Samsung
These Samsung Galaxy Devices Will Get Android 16 (One UI 8) Update
On November 19, Google dropped the Android 16 Developer Preview. It’s a very initial development stage of the new Android version. Samsung Galaxy devices may receive the new Android 16-based One UI (8) update in the second half of 2025.
Dozens of Samsung Galaxy devices are eligible for the Android 16 update. Galaxy smartphone users are currently waiting for the One UI 7 Beta Program to kick off. It will bring Android 15 to Samsung smartphones and tablets.
Samsung’s running way too late this year. It hasn’t yet started the new software’s beta testing. The public rollout is slated to be started early next year. Meanwhile, Google is shifting gears to streamline Android’s adoption across vendors.
In recent years, Samsung has significantly improved its software support. The majority of new phones come with at least six years of OS update support. The policy peaks up to 7 years on flagship devices starting the Galaxy S24 series.
Determining the Android 16’s eligibility for Galaxy isn’t a pretty difficult task. You will surely receive the update if your device is shipped with Android 14. It’s for entry-level phones, while for most there’s no concern for mid-range and flagships.
Samsung Android 16 Eligible Device List
Galaxy S Smartphones:
- Galaxy S22 Series
- Galaxy S23 Series
- Galaxy S24 Series
Galaxy Z Fold and Flip Phones:
- Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6
Galaxy S FE Phones:
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy A Phones:
- Galaxy A33, A53 and A73
- Galaxy A14, A24, A34 and A54
- Galaxy A15, A25, A35 and A55
- Galaxy A06, A16
Galaxy Tab Tablets:
- Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+ and Tab S8 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9+ and Tab S9 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra
Note: This is not a final device list nor shared by Samsung. Based on the official software support promise, the above-listed Samsung phones and tablets will surely receive a major OS upgrade in the second half of 2025.
The listing of the S21 FE may have caught your attention due to missing the missing S21 series. For those shocking, the S21 series and S21 FE are eligible for four OS upgrades. The S21 FE launched with Android 12, while the S21 series with Android 11.
Android 16 is the thing of next year, we eagerly await the One UI 7 Beta along with covering the latest insights. The official rollout will commence after unveiling at the Galaxy Unpacked next year, which could fall in late January.
Samsung
What you can expect from Samsung One UI 7.0 beta program in the US?
Samsung hasn’t yet started the One UI 7.0 beta program in the US, but there will soon be one. The One UI beta program is generally available for eligible Samsung Galaxy devices in the US.
As per the latest confirmation, the One UI 7 beta program is set to start on December 5th for the Galaxy S24 series users in Germany and the UK. The US users are likely to receive the beta program invitation banner in their Samsung Members app installed on the devices.
Typically, the latest flagship models like the Galaxy S series (Galaxy S24 and S23) and sometimes newer foldable (Fold6 and Fold5) devices are included in the initial rollout of the One UI beta program. Older flagships and some mid-range models might also join the beta program later.
What do we know about the Samsung Beta program?
The beta program often starts in select regions with countries like the US, South Korea, India, and Germany being among the first to receive access. However, no exact schedule is provided for when each country will join the beta program except Germany.
When and where do we receive the beta update in the US?
Specifically, the One UI beta program in the US has been available through select carriers. T-Mobile often participates in Samsung’s One UI beta programs. It is among the first carriers to support beta versions in the US.
Additionally, unlocked Samsung Galaxy devices in the US can join the beta program. Other carriers like Verizon and AT&T don’t offer the beta program for the carrier-locked Galaxy devices. However, unlocked models on these networks can still participate in the beta program.
For the US, you can sign up through the Samsung Members app, which is necessary for participation. To get the beta, you need to follow this:
1. Download the Samsung Members app from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
2. Log in with a Samsung Account.
3. Look for the banner or notice about the One UI Beta Program and register.
While exact release dates can vary, based on the information available, the One UI 7 beta is anticipated to start around December 5th for eligible devices, with a full release expected in January alongside new device launches, the Galaxy S25 series.
Note: The article is updated on December 4th with the latest available information for Samsung Galaxy users in the US.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim will bring Ultra features
Samsung Galaxy S25 series will consist of three variants a standard, a Plus, and an Ultra model and there is a chance that the phone maker could bring a Slim model with some high-end specifications.
The smartphone industry is continuously evolving and companies are working on new designs to take the lead in the competition. In that case, form factor has remained a key constraint in experimenting with new models.
These design fluctuations could be seen in screen, weight, and thickness. Following these trends, phone makers have poured resources into reducing the device weight while featuring different displays.
Samsung has made remarkable progress in screen and weight management with the Galaxy S24 series and the recent Fold lineup.
So, the next battle leads us to the thickness. That’s where Samsung will collide with Apple for their next generation of devices – Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim and iPhone 17 Air.
Before we say anything further, you should know that these phones aren’t officially announced. However, leaks and rumors are suggesting that Samsung could offer more in this slim genre than Apple.
S25 Lineup
Based on the existing information, Samsung Galaxy S25 standard and Plus models will come with a flat frame and a flat screen like their predecessors. However, the S25 Ultra will bring major upgrades over the S24U.
Even with this new change, the Ultra model doesn’t look super slim. Also, its rumored 6.8-inch screen may not allow the device to overcome its architectural challenges. Therefore, the phone could only make a slight reduction rather than drastic cuts in thickness.
A previous report suggests that Samsung could unveil a new S25 Slim with notable differences and low quantity to test the market response. If it garners the expected response, Samsung will ramp up ambitions for a slim model in 2026.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim but Ultra Specs
Next year’s iPhone Air is expected to make new changes in overall thickness with only one rear camera and a display scaling around 6.5 or 6.6 inches.
While bringing a similar screen size, Samsung reportedly has a design and feature-rich experience for the S25 Slim. Unlike its rumored rival, the Galaxy S25 Slim could equip a 200MP camera, the same as the Samsung S25 Ultra.
Another rumor reveals that the phone may use a 50MP ultra-wide and 50MP telephoto camera. These combined, the S25 Slim will have the same camera configuration as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra flagship.
To achieve a slim outlook, Samsung is working on a thinner circuit board to reduce the weight to the lowest. It will also rework the battery material for a custom version to fit inside the device while maintaining its key design features.
Furthermore, this device could pack the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for performance and the new AI features onboard.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim Release Date
Samsung is working with supply chain partners to fetch the required components to build this smartphone. A previous report indicates that the Korean tech company might unveil this phone alongside the S25 lineup, another predicts a later launch.
We’ll update this article once a final launch date is available.
Samsung
Farewell: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G will no longer receive software updates
Samsung has officially announced that the Galaxy A42 5G, launched in 2020, will no longer receive software updates. The device has now completed its update cycle according to Samsung’s policy. It means the phone will not receive any new software updates.
The Galaxy A42 5G smartphone is currently running Android 13-based One UI 5.1.1. It launched pre-installed with Android 10 and was a popular choice in Samsung’s budget-friendly A-series, known for its long battery life and amazing camera.
The company recently revealed details of the December 2024 security patch along with the revised list of the software update plan for Galaxy devices. Through this list, Samsung has officially announced the discontinuation of updates for the Galaxy A42.
While the end of software updates might sound concerning, the Galaxy A42 will still be safe to use. The phone will continue to receive Google Play system updates, which include important fixes. This will help ensure the phone stays secure and compatible with popular apps, like banking apps, even though it won’t get the latest Android features.
Users who want the latest features and software updates may want to consider upgrading to newer phones including Galaxy A16, Galaxy A25, Galaxy A35, and Galaxy A55.
Although the Samsung Galaxy A42 will no longer receive updates, it will continue to work normally for basic tasks. So, if you’re happy with its current performance and don’t mind using an older Android version, the A42 can still be a reliable device for everyday use.
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