Owners of budget smartphones are often faced with uncertainty regarding the software of their device. The model Samsung Galaxy A01, released at the beginning of 2020, initially went on sale with an operating system Android 10 and a proprietary shell One UI Core 2.0. This was a pleasant surprise for the entry-level segment, since many competitors at that time were still using outdated Android 9.
However, time does not stand still, and support for mobile devices has its limitations. The latest official firmware version for this model is Android 11 with One UI Core 3.1 shell. Users expecting to upgrade to Android 12 or 13 will likely be disappointed, as the manufacturer has officially completed a major update cycle for this chipset. However, the device continues to receive important security patches that ensure stable operation.
If you just purchased this smartphone or took it out of the box after long storage, it is critical to check the current software version. Knowing the exact build will help you understand what features are available to you and what applications may not be supported in the future. In this article we will analyze in detail the history of updates, methods of checking the version and the nuances of operating the device on the final firmware.
History of updates and current support status
The company Samsung is known for its policy of supporting even budget lines, although the lifespan of such devices is usually shorter than that of the flagship series. Galaxy S. For Galaxy A01 the manufacturer has provided two major updates to the operating system. The starting version of Android 10 provided a modern interface and basic security at the time of release.
About a year after the smartphone was released, users received an update to Android 11. This update brings with it improved notification management, new widgets, and background optimizations. The shell One UI Core has been adapted to the capabilities of limited hardware, removing some heavy animations present in the full version of One UI.
⚠️ Attention: Official support for major OS updates for the Galaxy A01 has ended. Attempts to install newer versions of Android (12, 13, 14) through third-party services may result in loss of warranty and unstable operation of the device.
Currently, the device is only receiving monthly or quarterly security updates. These patches do not add new features, but do fix security vulnerabilities. The regularity of their arrival depends on the region of sale and the telecom operator through which the phone was purchased.
How to check the Android version on your device
Before taking any action to change the software, you need to know exactly what version you currently have installed. In the interface Samsung this information is not hidden deeply, but the path to it may differ depending on the current build.
To obtain data about the system, you will need to perform the following sequence of actions. Go to the main menu and find the settings icon. Then follow the path Settings → Phone information → Software information. It is in this section that all key firmware parameters are displayed.
Here you will see several lines with technical information. We are interested in two main columns: Android version and One UI version. The first will show the number of the system core (for example, 10 or 11), and the second will show the version of the proprietary interface from Samsung. It also indicates the level of the security patch, which indicates the freshness of the installed security mechanisms.
If the "Software information" item is not in the menu, try using the settings search by entering the request "Software version" or "Update".
In some cases, especially on custom firmware or after an incorrect reset, the information may be displayed incorrectly. If the numbers do not match the official data for your region, this may indicate previous interference with the system. In such a situation, it is recommended to be careful when installing applications from unknown sources.
Instructions for updating software
Updating a smartphone is a responsible procedure, but necessary to maintain data security and stability of applications. For Galaxy A01 there are two main ways to obtain new versions of software: through a wireless connection (OTA) and using a computer.
The simplest and most common method is over-the-air update. Make sure that the battery level is at least 50% and the network connection Wi-Fi is stable. Then go to the Settings → Software update → Download and installationsection. The system will automatically contact the server and check for a new version.
If an update is found, the smartphone will offer to download the data package. Once downloaded, the installation process will begin and the device will reboot. The screen may go dark for a few minutes - this is normal. It is strictly forbidden to interrupt this process, as this can lead to a software failure.
☑️ Preparing to update your smartphone
An alternative method involves using the app Samsung Smart Switch on a PC. This method is relevant if the phone does not see updates via Wi-Fi or the connection is unstable. Connect your smartphone to your computer with a cable, launch the app and follow the instructions on the screen. This method often allows you to update faster and more reliably.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting the update, be sure to back up your contacts and photos. Despite the fact that the data is usually saved, failures during the installation of the firmware can lead to their loss.
Technical characteristics and influence of the OS version
The operating system version directly affects the performance of the device, especially in the budget segment. Samsung Galaxy A01 equipped with a processor Snapdragon 439 and only 2 or 3 GB RAM. The transition from Android 10 to Android 11 required Samsung engineers to seriously optimize the shell One UI Core.
A lightweight version of the interface was created specifically for such configurations. It disables some visual effects and background services that are available on flagship models. This allows the system to operate smoothly even with limited hardware resources. However, with each new update, resource requirements increase.
The table below shows the differences in software versions for this model:
| Android version | One UI version | Year of update release | Status support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10 | One UI Core 2.0 | 2020 | Basic (factory) |
| Android 11 | One UI Core 3.1 | 2021 | Final (current) |
| Android 12 | - | - | Not supported |
| Android 13 | - | - | Not supported |
As can be seen from the table, the device stopped at version Android 11. This means that some new functions have appeared in Android 12 and 13, such as advanced privacy controls or new lock screen widgets, are not available natively on this smartphone.
Is it possible to speed up the phone after an update?
After a major update, the system indexes files, which may temporarily slow things down. This usually goes away within 2-3 days of active use. If the brakes persist longer, try clearing the cache of the Recovery partition.
Application compatibility issues
One of the main issues for users of aging devices is compatibility with popular applications. Software developers are gradually increasing the minimum version requirements Android SDK. At the moment, most popular applications, such as instant messengers, social networks and banking clients, still support Android 11.
However, the situation may change in the next year or two. Some heavy games and specialized software are already beginning to require Android 12 and higher to work correctly with the new graphics and security APIs. If you use a smartphone for basic tasks (calls, WhatsApp, YouTube), there should be no problems.
If errors occur when installing applications from Google Play Market, the system will report device incompatibility. This limitation can only be circumvented by installing older versions of applications through third-party APK files, but this carries security risks. Google regularly updates Play Services, which also require the latest OS.
Banking applications are the most sensitive segment. They strictly monitor the level of security patches. If your Galaxy A01 has not received security updates for a long time, the bank may deny access to the application until the latest patch is installed. Therefore, regularly check for updates in the Settings Critical for financial software.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I install Android 12 on the Samsung Galaxy A01?
Officially Samsung has not released and does not plan to release an update to Android 12 for this model due to technical limitations of the processor. Unofficial firmware (Custom ROM) exists, but their installation requires unlocking the bootloader, which voids the warranty and can make the phone inoperable (“bricked”).
Why doesn’t my phone see the update to Android 11?
This may be due to the region of sale, locked by the bootloader (if the phone is locked to operator) or because the update has already been installed previously. Check the version in the settings. If you already have Android 11, then you don’t need to look for it again.
Will the phone slow down on the latest version of Android?
With 2 GB of RAM, work on Android 11 may be less smooth than on Android 10. The system consumes more resources. It is recommended to disable animations in the developer settings and close unnecessary background applications for comfortable work. Galaxy A01 With 2GB of RAM, Android 11 may experience less smooth performance than Android 10. The system will consume more resources. It is recommended to disable animations in the developer settings and close unnecessary background applications for comfortable work.
How to find the date of the last security update?
Go to Settings → Phone information → Software information. The item "Android security patch level" will be indicated there. The date in this field shows how up-to-date your system's protective mechanisms are against known viruses and vulnerabilities.
What to do if the Internet is lost after the update?
In rare cases, resetting the network settings helps solve the problem. Go to Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset network settings. This will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but will restore the correct operation of the communication modules.
Samsung Galaxy A01 is officially supported up to Android 11. Further operation is possible, but requires careful attention to installing security updates for operation of banking applications.