Samsung smartphone owners have long been accustomed to the fact that the South Korean giant is one of the leaders in the speed and duration of support for its devices. However, the anticipation of a major system update, such as the transition to Android 13always causes a stir and many questions among users. The process of introducing a new version of an operating system with a proprietary shell One UI 5.0 or One UI 5.1 occurs in stages, and the timing depends on the specific model, region of sale and status of the device.
Understanding the update schedule is critical for those who are planning to purchase a new gadget or are expecting new security features and interface. In this article, we will analyze in detail the chronology of firmware releases, technical features of the transition and nuances that may affect the speed of receiving the update on your device. The information presented below is based on official data and confirmed software distribution practices.
Official release schedule for Android 13 for flagship models
Traditionally, flagship smartphones in the series are the first to receive the new version of Android. Galaxy S. For the Galaxy S22 family, the update to Android 13 became available in October-November 2022, which confirms the high priority of these devices in the company’s policy. Users of the Galaxy S22 Ultra, S22+ and basic S22 models were able to appreciate the new features One UI 5.0 among the first on the market.
Next in line to receive a major update are models of the previous generation, such as the series Galaxy S21 and folding devices Galaxy Z Fold 3 i Flip 3. For these gadgets, the firmware distribution process took a little longer due to the need to adapt the code to specific hardware, especially for devices with flexible screens. It is important to note that the timing may shift depending on the telecom operator through which the phone was purchased.
Don't forget about the series Note, which, although officially abolished, continues to receive support. Smartphones Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra were also included in the list of priority devices for updating. This ensures that owners of these powerful devices will be able to enjoy the latest security features and battery optimization for a long time to come.
Before starting the update, make sure that the battery charge is at least 60% to avoid sudden shutdown of the device at a critical moment of system installation.
Update timing for the mid-budget Galaxy A series
The line Galaxy A is the most widespread in the Samsung portfolio, and it is here that users often encounter the greatest delays in receiving updates. However, the company is committed to bridging the gap between the flagship and mid-range segments. Upper mid-range models such as Galaxy A73 5G and Galaxy A53 5Ggained access to Android 13 relatively quickly, following flagships with a lag of several weeks.
For more affordable models such as Galaxy A33, A23 and A13the update process may take more time. This is due to the huge number of variations of these devices for different markets and telecom operators. Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the firmware is already available in one country, but in another it is still at the beta testing or final testing stage.
⚠️ Attention: The timing of updates for the A series may vary significantly depending on the region. Firmware for the European market (region code XEO) often arrives earlier than for devices intended for sale through specific mobile operators.
Owners of budget models should be patient. Samsung releases updates in waves, and your device may receive a signal that a new system is available several months after the official announcement for older models. Regularly checking for updates in the settings remains the only reliable way not to miss this moment.
☑️ Ready to update
Features of the update for folding smartphones Galaxy Z
Devices with a folding form factor, such as Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4, represent a special category of difficulty for software developers. Updating to Android 13 on these models includes not just a change in the kernel version, but also deep optimization of the interface One UI for working with a flexible display in various modes.
Flagship foldables are usually updated simultaneously with the series Galaxy S or with minimal delay. This emphasizes their status as premium devices. However, due to the complexity of the mechanics and software, the risks of bugs in the early stages of distribution may be higher. Therefore, Samsung often conducts more thorough internal testing of firmware for the Z series before global release. Users of previous generations of foldable phones, including
Users of previous generations of foldable phones, including Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3, also received full support for Android 13. This update brought significant improvements to multitasking and taskbar experience, which is critical for devices with large screen.
Why are foldables updated with caution?
Due to the unique design of the screen and hinge, the software must perfectly synchronize the display when folded and extended. An error in the code can lead to incorrect display of the interface or problems with position sensors, so testing takes more time.
Support table for models and versions of One UI
Below is a summary table that will help you figure out which version of the shell One UI corresponds to Android 13 for different generations of devices. Understanding this relationship makes it easier to identify the status of your phone in the list of supported ones.
| Device series | Models | Android version | One UI version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S22 / Z Fold4 / Flip4 | S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, Fold4, Flip4 | Android 13 (from boxes/update) | One UI 5.0 / 5.1 |
| Galaxy S21 / Z Fold3 / Flip3 | S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, FE, Fold3, Flip3 | Update to Android 13 | One UI 5.0 / 5.1 |
| Galaxy S20 / Note 20 / Z Fold2 | S20, S20 FE, Note 20, Fold2, Flip | Update to Android 13 | One UI 5.0 / 5.1 |
| Galaxy A73 / A53 / A33 | A73 5G, A53 5G, A33 5G | Update to Android 13 | One UI 5.0 / 5.1 |
| Galaxy A72 / A52 / A32 | A72, A52, A52s, A32 | Update to Android 13 | One UI 5.0 / 5.1 |
As can be seen from the table, support covers devices released starting from 2020. This is an impressive figure in an industry where many manufacturers limit themselves to two years of updates for the mid-range segment. The presence of a version One UI 5.1 often means the presence of additional features that were added after the initial release of Android 13.
All devices listed in the table are guaranteed to receive a stable version of Android 13, but the exact date depends on the region and telecom operator.
How to check and install the update manually
Sometimes the automatic notification about the availability of new firmware does not arrive on time. In this case, you can initiate a manual check for updates through your smartphone's settings menu. This process is safe and does not require connecting to a computer if you have a stable Internet connection.
First, unlock your device and go to the main settings menu. Find the section responsible for general information about the system. The path may differ slightly depending on the current version of the shell, but the logic remains the same for all modern Samsung devices.
Follow the following sequence of actions:
- 📱 Open the application
Settingson your smartphone. - 📜 Scroll the list to the very bottom and find the item
Software update. - 🔄 Click on the button
Download and install. - ⏳ Wait for the server to check the availability of the new version.
If an update is available, the system will prompt you to review the changes and begin downloading. If you see a message that the software has been updated to the latest version, this means that the release has not yet taken place for your specific device and region. In this case, it is recommended to repeat the check after a few days.
What to do if the button is inactive?
If the "Download and Install" button is inactive or gray, check your Internet connection and free memory. Also make sure that the device is not in power saving mode, which can block background system processes.
Possible problems and solutions
The update process, despite its smooth running, is not immune to technical failures. Users may experience download errors, installation hangs, or loss of connection to the server. It is important to know how to act in such situations so as not to harm the device.
One of the common problems is the lack of free space in the phone's memory. Android 13 system and shell One UI require a significant amount of space to unpack files before installation. If your device has less than 5-6 GB of free memory, the update may not start or may be interrupted during the download phase.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to interrupt the update installation process by pressing the reset buttons or removing the battery (if it is non-removable). This can damage the system partition and turn the phone into a brick.
If the update is stuck at a certain percentage or the phone reboots in a loop, try resetting the network settings or clearing the system update application cache. In extreme cases, you may need to use official software Odin and a computer to manually flash the device, but this requires certain technical skills.
- 🗑️ Free up space by deleting unnecessary photos, videos or applications.
- 📶 Switch from mobile data to a stable network Wi-Fi.
- 🔋 Connect the phone to the original charger.
Remember that after installing a major update, the system may work slower in the first hours. This is normal as background processes optimize files and index data. Give your device time to adapt before jumping to conclusions about performance.
After upgrading to Android 13, it is recommended to reboot your device manually again to complete all background configuration processes and ensure all services are running smoothly.
Will older Samsung models get Android 13?
Models released before 2020 models (e.g. Galaxy S10, Note 10) generally do not receive an update to Android 13. Their support is limited to Android 11 or 12 versions depending on region and model specific policies. However, they continue to receive security updates.
Does an unlocked bootloader affect the receipt of updates?
Yes, if you have unlocked the Bootloader or installed custom firmware, automatically receiving official updates over the air (OTA) will become impossible. You will have to return the stock firmware manually through your computer.
Is it possible to roll back from Android 13 to Android 12?
Officially, Samsung does not provide the ability to simply roll back the Android version through the phone settings. Returning to the previous version is only possible by completely reflashing the device with the loss of all data, which requires the use of specialized software.
Why did the update arrive at different times on two identical phones?
This is due to a phased rollout (deployment). Samsung releases updates in batches to minimize the risk of widespread outages. The region code (CSC) and the connection to the telecom operator are also affected.
Will the Android 13 update delete my data?
When updating over the air (OTA) through the settings, the user data is saved. However, it is recommended to make a backup copy of important files before any serious intervention in the system in case of unexpected errors.