Owners of mobile devices of the South Korean giant often wonder when their gadget will be updated to a new version of the operating system. Android 12 brought with it not just a change in version number, but a radical visual update interface One UI 4.0, which changed the perception of familiar controls. For many users, this update was a turning point in the ergonomics of using a smartphone.
Samsung is known for its policy of long-term device support, but the list of models receiving major updates always arouses keen interest. In this article we will analyze in detail which ones were included in the priority wave of updates, and which ones will receive the firmware last. Understanding this process will help you plan the use of your device and avoid disappointments from incompatibility. devices got into the priority wave of updates, and which ones will receive the firmware last. Understanding this process will help you plan how to use your device and avoid disappointment from incompatibility.
The update process affects not only the software part, but also hardware optimization. It is important to consider that even if the model is technically capable of working with the new OS, the manufacturer may limit access to some functions due to the characteristics of the hardware platform. We will try to cover in as much detail as possible all the nuances of the transition to the new system.
Global changes in the One UI 4.0 interface
The transition to Android 12 was marked by the introduction of the Material You design concept, which became the foundation for the One UI 4.0 shell. These are not just cosmetic changes, but a deep reworking of the logic of interaction with the system. Users were able to personalize the color palette of the entire interface based on the selected wallpaper, which creates a sense of uniqueness of the device.
The Control Center has been completely rethought. Now the quick access settings are placed in a separate curtain, separated from notifications, which greatly simplifies navigation with one finger. The developers paid special attention to large controls and animations, making them smoother and more responsive. Such changes require certain resources from the processor, so animations can be simplified on older models.
Another important innovation was an improved weather widget and new options for displaying information on the lock screen. System fonts became more readable, and the contrast of elements increased for better perception in bright light. All these changes are aimed at making the use of a smartphone more intuitive and comfortable in everyday life.
Before updating, it is recommended to clear the application cache to avoid conflicts between old data and the new system structure.
⚠️ Attention: Visual changes in One UI 4.0 may take some getting used to. The layout of some switches has changed, so be careful when looking for familiar functions in the first days of use.
Full list of Galaxy S and Note smartphones
Flagship lines traditionally receive updates first. Owners of the series Galaxy S can count on the most stable and fast operation of the new system. The list of devices guaranteed to receive the update includes models released starting from 2019, which confirms the manufacturer’s loyalty to its customers.
The series Galaxy S21 became the first to receive a stable firmware version almost simultaneously with the release of pure Android. They were followed by previous generation models such as the S20 FE and the standard 20 Series. Even devices with Exynos processors, which are sometimes criticized for energy efficiency, have received full support for new functions.
The line deserves special mention. Galaxy Note. Despite rumors about the closure of the series, the Note 20 and Note 10 models received an update to Android 12, extending their life cycle. This is especially important for users who use the S Pen stylus for professional tasks, as the new note-taking functions are integrated deeper into the system.
- 📱 Galaxy S21 Ultra, S21+, S21 (all modifications)
- 📱 Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra and FE version
- 📱 Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e and 5G model
- 📱 Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra
- 📱 Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+ and 5G version
It is important to note that support 5G modems in the new OS version has been optimized for better energy saving. If you use a smartphone that supports fifth-generation networks, you may notice improved battery life when actively using the mobile data. This became possible thanks to smarter control of the radio module at the system core level.
Support for mid-budget Galaxy A and M series
The middle segment of the market is the most widespread, so updating these devices always causes the greatest excitement. The series Galaxy A has received wide support, covering models from entry-level to almost flagship solutions. This allows millions of users to use new features without having to buy an expensive phone.
Series models Galaxy A52 and A72 became one of the most popular devices to receive the update. Their balanced characteristics allowed developers to easily adapt the heavy One UI 4.0 shell. The owners of these smartphones have access to functions previously available only in top models, for example, an improved portrait mode.
The budget line Galaxy M has also not been left out, although the update dates here may be delayed several months later. Models M52 and M32 received firmware that significantly refreshed the appearance of budget devices. However, it is worth considering that on devices with less RAM, some background processes may work more aggressively to save resources.
| Series | Updated models | Release status |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A (2021) | A52, A52s, A72, A32, A51 | Stable version |
| Galaxy A (2020) | A71, A51, A41 | Completed |
| Galaxy M (2021) | M52 5G, M32, M22 | In progress |
| Galaxy F | F62, F52 | Regional |
Mid-budget devices receive updates with a delay, but the functionality of One UI 4.0 on them is almost identical to flagships with the exception of some AI camera functions.
It is worth remembering the regional features of firmware distribution. In some countries, the update for the series Galaxy A may arrive earlier than in others due to the need for certification with local telecom operators. If you don't see the update in the Settings menu, you may want to wait a little longer or check your device region.
Galaxy Tab Tablets and Foldable Devices
Tablet computers and innovative foldable smartphones hold a special place in the Samsung ecosystem. For devices with large screens, upgrading to Android 12 has become critical due to the improved multi-window experience. Split screen now works more smoothly, and dragging apps between windows is now intuitive.
Folding devices like Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3get unique taskbar features that resemble a desktop OS. This turns the smartphone into a full-fledged mini-computer when opened. Optimizing apps for flexible displays in One UI 4.0 allows for more efficient use of screen space, preventing interface stretching.
The line of tablets Galaxy Tab S7 and newer models have also found a second life with new software. Improved S Pen support and new navigation gestures make working with documents and creative apps more convenient. Users note that the system has become less prone to unloading applications from memory even with active multitasking.
Secrets of multitasking on tablets
In Android 12 on Samsung tablets, it became possible to run up to three applications simultaneously in split-screen mode if you activate this function in the Good Lock laboratory settings.
⚠️ Attention: On foldable devices, the update may temporarily affect the functionality of the hinge in software (angle calibration). After updating, it is recommended to fold and unfold the device several times for correct operation of the sensors.
How to check and install the update manually
Usually notifications about new firmware come automatically, but sometimes this process requires user intervention. To initiate the scan manually, you need to go to the device settings. This method ensures that you won't miss a release if a push notification was accidentally closed or lost in a message thread.
Menu navigation is standardized across all One UI devices. You need to open the main settings menu and find the section responsible for the system. All parameters related to software version and security are hidden there. Regularly checking for updates is also useful for receiving the latest security patches, which may arrive more often than major versions of Android.
To start the update process, follow these steps:
Settings → About device → Software update → Download and installationAfter pressing the button, the system will contact server and checks for a new version. If an update is available, the data package will begin downloading. Depending on the speed of your Internet connection and the size of the file, this process can take from a few minutes to half an hour. It is not recommended to interrupt the download, as this may damage the integrity of the installation file.
☑️ Preparing for the update
If the automatic search does not return results, although you know that it has already been released for your model update, you can use a computer app Smart Switch. This tool allows you to update your smartphone via a USB cable, which is often faster and more reliable, especially with an unstable wireless connection.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Like any complex software product, a major system update may be accompanied by unexpected errors. Users sometimes experience device slowdowns in the first days after installation. This is a normal phenomenon associated with background optimization of databases and re-indexing of files by the media library.
One common problem is rapid battery drain. Android 12 changes the algorithms of background processes, and some applications take time to adapt to new power saving rules. If the problem does not disappear after 3-4 days, it is recommended to check the charge consumption statistics in the settings and limit the operation of power-hungry applications.
In rare cases, after the update, conflicts with the cache of old applications may occur. If you notice that a app crashes or works incorrectly, try clearing its cache or reinstalling it. A last resort is a factory reset, but you should resort to it only if other methods have not helped.
- 🔋 Quick discharge: Give the phone 2-3 days to adapt the algorithms.
- 🐛 Application crashes: Clear the cache of problematic software through the settings.
- 📶 Network problems: Reset the network settings in the general settings menu.
- 🎨 Interface artifacts: Reboot the device in safe mode for diagnostics.
⚠️ Attention: If after the update the phone stops turning on or is stuck on the logo, do not try to reboot it repeatedly. Contact a service center or try entering Recovery Mode to reset the Wipe Cache Partition cache.
Before installing a major update, always back up important data to the cloud or to your computer, even if the process is considered safe.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will I lose data when updating to Android 12?
In the standard over-the-air (OTA) update scenario, all your data, apps and settings are preserved. However, there is always a minimal risk of failure during installation. Therefore, creating a backup copy before starting the process is a mandatory precaution.
Is it possible to roll back to Android 11 if you don’t like the new version?
Officially, Samsung does not provide a simple option to roll back to the previous version of the OS for ordinary users. Returning to the old version is only possible by flashing the device using the Odin app and downloading the full factory firmware, which will lead to complete deletion of all data.
Why does my device not receive the update, although it is on the list?
The distribution of updates occurs in stages and depends on the region, telecom operator and the specific batch of the device. The delay can range from several days to several weeks. Also make sure you have enough free space on your phone to download and unzip files.
Will the performance of your old smartphone deteriorate after the update?
On devices that are at the edge of support (like the Galaxy S10 or A51), the new system may run a little less smoothly due to increased resource requirements. However, optimizations in One UI 4.0 aim to smooth out these differences, and in most cases the difference is almost unnoticeable in everyday tasks.
How long will Samsung support my devices after Android 12?
Support policy depends on the device class. Flagships usually receive 3-4 major Android updates, and mid-budget models - 2-3. After the release of Android 12, many devices on the list will continue to receive security updates and stability patches for a long time.