When it comes to a smartphone Samsung Galaxy A31potential buyers and current owners often wonder what version of the operating system Android is installed on the device and how relevant it is in modern realities. This model, released by the company Samsung Electronics, has become one of the bestsellers in the middle price segment due to its successful combination of characteristics and cost. However, time does not stand still, and the software requires constant attention.
Initially, the device went on sale with a pre-installed shell One UI based on Android 10. This was a significant step forward for the line Galaxy Aas users received a modern interface with improved ergonomics and new privacy features. It is important to understand that “what Android” is on a smartphone now is a dynamic parameter, depending on whether official updates or manual manipulations with the firmware were carried out.
In this material we will analyze in detail the evolution of the software of this model, the technical features of the hardware that affect the operation of the system, and also give recommendations for optimization. You will find out whether you should expect new versions of the OS or whether it’s time to think about replacing the device if fresh security features are critical for you.
Update history and current software version
The company's update policy Samsung in recent years has become one of the most loyal on the market. For the model Galaxy A31 the manufacturer guaranteed two major updates to the operating system. This means that the device has officially received an upgrade to Android 11, and subsequently to Android 12. This version is the final version for this model as part of official support.
Users who keep their gadget up to date can check the current version by going to the menu Settings → Phone information → Software information. This displays not only the version Android, but also the level of security patches. The final security patch for the Galaxy A31 was released in early 2026, after which official updates were stopped. This is an important point for those who use the phone for banking or working with confidential data.
Despite the end of support, The shell One UI 4.1 (based on Android 12) remains quite functional and stable. It includes many proprietary features, such as an improved Do Not Disturb mode, advanced camera settings and integration with the ecosystem. However, the lack of new versions means that some features introduced in Android 13 and 14 will never officially appear on this device. SmartThings. However, the lack of new versions means that some features introduced in Android 13 and 14 will never officially appear on this device.
⚠️ Warning: Since official security updates have stopped, using outdated versions of the software may increase the device's vulnerability to new types of malware. It is recommended to install a reliable antivirus and avoid installing applications from unknown sources.
Technical characteristics and system performance
To understand how comfortable it is to work with the current one Verily Android on this smartphone, you need to consider its hardware. At the core Samsung Galaxy A31 is the processor MediaTek Helio P65. This chipset is made using a 12nm process technology and consists of eight cores: two high-performance Cortex-A75 and six energy-efficient Cortex-A55. It is paired with a graphics accelerator Mali-G52 MC2.
The amount of RAM varies depending on the modification: the most common versions are 4 GB and 6 GB RAM. For a modern mobile operating system, especially with a heavy shell One UI, 4 GB is the absolute minimum. When actively working with several applications, the system may begin to unload background processes, which leads to them being rebooted when opened again.
The built-in memory is 64 GB or 128 GB, expandable via card microSD up to 512 GB. The operating speed of the drive type eMMC 5.1 lower than that of modern standards UFSwhich may affect the speed of installing applications and booting the system. However, for everyday tasks - social networks, instant messengers and watching videos - the resources are quite sufficient.
If you feel the interface is slowing down, try turning on the "Delete unused applications" option in the device care settings. This will automatically clear the cache of rarely used apps.
It is worth noting that code optimization in newer versions Android often requires more resources. The transition from the “native” ten to the twelfth version could significantly load the processor. Users report that on version Android 12 the interface works a little less smoothly than on the initial builds, especially during the animation of minimizing windows.
Features of the Android-based One UI interface
Shell One UI from Samsung is radically different from stock Android. Its main philosophy is ease of use with one hand. The controls are located at the bottom of the screen, which makes navigation comfortable even on a 6.4-inch display. The version for Galaxy A31 implements a dark theme that not only inverts colors, but uses shades of gray to save energy on the AMOLED matrix.
Gesture control has become standard in the latest versions of the software. Instead of three navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen, users can use swipes: swipe from the bottom to return to the main screen, swipe from the side to the Back button. This frees up usable display space. You can adjust the sensitivity of gestures in the section Settings → Display → Navigation panel.
- 📱 Quick settings panel: pulled out by swiping from top to bottom and allows you to quickly turn on the flashlight, Wi-Fi, airplane mode and adjust the brightness.
- 🔒 Knox folder: secure space for storing photos, documents and applications, access to which can only be done by fingerprint or PIN code.
- 🎨 Themes and store Galaxy: the ability to deeply customize the appearance of the system, change icons, fonts and always-on display (AOD).
One of the useful functions is Mode Bixby Routines (formerly Modes and Routines). It allows you to automate smartphone actions depending on the context. For example, your phone can automatically turn on silent mode when you connect to your home Wi-Fi, or raise the screen brightness when you launch the maps application.
What is Good Lock?
Good Lock is a set of modules from Samsung for deep interface customization, not available in some regions by default. It allows you to change the appearance of multitasking, keyboard, lock screen and notification panel beyond recognition.
Camera and multimedia capabilities
Camera software is Samsung Galaxy A31 tightly integrated with the system. The 48-megapixel main module uses pixel binning technology, combining pixels to produce brighter images at night. Image processing algorithms (ISP) are built into the processor and optimized for a specific version Android.
The user interface of the "Camera" application offers many modes: "Night", "Panorama", "Profo", as well as video recording in resolutions up to 1080p at 30 frames per second. 4K video recording on this device is not supported by hardware, which is a limitation of the processor Helio P65. Video stabilization is carried out exclusively by software methods, so when walking the picture may shake.
| Camera module | Resolution | Aperture | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | 48 MP | f/2.0 | Phase autofocus (PDAF) |
| Ultra-wide-angle | 8 MP | f/2.2 | Viewing angle 123 degrees |
| Macro | 5 MP | f/2.4 | Focal length 2 cm |
| Depth sensor | 5 MP | f/2.2 | For portrait mode (bokeh) |
The fingerprint scanner built directly into the screen deserves special attention. The Galaxy A31 uses an optical sensor type. It works quite quickly, but in low light conditions it may require illumination of the scanning area, which drains battery power. You can adjust the sensitivity of the sensor in the menu Settings → Biometrics and security.
Autonomy and energy management
The 5000 mAh battery is one of the main trump cards of this model. In combination with the screen Super AMOLED, which consumes less energy when displaying black color, the smartphone can work for up to two days in moderate mode. However, the version Android 12 makes its own adjustments to the energy consumption statistics.
The system offers flexible energy saving settings. In Optimize mode, the system automatically limits background app activity when the screen is off. The "Maximum power saving" mode turns off the mobile network (leaving only calls and SMS), reduces the brightness and limits the list of running applications, turning the smartphone into a kind of push-button dialer for emergencies.
☑️ Battery optimization
It is important to note the lack of support for high power fast charging. The included charger (if it is in the box, since new batches often don’t have them) produces a power of about 15 W. Fully charging the battery takes approximately 2 hours. Using third-party chargers with support Adaptive Fast Charging may speed up the process slightly, but you shouldn't expect miracles.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid using your smartphone while charging when performing heavy tasks (games, video shooting). This leads to overheating of the battery and accelerated degradation of its chemical composition, which is critical to the longevity of the device.
Compatibility issues and operating tips
Over time, owners Galaxy A31 may encounter compatibility problems with some modern applications. Software developers are gradually increasing the minimum version requirements API Android. If the application requires Android 13 or higher, installing it from the official store Google Play on this smartphone will not work.
Banking applications are a separate category of risk. Financial institutions are strict about security and may stop supporting devices that do not receive the latest security patches. If your banking application stops launching or displays a security error, this is a direct signal that the system's security level no longer meets the bank's requirements.
To extend the life of the device, it is recommended to regularly clear the system cache. This can be done through the Recovery Mode by holding down the buttons Volume Up + Power with the phone turned off. It's also a good idea to reset your network settings every few months if you're having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
The Samsung Galaxy A31 remains a reliable workhorse for basic tasks, but the lack of security updates after 2026 makes it less suitable for storing sensitive financial data.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update the Samsung Galaxy A31 to Android 13 or 14?
Officially - no. Samsung has stated that this model will receive only two major OS updates, stopping at Android 12. Installing newer versions is only possible through custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), which requires unlocking the bootloader, voids the warranty and carries the risk of losing data or turning the phone into a brick.
Why did the smartphone start to work slower after the update?
This is a common occurrence when transition to major versions of Android. The new system indexes files, optimizes applications for new code, and uses more resources for animations. It is also possible that a cache of old system files may accumulate. It is recommended to perform a factory reset (after making a backup) so that the system works "from scratch."
Will banking applications work in 2026?
With a high degree of probability, the main banking applications will continue to work, since they usually support several previous versions of Android. However, biometric payment functions or some complex operations may become unavailable if the bank tightens requirements for the level of security patches, which are no longer available on the A31.
How to check whether the original firmware is installed on the phone?
Dial the code in your phone *#1234#. In the menu that opens you will see the AP, CP, CSC and MOD versions. If the region code (CSC) corresponds to your country (for example, SER for Russia or SEK for Ukraine), and the version numbers match the data on the official Samsung website for your model, then the firmware is original.