Update to Android 12 devices Samsung has become one of the most anticipated events for owners of Korean brand gadgets. Despite the release of newer versions of the OS (up to Android 15 2026), many users are still looking for information about the compatibility of their devices with the “twin”. The reasons are different: from the stability of operation to the features of the interface One UI 4.xthat came paired with this version of Android.

In this article we will analyze not only the official list of Samsung modelsthat we received or will still receive Android 12, but also the nuances associated with regional restrictions, support periods and alternative installation methods. We will pay special attention to devices that according to official data, Samsung should have received the update, but never received it due to changes in brand policy. If your smartphone is not on the list, don’t rush to get upset: at the end of the article we will tell you how to check the relevance of the information for your model.

Why Android 12 is still relevant in 2026?

Against the backdrop of the release Android 13, 14 and even 15 interest in the “twelve” may seem strange. However, there are several reasons why users continue to look for information about this version:

  • 🔹 Stability: Android 12 s One UI 4.1 considered one of the most balanced firmware for old flagships Samsung, where new OS versions work with lags.
  • 🔹 Performance: On devices with 4–6 GB of RAM, the "dvenashka" often shows better results in benchmarks than Android 13/14.
  • 🔹 Design: The interface Material You, which appeared in Android 12, is still liked by many users more than subsequent ones changes.
  • 🔹 Support for custom firmware: Many unofficial assemblies (for example, LineageOS 19) are based on Android 12 and support devices that Samsung has not updated for a long time.

In addition, some applications (especially banking or corporate) are still optimized specifically for Android 12 and may work unstable on newer versions. This is relevant for owners of smartphones Samsung 2019–2021 who do not want to risk updating to One UI 5/6.

📊 Have you already updated to Android 12?
Yes, a long time ago
Yes, but rolled back
No, I'm waiting
No, my smartphone does not support
I don't know what version I have

Official list of Samsung smartphones with Android 12

Samsung announced an update to Android 12 for more than 100 device models, including flagships, mid-range and even some budget smartphones. Below is full listdivided by series. Please note: some models received the update only in certain regions (for example, Galaxy A51 it was updated in Europe, but not in Russia).

Series Models Update status One UI Version
Galaxy S S21 Ultra, S21+, S21, S20 Ultra, S20+, S20, S20 FE, S10 Lite ✅ Out 4.0–4.1
Galaxy Note Note 20 Ultra, Note 20, Note 10+, Note 10, Note 10 Lite ✅ Out 4.0–4.1
Galaxy A A72, A52, A52s, A42, A32, A22, A12, A02s ✅ Out (except A02s in some regions) 4.1 (except A02s - 4.0)
Galaxy M M52, M32, M22, M12 ✅ Out (except M12 in India - postponed) 4.0
Galaxy Fold/Flip Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3, Z Fold 2, Z Flip ✅ Out 4.1 (for Fold 3/Flip 3)

If your model is not in the table, this does not mean that it will definitely not receive the update. Samsung sometimes adds devices to the support list after the fact. For example, Galaxy A51 was not originally scheduled to be updated to Android 12, but later received it in 2022.

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To find out for sure whether the update is available for your model, go to Settings → Software update → Download and install. If the system writes “No update”, but you are sure that your smartphone is on the list, try checking later or resetting the network settings (Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings).

How to check if your phone will receive Samsung Android 12?

Even if your model is on the official list, this does not guarantee that the update will reach your device. This is affected by:

  • 🌍 Region: Samsung often suspends updates for certain countries due to local peculiarities (for example, in Russia some updates were delayed due to sanctions).
  • 📶 Communications operator: Firmware for "operator" versions of smartphones (with the MTS, Beeline logo, etc.) may be released later or not released at all.
  • 🔧 Model modification: Devices with suffixes 5G, LTE or DS (dual-SIM) are sometimes updated on a different schedule.
  • 🛠️ Device status: If the smartphone was unlocked (root), flashed with custom software or has a damaged KNOX, the update may not come.

To find out the exact status of your device:

  1. Open the application Settings.
  2. Go to Phone information → Software information.
  3. Check the current version Android and One UI.
  4. If the version is lower than 12, return to Settings → Software update and click Download and install.
What to do if the update is not found?

If the system says “There is no update”, but you are sure that there should be one, try:

1. Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes operators block update traffic).

2. Insert a SIM card of another operator (for "operator" versions).

3. Reset network settings (Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings).

4. Use the app Samsung Smart Switch on the PC to force check for updates.

Samsung models that will NOT receive Android 12 (despite promises)

Samsung is known for sometimes changing plans to support devices. Several models were initially on the list for updating to Android 12, but never received it. Here are the most famous ones. cases:

  • 📱 Galaxy A40 —it was promised in 2021, but the update was canceled due to “technical limitations.”
  • 📱 Galaxy A20s —in some regions (for example, Latin America) the update was released, but in Europe and Asia it was not.
  • 📱 Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) —the tablet was supposed to be updated, but support was discontinued after Android 11.
  • 📱 Galaxy M30s —the update was released in India, but not in Russia and Europe.

If your device is on this list, the chances of an official update are minimal. However, there are alternative methods:

  • 🔧 Installation custom firmware (for example, LineageOS 19 or Pixel Experience 12).
  • 🔄 Use port firmware from other models (for example, firmware from Galaxy A52 on Galaxy A51).
  • 📱 Purchase a used flagship 2020–2021 (for example, Galaxy S20 FE), which is guaranteed to support Android 12.
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If your smartphone has not received an update, but it was promised - you can contact Samsung support with a request to explain the reasons. In some cases (especially for flagships), this helps speed up the release of the firmware.

How to manually update Samsung to Android 12 (if the OTA does not arrive)

If the automatic update (OTA) does not work, you can install Android 12 manually. There are three official ways to do this:

  1. Via Samsung Smart Switch:
    • Download and install Smart Switch on your PC.
    • Connect your smartphone via USB (in file transfer mode).
    • In the app, select Software update and follow the instructions.
  2. Via Odin (for experienced users):
    • Download the official firmware for your model from the website Sammobile or Frija.
    • Install Odin and drivers Samsung USB.
    • Load the smartphone into mode Download Mode (hold Vol Down + Power + Bixby).
    • Connect to a PC and flash the firmware via Odin.
  3. Through Recovery:
    • Download the firmware in format .zip.
    • Place it on an SD card or internal memory.
    • Boot into Recovery Mode (press Vol Up + Power + Bixby).
    • Select Apply update from SD card.

Make a backup copy of your data|Charge your smartphone to 80% or more|Download the correct firmware for your model and region|Make sure the build number matches the current software version|Disable antivirus on your PC (it can block Odin)-->

⚠️ Attention: When manually flashing via Odin there is a risk of “brick” (breakage) of the device if the wrong software version is selected. Always check the model (SM-XXXX) and region (CSC) of the firmware. for Galaxy S20 Ultra (SM-G988B) not suitable for Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G (SM-G988B/DS).

What should you do if, after updating to Android 12, your smartphone starts to slow down?

Updating to a new OS version does not always go smoothly. Android 12 on Samsung:

  • 🐢 Lags and stuttering —especially on devices with 4 GB of RAM (Galaxy A51, A71).
  • 🔋 Fast battery drain —related to optimizing background activity One UI 4.x.
  • 📱 Overheating —more common on Exynosversions of flagships.
  • 🎵 Sound problems —the sound in the speaker or headphones disappears.

Solutions:

  1. Reset cache:
    • Turn off your smartphone.
    • Hold Vol Up + Power to enter Recovery.
    • Select Wipe cache partition.
    • Reboot the device.
  2. Disable animation:
    • Enable Developer mode (click on Build number 7 times in Settings → Phone information).
    • Go to Settings → Developer mode.
    • Install Window animation scale, Transition animation scale and Animator duration scale on Off.
  3. Rollback to Android 11 (extreme case):
    • Download the firmware Android 11 for your model.
    • Flash it via Odin (see. instructions above).
    • ⚠️ Attention: A rollback will reset all data and may block KNOXwhich will void the warranty.

If the problems persist, check if your device is faulty fake. To do this, enter the code *#06# in the telephone dialer and compare IMEI with what is indicated on the box. Fake Samsung often do not receive OTA updates.

Alternative ways to get Android 12 on unsupported devices

If your Samsung is not included in the official list, but you still want to try Android 12, there are several options:

  1. Custom firmware:
    • LineageOS 19 —the most stable alternative for most models.
    • Pixel Experience 12 —firmware with pure Android and features from Google Pixel.
    • Havoc OS —for fans of customization.

    🔹 Requirements: Unlocked bootloader (OEM Unlock v Settings → Developer mode), custom recovery (TWRP).

  2. Port firmware:
    • Firmware from other models Samsung (for example, firmware Galaxy A52 on Galaxy A51).
    • Requires experience with Odin and modification CSC.
  3. Android emulators:
    • Install Android 12 in an emulator on a PC (for example, Android Studio or BlueStacks).
    • Suitable for testing, but will not replace a full update.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may lead to blocking KNOX (which will disable Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and other functions) and increases the risk of bricking the device. Before flashing the firmware, be sure to:

  • Make a backup via TWRP or Samsung Smart Switch.
  • Check the compatibility of the firmware with your model on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.
  • Charge your smartphone to 100%.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Android 12 on Samsung

My Samsung is not on the list, but I heard that it was supposed to get Android 12. What should I do?

Check the regional firmware first: sometimes the update is released only for certain countries. If you are sure that your model should have been updated, try:

  1. Reset to factory settings (Settings → General management → Reset).
  2. Flash official firmware via Odin (see instructions above).
  3. Contact Samsung support indicating the model and region.

If all else fails, consider the option of custom firmware.

Is it possible to roll back from Android 12 back to Android 11?

Technically yes, but it is risky. When you roll back:

  • All data will be reset (even if you make a backup, some applications may not be restored).
  • It may work FRP Lock (reset protection), if not disable Find My Mobile in advance.
  • On some models, rolling back blocks updates in the future.

Instructions:

  1. Download the firmware Android 11 for your model.
  2. Flash it via Odin (ticks only on BL, AP, CP, CSC, not HOME_CSC!).
  3. After flashing the firmware, reset the data.
Why did some functions stop working after updating to Android 12?

Most often this is due to:

  • Incompatibility of applications — some banking or corporate applications may not support the new version of Android.
  • Reset settings —after updating, some parameters (for example, permissions for applications) are reset.
  • Firmware errors —if the update was interrupted or was installed with errors.

Solutions:

  • Update all applications via Galaxy Store or Google Play.
  • Check your permission settings (Settings → Applications → Permissions).
  • Reset your settings (no data!) via Settings → General management → Reset → Reset settings.
How can I find out which version of Android is the maximum possible for my Samsung?

Official information can be found:

  • On the website Samsung Security Updates (enter model in the search).
  • In the application Samsung Members (section Software updates).
  • On the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA (search by model).

If your device is older than 2019, most likely the maximum version is Android 11 or 10.

Will my Samsung receive security updates on Android 12?

Yes, even if your device does not update to new versions of Android, Samsung releases monthly or quarterly security patches for firmware based on Android 12. The period of support depends on the model:

  • Flagships (Galaxy S/Note/Z) - up to 4 years of patches.
  • Middle segment (Galaxy A) - up to 3 years.
  • Budget models - up to 2 years.

Check the relevance of patches in Settings → Software update → Latest security update installation.