Smartphone owners Samsung traditionally are in a privileged position when it comes to software support periods. The South Korean giant has set high standards in the industry, providing its flagships with security updates and major OS versions for 5 and sometimes 7 years. With the release approaching Android 15 and the new shell One UI 7, users are naturally interested in the fate of their devices. The list of compatible gadgets is huge, but has clear boundaries related to the age of the model and its technical characteristics.
In this article we will analyze in detail which models Galaxy are confirmed for updating, and which will remain on the current version of the system. We will consider not only official statements, but also the logic that guides Samsung decisions to end the support cycle. It is important to understand that the transition to a new OS is not just a change in numbers in the settings, but also the introduction of new privacy features, improvements in working with multimedia and optimization of energy consumption. Get ready, because some old models may unexpectedly get a second chance, while other seemingly fresh devices may remain unattended.
Special attention should be paid to the update procedure. Even if your smartphone is on the supported list, the installation process One UI 7 may have its own nuances. We will touch upon issues of stability of beta versions, the risks of installing custom firmware, and how to properly prepare a device for a global update. The information presented below is based on current data from developers and leaks from reliable sources, however, the final list may be adjusted before the official release.
Samsung Official Update Policy
The company Samsung has radically changed the approach to supporting its devices in recent years. If previously users of budget series could count on only one major update, now the situation has changed. Flagship series such as Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flipreceive an unprecedented 7-year support guarantee. This means they will continue to receive security updates and new versions of Android until 2031. For owners of such devices, the issue of compatibility with Android 15 does not even arise - they will be among the first to receive it.
However, for devices released before 2026, different rules apply. Typically, the company provides 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches for previous generation flagships (S21, S22, S23 series). Budget and mid-price models, such as series Galaxy A, are often limited to 2-3 major updates. It is this limit that becomes the decisive factor in forming the list of devices that will have the honor of working on the base Android 15. The company's policy is transparent: once a device exhausts its limit of major updates, it is switched to security-updates-only mode or completely removed from support.
⚠️ Attention: Update policies may vary depending on the region where the device is sold and the specific telecom operator. In some countries, versions for carrier models receive updates with a delay or do not receive them at all, unlike unlocked versions.
It is also worth noting that the presence of powerful hardware is not always a guarantee of receiving a new OS. Sometimes the decision is made based on marketing strategy or the difficulty of adapting new functions to old processor drivers Exynos or Snapdragon. However, Samsung is trying to keep up the brand, and the list of supported devices is expanding every year, including models from three years ago.
Full list of flagship Galaxy S and Note models
Series Galaxy S has always been a priority for the company's engineers. Starting with the model Galaxy S21, released at the beginning of 2021, all smartphones in this line are guaranteed to receive Android 15. This includes the base, Plus and Ultra versions. Users of the legendary series Galaxy Note can also breathe a sigh of relief: the latest models, such as Note 20 Ultraalthough they are on the verge of ending support, in some regions can still receive the final major updates, however for Android 15 the main candidate from the "notes" is only Note 20 in the context of the intersection of policies, but officially the Note series is actually integrated into the S Ultra line.
Owners of series devices Galaxy S20 are at risk. These smartphones, released in 2020, received Android 11, 12, 13 and 14. According to the standard policy of the time (3 updates), Android 15 should have been the last one for them or not available at all. However, given the extension of support for some models, the situation remains tense. With a high degree of probability, Galaxy S20 FE the main S20 models will receive this update as the final chord of their life cycle, but they should no longer count on One UI 8 (S24, S24+, S24 Ultra) - will receive it first, support until Android 21.
- 📱 Galaxy S24 (S24, S24+, S24 Ultra) - will be the first to receive, support up to Android 21.
- 📱 Galaxy S23 (S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, FE) - full support, stable operation.
- 📱 Galaxy S22 (S22, S22+, S22 Ultra) - confident update, battery optimization.
- 📱 Galaxy S21 (S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, FE) - will receive the update, but may feel the load of new ones functions.
The series Fan Editionstands apart. Models FE usually follow the update schedule of their older brothers with a slight delay. Galaxy S21 FE i S23 FE are definitely on the list of lucky ones. But the fate S20 FE (especially the version on the Exynos processor) remains in question, since this particular model has often become the target of criticism due to overheating and problems with optimization in previous versions of the software.
Before updating the flagship, be sure to back up your data via Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch. New versions of shells can sometimes reset alarm clock and NFC payment settings.
Support for mid-budget Galaxy A and M series
The most widespread category of users are owners of smartphones of the series Galaxy A. Here the policy Samsung has become more generous, but also more confusing due to the huge number of models. Starting with series Galaxy A52 and later, the company began to provide 3-4 years of OS updates. This means that popular models such as Galaxy A52 5G, A53 5G, A54 5G and A55 5Gwill certainly receive Android 15. For many users, these devices are the main work tools, and extending their life with new software is critical.
Younger A-series models (A3x, A2x, A1x) often receive only 2 major updates. For example, Galaxy A32 or A13 may stop at Android 13 or 14. Owners of budget devices should carefully monitor official announcements, since this category of phones most often falls off the support list ahead of time. The Galaxy Mseries, focused on online sales, usually follows the same rules as the corresponding A-series models, but with a delay of several months.
| Smartphone model | Release year | Android 15 status | Expected version of One UI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A55 5G | 2026 | ✅ Confirmed | One UI 7.0 |
| Galaxy A54 5G | 2023 | ✅ Confirmed | One UI 7.0 |
| Galaxy A53 5G | 2022 | ✅ Confirmed | One UI 7.0 |
| Galaxy A52s 5G | 2021 | ⚠️ Probably (final) | One UI 7.0 |
| Galaxy A34 5G | 2023 | ✅ Confirmed | One UI 7.0 |
It is important to understand the difference between global versions and regional modifications. The smartphone Galaxy A52s has become a legend thanks to its processor Snapdragon 778Gwhich still shows excellent performance. It is thanks to this chip that the model has a high chance of getting Android 15, while versions on Exynos can be eliminated due to problems with drivers. Always check the exact model of your device in the settings.
Folding smartphones Galaxy Z Fold and Flip
Devices with folding screens occupy a special place in the ecosystem Samsung. Since their cost is much higher than regular smartphones, the company is obliged to provide long-term support for them. All models starting from Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 (released in 2021) are guaranteed to receive an update to Android 15. This includes the newer generations: Fold 4/5 and Flip 4/5. For these devices, the update will become especially important, as Google and Samsung are actively optimizing the interface for large screens and multitasking. Users of the very first folding models (first generation) and One UI 7 will become especially important as Google and Samsung actively optimize the interface for large screens and multitasking.
Users of the very first folding models - Galaxy Fold (first generation) and Galaxy Z Flip (first generation) - unfortunately, they will be left behind. These devices, released in 2019 and 2020, reached their update limit back on Android 12 or 13. Although technically they could support the new OS, the manufacturer decided not to extend their support, likely due to the specifics of early display drivers and hinge mechanisms that require unique software.
Features of updating folding smartphones
Updates on Fold and Flip often weigh more (5-6 GB) due to additional interface optimizations for external and internal screens. The installation process may take up to 40 minutes. Do not use your phone during installation to avoid screen calibration desync.
Folding devices are expected to feature new gestures for switching between applications and improved taskbar functionality. Owners Android 15 For foldable devices, there will be new gestures for switching between applications and improved work with the taskbar. Owners Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 will be able to fully appreciate these functions. If you have a device of this series, released in 2021 or later, you can rest assured that your gadget remains up-to-date.
How to check the availability of an update on your device
You should not blindly trust lists from the Internet, since rollout (gradual distribution) of updates occurs in waves. Even if your model is supported, you may not receive a notification right away. The most reliable way to check the status is to use the system settings. Go to menu Settings → Software update → Download and installation. If the system finds a new version, it will offer to download it. If you see the message “Software updated to the latest version,” this does not always mean that Android 15 is not available - perhaps the queue has not yet reached your region or serial number.
For more advanced users, there is an application Samsung Members. The "Notifications" or "News" sections often contain information about the status of beta testing or the start of distribution of a stable version for specific models. You can also use the app Smart Switch on your computer. By connecting your phone to your PC, you can force a request to check for updates. Sometimes the desktop version sees updates earlier than the smartphone itself over the air (OTA).
⚠️ Attention: Never try to install the firmware manually via Odin if you are not sure of region compatibility (CSC). Firmware from another region may block Samsung Pay, Knox functions, or cause problems with the LTE/5G frequency band.
If an update is available but cannot be installed, check for free space. Installation Android 15 may require up to 10-15 GB of free space at the time of unpacking the files, even if the file itself weighs less. Clear the cache or delete unnecessary videos before starting the procedure.
☑️ Ready for Android 15 update
What new awaits users in One UI 7 and Android 15
The transition to Android 15 will bring not only the version number, but also a number of significant changes that change the experience of interacting with a smartphone. One of the key innovations will be an improved notification and privacy management system. Google is rolling out a "Private Space" feature that lets you create a secure folder for apps hidden from the main interface. In the shell One UI 7 this function will be deeply integrated with biometric security Samsung.
The visual style is also expected to be reworked. Rumors indicate that One UI 7 will receive new transition animations, smoother rounding of icons and an updated quick settings panel. For users, this means a more modern and airy interface. In addition, work with peripherals will improve: support for new Bluetooth standards and improved control of external displays will be a pleasant bonus for those who use the phone in Dex.
- 🔒 Partial access to photosmode: applications will be able to request access only to selected pictures, and not to the entire gallery.
- 🔋 Smart power consumption: new freezing algorithms background processes to save battery.
- 📶 Satellite communications: preparing infrastructure for emergency messages via satellite (depending on the region and model).
Another important change concerns security. Android 15 tightens the rules for installing applications from unknown sources and blocks the installation of older APK versions that are vulnerable to attacks. This may cause inconvenience for fans of custom software, but for the average user this is a serious step forward in protecting personal data. Owners of devices with processors Exynos may also notice an improvement in modem performance and connection stability.
The main advantage of Android 15 on Samsung is not new features, but increased system stability and extending the safe operation life of the device for another year.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the Galaxy S20 FE receive an update to Android 15?
The probability is high, but not 100%. The S20 FE (especially the Snapdragon version) should receive Android 15 as the last major update, per the 3-year support policy in effect at the time of launch. However, if Samsung decides to end support earlier due to technical limitations, the device may remain on Android 14.
When will the stable version of Android 15 be released for Samsung?
Usually Samsung releases a stable update for flagships 2-3 months after the premiere of pure Android from Google. The release is expected to take place in the first quarter of next year (February-March). Beta versions for developers may appear as early as the end of this year.
Will the Android 15 update erase all data from the phone?
When updating over the air (OTA) through the settings, the data is not deleted. However, if you decide to flash the device manually via a computer (Clean Install), all data will be deleted. Always make a backup copy before any manipulations with the software.
Can I roll back to Android 14 if I don’t like the new version?
Officially rolling back the Android version down is impossible without completely flashing the device with data loss and triggering the Knox counter (which will permanently disable Samsung Pay and the protected folder). It is recommended that you read the reviews first before installing.
Will Android 15 slow down older smartphones?
Models three years old (for example, S21 or A52) may experience a slight decrease in performance in the first days after the update due to file indexing and system optimization. Usually, after a week of operation, the smartphone returns to its usual speed.