Owners Samsung Galaxy A50 have been waiting for several years for an official update to Android 12 one of the most significant versions of the operating system from Google. This firmware brought revolutionary design changes (Material You), improved performance and new privacy features. However, Samsung, like many other manufacturers, limits support for budget models, which raises questions among users: is it worth waiting for the official release or switching to custom firmware now?

In this article we will figure it out why the Samsung Galaxy A50 will never receive Android 12 through official channels, but at the same time we will tell you how to get around this limitation using alternative methods. You will learn about the risks and benefits of unofficial firmware, receive step-by-step installation instructions and a list of verified assemblies. We will also analyze what functions One UI 4.0 (Samsung shell for Android 12) you lose by staying on the old version, and how to replace them with third-party applications.

If you have long dreamed of a fresh version of Android, but do not want to risk stability devices - this guide will help you make an informed decision. We will also answer frequently asked questions: does the update affect performance, is it possible to roll back and what to do if the phone stops working after updating the firmware.

Why the Samsung Galaxy A50 will not receive Android 12 officially

The smartphone Galaxy A50 was released in March 2019 with pre-installed version Android 9 Pie and shell One UI 1.1. According to Samsung policy, budget models of the series A receive only 2 major OS updates:

  • 📱 Android 10 (One UI 2.0/2.5) - released in 2020
  • 📱 Android 11 (One UI 3.1) - released in 2021

After the release Android 11 support Galaxy A50 was officially discontinued. This means that:

  • ❌ No release plans Android 12 (One UI 4.x)
  • ❌ No release plans Android 13 (One UI 5.x)
  • ⚠️ The latest security updates were released until 2022

This policy is related c hardware limitations: the processor Exynos 9610 and 4 GB of RAM are not optimized for new versions of Android, which can lead to slowdownsoverheating or rapid battery drain. In addition, Samsung is focusing on supporting newer models, such as Galaxy A52 or A53.

⚠️ Attention: If you see news about the “imminent release of Android 12 for the Galaxy A50” on unverified resources, this is either a mistake or a scam. There were no official statements from Samsung on this matter.
📊 Were you waiting for the Android 12 update for your Galaxy A50?
Yes, I really hoped
No, I resigned myself a long time ago
I use custom firmware
I don’t know what it is

What Android 12 gives: key functions that are not in Android 11

Even if Galaxy A50 does not receive an official update, it is worth understanding what opportunities you have are missing out. Android 12 brought a number of revolutionary changes:

Function Description Alternative for A50
Material You Dynamic design theme that adapts to the wallpaper (colors icons, menus, notifications). data-i="85">or Applications Hex Installer or Substratum (requires root)
Privacy Dashboard Application access control panel for microphone, camera, geolocation Application Bouncer or App Ops
One-handed mode Improved one-handed mode with gestures Enabled in Settings → Additional features (available in One UI 3.1)
Scrolling Screenshots Screenshots of long pages (for example, chats or websites) Applications LongShot or Stitch & Share
Game Dashboard FPS, notifications and gaming performance control panel App Game Launcher from Samsung (already preinstalled)

In addition, Android 12 improved:

  • 🔋 Energy consumption optimization (battery lasts 10-15% longer)
  • 🎮 Performance in games (due to the new API Game Mode 2.0)
  • 📡 Stability of the modules 5G and Wi-Fi 6 (relevant for new devices)

However, not all functions will be useful on Galaxy A50. For example, Material You requires a powerful processor for smooth animation, and may conflict with older versions of applications. If you decide to install custom firmware, be prepared for a slowdown of the interface during active use. data-i="110">overheating Privacy Dashboard may conflict with older versions of applications. If you decide to install custom firmware, be prepared for interface slowdown or overheating with active use.

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Before installing custom firmware, check the compatibility of the kernel. Some builds of Android 12 require the kernel 4.14.113+, while the Galaxy A50 uses 4.14.113-20557735. Inconsistency can lead to “brick” (breakage) of the device.

Alternative ways to install Android 12 on Galaxy A50

If you are willing to take the risk, there are several ways to get Android 12 on Galaxy A50:

  1. Custom firmware ROM) - unofficial builds from the developer community (for example, LineageOS 19, Pixel Experience 12).
  2. Ported firmware - adapted versions from other Samsung devices (for example, with Galaxy A51).
  3. GSI (Generic System Image) - universal Android images from Google that can be installed on any device with Project Treble.

The most reliable option - LineageOS 19, since this firmware is optimized for weak devices and has minimal bugs. However, before installation you need to:

Unlock the bootloader|Install TWRP Recovery|Make a data backup|Download the firmware and Gapps|Check model compatibility (SM-A505F/FN/G/N)

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The installation process takes 30-60 minutes and requires:

  1. Unlocking OEM Unlock in Settings → About phone → Software information (click 7 times on "Build number", then return to "Developer options").
  2. Settings TWRP Recovery via Odin (app for Samsung firmware).
  3. Formatting the partition /data (will lead to the loss of all data!).
  4. Setting the firmware itself and Gapps (Google services).

After installation you will need:

  • ⚙️ Configure SELinux in mode Permissive (otherwise some functions will not work).
  • 🔄 Reboot the device 2-3 times to stabilize system.
  • 📱 Install Magisk to obtain root access (optional).
⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the Samsung warranty and may lead to loss of IMEI (communication module serial number) Before installing the firmware, check whether your model supports it. (SM-A505F, SM-A505FN etc.) the selected assembly.
What to do if there is no network after the firmware?

If after installing Android 12 the mobile data is lost or Wi-Fi, try:

1. Reflash modem (file CP in Odin) from the original firmware.

2. Manually enter the APN settings in Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access points (APN).

3. Install the patch IMS Fix for VoLTE (if calls via 4G do not work).

If nothing helps, return to the stock firmware via Odin.

Best custom Android 12 firmware for Galaxy A50

Not all builds are equally stable. We tested several options and compiled a rating:

Firmware Android version Pros Cons Link (XDA)
LineageOS 19 12.1 ✅ Maximum stability
✅ Support for OTA updates		 ❌ No proprietary features Samsung
❌ The camera works worse than stock		 Link
Pixel Experience 12 12.0 ✅ Pure Android without bloatware
✅ Pixel functions (Now Playing, Call Screen)		 ❌ Bugs with Bluetooth
❌ No Widevine L1 (Netflix in 480p)		 Link
Havoc-OS 4.12 12.1 ✅ Lots of customization
✅ Good performance		 ❌ Difficult setup for beginners
❌ The battery drains faster		 Link
CrDroid 8.1 12.1 ✅ Optimized for Exynos 9610
✅ Dolby Atmos support		 ❌ No official support
❌ Random reboots are possible		 Link

For most users we recommend LineageOS 19 —it is the most stable and is updated regularly. If you need chips from Google Pixel, try Pixel Experience, but be prepared for bugs with the camera and Bluetooth.

Before installation, be sure to check:

  • 🔧 Compatibility with your model (SM-A505F, SM-A505FN, SM-A505G i etc.).
  • 📅 Date of the last firmware update (if the assembly has not been updated for more than 6 months, it may be unstable).
  • 💬 Reviews from other users on the forum XDA Developers.
💡

No custom firmware will provide 100% stability. If calls, SMS and camera are critically important to you, it is better to stay on stock Android 11.

Risks and problems after installing Android 12

Even if the firmware is installed successfully, you may encounter the following problems:

  • 🔋 Fast battery drain — Android 12 is more demanding on resources, especially on Exynos 9610.
  • 📷 Bad camera —custom firmware often lacks proprietary Samsung drivers.
  • 🎵 No Dolby Atmos —the sound may become worse due to the lack of proprietary algorithms.
  • 📶 Problems with the network - connection interruptions, lack of VoLTE or 4G+ are possible.
  • 🔒 Bank accounts do not work applications - due to lack of SafetyNet (solved through Magisk).

Some problems can be solved:

  • 🔋 To save battery, disable Adaptive brightness and Background activity in the settings.
  • 📷 Install Google Camera (GCam) with the correct config for Galaxy A50.
  • 🎵 Use the equalizer ViPER4Android to improve the sound.
  • 📶 Reflash the modem from the stock firmware via Odin (file CP).
  • 🔒 Install the module MagiskHide Props Config to pass SafetyNet.

If after installing Android 12 phone:

  • 🔄 Stuck on loading - try resetting the settings via TWRP (Wipe → Format Data).
  • 🔥 Overheats - roll back to stock or try another firmware.
  • 🚫 Does not turn on - flash the stock firmware via Odin v mode Download Mode.
⚠️ Attention: If you use Galaxy A50 for work (for example, as a second phone for business applications), custom firmware can create problems with corporate security policies (for example, Knox stops working).

How to return the stock firmware if you don’t like Android 12

If the custom firmware is unstable or you don’t like the changes, you can always return the original version of Android. To do this you will need:

  1. Download stock firmware for your model from the site SamMobile or Frija.
  2. Install the app Odin (version 3.14.4 or later).
  3. Boot the phone into mode Download Mode (turn off, then hold down Volume Down + Power + Bixby).
  4. Connect to PC and flash files in Odin: 
    BL → BL_XXXX.tar

    AP → AP_XXXX.tar
    

    CP → CP_XXXX.tar
    

    CSC → CSC_XXXX.tar (NOT HOME_CSC!)

  5. Wait completion (the phone will reboot automatically).

Important points:

  • 🔹 Use the correct model (SM-A505F, SM-A505FN etc.) Firmware from another model will lead to briku!
  • 🔹 File CSC (not HOME_CSC) will erase all data, including internal memory.
  • 🔹 If Odin gives an error FAIL, try another version of the app or cable.

After returning to the stock firmware:

  • 🔒 Knox may show the status 0x1 (triggered), which will deprive you of the ability to use Samsung Pay i Secure Folder.
  • 📱 OTA updates may not arrive - in this case, flash new versions manually via Odin.
  • 🔧 If the phone becomes slower, reset it via Settings → General management → Reset.
💡

If IMEI does not work after returning to stock firmware, flash the file CP separately (without other components). This will restore the communication module.

Is it worth updating: comparison of Android 11 vs Android 12 on the Galaxy A50

To make a final decision, compare the two OS versions on Galaxy A50:

Criterion Android 11 (One UI 3.1) Android 12 (Custom firmware)
Performance ✅ Stable, without lags
✅ Optimized for Exynos 9610		 ❌ Possible slowdown
❌ Overheating under load
Operating time ✅ 5-6 hours of screen ❌ 3-4 hours of screen (due to optimization)
Camera ✅ All modules work
✅ There is a night mode		 ❌ Artifacts are possible
❌ Some modes are missing
Functions ❌ No Material You, Privacy Dashboard ✅ All features of Android 12
✅ Possibility of customization
Security ❌ Latest patches - 2022 year ✅ Security updates are released regularly (for LineageOS)
Compatibility ✅ All applications work ❌ There may be problems with banking applications

Conclusion:

  • 🔹 If you need stability i camera quality - stay on Android 11.
  • 🔹 If you want new design i privacy functions - try LineageOS 19.
  • 🔹 If the phone is used for work or banking operations —custom firmware is not suitable.

Also keep in mind that Galaxy A50 is already morally outdated, and even Android 12 won't make it significantly faster. If performance is important to you, you might want to consider buying a new smartphone (for example Galaxy A53 or A54which will receive upgrades to Android 16).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to install Android 12 on the Galaxy A50 without root?

Yes, to install custom firmware it is not necessary to get rootHowever, you will need:

  1. Unlock Bootloader (this will reset all data!).
  2. Install TWRP Recovery.
  3. Flash the firmware ZIP file via TWRP.

root access (Magisk) are needed only for additional tweaks (for example, hiding the Bootloader unlock status from banking applications).

Will Samsung release Android 12 for the Galaxy A50 in 2026-2026?

No, there will never be an official update. Samsung strictly follows the support policy:

  • Flagships (series S i Note) - 4 years of updates.
  • Middle segment (series A s 2020) - 3 years of updates.
  • Budget models (including Galaxy A50) - 2 years of updates.

Galaxy A50 was released in 2019 and received the latest updates in 2021. Even if you see news about an “unexpected update”, this is either a bug or. fake.

How to check what firmware is installed on my Galaxy A50?

To find out the current Android version and build:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go in About phone → Software information.
  3. Look at the lines: 
    Android version: 11 (or other)

    One UI version: 3.1
    

    Build number: A505FXXU8DVG1 (example)

If Android versions specified 11 is the maximum possible official version for your device.

Is it possible to update the Galaxy A50 to Android 13 or 14?

Technically yes, but:

  • 🔹 Android 13 is available in the form of custom firmware (for example, LineageOS 20), but it works even worse than Android 12.
  • 🔹 Android 14 has not yet been ported to Galaxy A50 due to the lack of drivers for Exynos 9610.
  • 🔹 Performance will be extremely low - expect lags even in simple tasks.

We not we recommend install Android 13+ on this device - it is better to choose a stable build of Android 12 or stay on stock Android 11.

What to do if TouchWiz (One UI) does not work after the update?

If you installed custom firmware and want to return the Samsung proprietary shell (One UI), you have two options:

  1. Return to stock firmware via Odin (as described above).
  2. Install ported One UI (for example, One UI 4.0 s Galaxy A51), but this:
  • ❌ Very unstable (expect constant reboots).
  • ❌ The camera and sensors will not work.
  • ❌ There is no support from the developers.

It is better to choose the first option and accept the fact that One UI 4.0+ is officially unavailable for Galaxy A50.