The question of when will Android 12 be released on devices Samsung Galaxyremains one of the most discussed among owners of South Korean smartphones. Users are waiting not only for a new version of the operating system, but also for a fresh interface One UI 4that will bring significant changes to design and functionality. The process of rolling out updates usually takes several months, as the company carefully tests the firmware for hundreds of different models. Samsung it usually takes several months as the company carefully tests firmware for hundreds of different models.
The release schedule depends on the device series: flagships get access to the new OS first, while budget models can wait a little longer for their turn. It is important to understand that the release date may vary depending on the region and telecom operator, which may add their own delays before sending the update over the air.
In this article we will analyze in detail the stages of firmware distribution, consider the list of supported devices and give instructions on how to speed up the receipt of the long-awaited update without waiting for automatic notification.
Official release schedule for flagship series
Device series Android 12 . This usually happens a few weeks after the public release of pure Android from Google. For owners of top models, the wait rarely lasts more than two months. Galaxy S and folding smartphones Galaxy Zwill be the first to receive the update to
The flagship line Galaxy S21 became a pioneer in receiving a new shell One UI 4 based on Android 12. They were followed by models of previous generations, such as S20 FE and Note 20. Samsung engineers prioritize these devices due to their high popularity and technical ability to quickly adapt new security and privacy features.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using a smartphone purchased from a specific carrier (for example, Verizon or AT&T in the US), the update may arrive with a delay of 2-3 weeks compared to unlocked versions (Unlocked), as additional testing of network settings is required.
Owners of devices in the series Galaxy Note can also count on receiving a patch in a timely manner, despite the fact that the line has been discontinued. Software support for these models continues in accordance with the company's warranty.
Update timing for mid-range and budget smartphones
After the rollout for flagships is completed, series devices pick up the baton Galaxy A i Galaxy M. Here the situation is a little more complicated, since the number of models in this segment is much higher, and the hardware platforms are more diverse. Software update for these phones it usually begins 2-3 months after the start of sales of flagships.
2021 models, such as Galaxy A52, A72 and A32, received priority in the update queue. Older or budget devices released in 2020 may be included in the list of those updated later or may not receive a major update at all if their technical characteristics do not meet the requirements of the new system.
It is worth noting that for some regions, the release of firmware for mid-budget devices may be divided into several waves. This is done in order to avoid overloading the servers and quickly respond to possible bugs identified by the first users.
Before installing a major update, be sure to back up your important data via Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch, since the flashing process can theoretically lead to the loss of information during a power failure.
List of devices receiving Android 12 and One UI 4
The company Samsung has published an expanded list of gadgets that are guaranteed to receive the new operating system. It includes not only smartphones, but also tablets of the Galaxy Tabseries. The presence of a device in this list means that you will definitely receive an update, the only question is the time of its delivery.
Below is a table with the main models and approximate periods for the start of distribution of updates for different categories of devices.
| Device series | Key models | Status updates | Estimated period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S (Flagships) | S21, S20, S10, S10e | Completed / In progress | December 2021 - February 2022 |
| Galaxy Note | Note 20, Note 10 | In progress | January - March 2022 |
| Galaxy Z (Folding) | Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3, Fold 2 | Completed | December 2021 |
| Galaxy A (Mid class) | A52, A72, A51, A71 | In progress | February - May 2022 |
| Galaxy M (Budget) | M51, M31, M21 | Planned | Second quarter 2022 |
Please note that some models, such as Galaxy S9 or Note 9, remain on Android 10 or 11 because their support cycle for major OS updates has expired. However, they continue to receive security patches.
Why were some models not included in the list?
Smartphone manufacturers limit the number of major Android updates due to hardware limitations of the processor and the amount of RAM required for stable operation of new system functions.
How to check for an update manually
Do not stand passively wait for push notifications about new firmware. You can independently initiate a check for updates in the settings of your smartphone. This is the most reliable way to find out whether system update has arrived exactly on your device in your region.
To do this, you need to perform the following sequence of actions:
- 📱 Open the application
Settingson the main screen. - 🔽 Scroll down the list and find the item
Software update(usually located at the very bottom of the menu). - 🔄 Click on button
Download and install. - ⏳ Wait for the server to check. If an update is available, the system will prompt you to start downloading.
If the system reports that the software is up to date, but you know that your model has already been released in other countries, it may not be your turn yet. In this case, the check should be carried out every 2-3 days.
☑️ Ready for update
Installation features via computer and Smart Switch
Sometimes over-the-air (OTA) updates may not arrive due to network errors or overcrowded servers. In such cases, a proprietary utility Samsung Smart Switch for PC comes to the rescue. This method often allows you to get the firmware before it becomes available through the mobile menu.
For installation you will need a computer (Windows or Mac), a USB cable and the installed app Smart Switch. Connect your smartphone to your PC, launch the application and press the Updatebutton. The app will automatically detect the available software version and offer to install it.
⚠️ Attention: When updating via Smart Switch, do not disconnect the USB cable until the process is complete and the phone is rebooted. Interrupting data recording may damage the system partition and require service repair.
This method is also useful if your device was previously flashed or has a changed region (CSC), which may block receiving OTA updates. The app itself will pull up the correct firmware version for your serial number.
Using a PC and the Smart Switch app is the most reliable way to update if the OTA update does not arrive for a long time or is interrupted during the download stage.
New features of One UI 4 based on Android 12
Switching to Android 12 brings not just a change of version, but a significant change in the user experience thanks to the shell One UI 4. The interface has become more ergonomic, with an emphasis on one-handed operation and a new color palette.
One of the main innovations is a function Palettethat automatically matches the colors of interface elements (icons, widgets, menus) to the colors of your wallpaper. This makes the design of the smartphone unique for each user.
- 🎨 Dynamic colors: The system adapts the design theme to the image on the desktop.
- 🔒 Privacy panel: New section in settings showing which applications accessed the microphone, camera or geolocation in the last 24 hours.
- 📷 Improved camera: Redesigned shooting interface with smoother zoom and new portrait modes.
Work with widgets has also been improved: they have become more informative and have new sizes. Notifications are now grouped differently, allowing you to quickly find important information in the notification shade.
What to do if your phone is slow after an update?
After a major Android 12 system update, your phone needs time (1 to 3 days) to optimize apps and index files in the background. During this period, rapid battery discharge and slight slowdowns are possible. If the problem persists for more than a week, try clearing the system partition cache through Recovery mode or performing a factory reset.
Is it possible to roll back to Android 11 if you don’t like the new version?
Samsung officially does not provide the ability to easily roll back to the previous version of Android after an update. A return is possible only by flashing the device with the old version of the software through the Odin app, which is a complex procedure, requires unlocking the bootloader (which erases all data and triggers the Knox counter) and carries the risk of turning the phone into a “brick.”
Why hasn’t the update arrived on my Galaxy A51 yet?
The update schedule for the A series depends on the sales region and the specific modification processor. Updates come in waves. If users from other countries are already writing on forums about receiving Android 12, this does not guarantee instant availability of the firmware in your region. Continue to check your settings manually.
Will the Android 12 update delete my apps and photos?
No, standard software updates through settings or Smart Switch occur without loss of user data. All your applications, photos, contacts and settings will be saved. However, creating a backup copy before any system intervention is a good rule of thumb in case of unforeseen failures.