone still has to be opened and connected through the correct pad, so the whole repair is not literally completed with one click. The time saving comes after that point. In a shop handling several devices a day, keeping device detection and the supported procedure in the same workflow reduces repeated setup and unnecessary switching between tools.
Support should still be checked for each phone. The same model can behave differently after a firmware or security update, especially where EUB access has been restricted.
Summary
A Samsung A-Series test point is useful when the usual recovery options are no longer available. On the right model, it can restore access to the device and allow the repair to continue through BROM or EUB mode.
What matters most is accurate model identification, the correct board diagram, and current software support. When these line up, firmware repair, FRP removal, and other service procedures can still be carried out on devices that would otherwise be difficult to recover.
FAQ
1. What is a Samsung A-Series test point?
A test point is a small contact on the phone’s motherboard that can provide access to a low-level service mode when normal connection methods are unavailable.
2. Which Samsung A-Series models use test points?
The article covers the SM-A325F, SM-A225F, SM-A145F, and SM-A047F. The first two use MediaTek BROM/preloader mode, while the latter two use Exynos EUB mode.
3. Can a test point help with FRP removal?
On supported models, a BROM or EUB connection can enable FRP-related service procedures even when Android or ADB is unavailable. Such procedures should only be performed on devices with verified ownership and authorization.
4. Can the same test point diagram be used for different Galaxy A-Series models?
No. Test point locations can differ significantly between models and motherboard revisions. Always use the diagram for the exact model code before making a connection.
5. What should I check if the phone is not detected after using the test point?
First check the exact model and diagram, USB cable, drivers, battery state, and test point contact. On some Exynos models, firmware updates can also affect whether EUB access is still available.
