I was trying to install Google Apps to gain the functionality of Google on my phone. I tried Google Installer apk and it didn't work (persistent Google Services Framework has stopped and Google Play Services has stopped messages wouldn't allow me to even tap & hold while using the device); I tried using only Google Play Store and Services, but that didn't work either. Figured out my solution was probably in root privileges.
I made a full ROM dump before anything as a usual precaution. After that, I the TWRP & Philz custom recovery porters by Hovatek and was able to flash the recovery made by tool version 1.4 (DM Verity not found, so I didn't have to patch boot.img); it booted TWRP, but I wasn't able to access either internal or external storage and therefore, couldn't flash Magisk or OpenGapps zip archives (I could only see "Internal Storage (5MB)". Workarounds that involved converting filesystem to FAT/EXT2/... and back to EXT4 or wiping of partitions did not aid me. Nevertheless, I could still boot, and sometimes, rebooting into recovery only proved that TWRP was gone and I was back to the Stock Recovery.
I searched for methods to flash zip without a custom recovery and I got some hits.
My next course of action was to patch boot.img using Magisk and flash it, so I could gain root and use some tools to flash OpenGApps. I gained admin privileges, at last; I tried Flashify, Rashr, TWRP Manager, FlashGordon & EX Kernel Manager. All failed at flashing OpenGApps unto the phone.
After unsuccessful attempts with mentioned apps, I followed two articles which showed ways to install GApps (Google Apps) without having to flash it; I downloaded the apps, installed them and moved the app files (using ES File Explorer with root access) to directories/folders where they can become system apps. That went well, except, I was still getting the persistent pop-ups on Google Services Framework & Google Play Services.
I decided to work a little more with TWRP. I opened the patch folder of TWRP recovery porter on my computer and put the OpenGApps file into /data, and then used SP Flash Tool to flash the (large) recovery file. After this, I couldn't boot; no vibrations when power key is pressed, no signs of phone being recharged when plugged in to wall outlet. Only sign of life I was getting is the sound phone kept making when plugged to PC, like it was getting plugged in and out at short intervals.
At this moment, I flashed the ROM backup I had made at the beginning and still couldn't boot phone. I left it to recharge at the suggestion I got from your video tutorials on Wwr_MTK + SP Flash Tool backup; after 4 hours, I still cannot boot.
I checked some of the pages on Hovatek Forum regarding dead Gionee/MTK phones, but still cannot boot.
I have compared my build number (gotten from Wwr_MTK) with [Downloads] Gionee Stock ROMs / Firmware / Flash Files and have ascertained there isn't a match.
This adventure is a few hours short of 48 hours, and I will update the post with more content where I can, as soon as possible. I posted here quickly to get a solution as quick as I can, so I can use the phone. I hope to get this issue solved as soon as possible. Your usual kind assistance/aid/suggestion/help will be appreciated. Thank you.
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