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Samsung Galaxy S21 Android 13 update, One UI 5.0 release date, Beta and more
In early 2021, Samsung launched the Galaxy S21 series flagships, pre-loaded with Android 11-based One UI 3.1 software. The Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra were the first to receive the Android 12-based One UI 4 Beta/Stable version, while eligible for three more major upgrades including the Android 13.
Up from the regular three OS updates promise, Samsung extended the support to four years for the Galaxy S21 series devices. Aside from the major Android and One UI upgrades, the company has also promised to deliver at least five years of regular security patches.
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After the Android 12-based One UI 4.0 and One UI 4.1 updates, Samsung Galaxy S21 series phones are now eligible and eager to receive the upcoming Android 13-based One UI 5 (Beta/Stable) version. To be mentioned, Google debuted Android 13 on the Developer Preview channel back in February 2022, while it is limited to Pixel phones.
Galaxy S21 Android 13 Beta Status
Similar to the last year, Samsung’s latest Galaxy S series devices became eligible to get the Android 13-based One UI 5 Beta update, among others. However, the Samsung Galaxy S21 series also joined the party with the Android 13-based One UI 5 Beta in a handful of countries.
- On September 21, Samsung released the One UI 5.0 Beta 2 for Galaxy S21 in the US.
- On September 8, the Galaxy S21’s One UI 5.0 Beta program expanded to India.
- On August 30, Samsung started the One UI 5.0 Beta program in South Korea and UK
- On August 6, the Korean tech giant showcased the One UI 5, based on Android 13, Beta ROM for the Galaxy S22 series devices. Read more
Galaxy S21 Android 13 Release Date
If the company goes the same as rumors, the One UI 5 will be live for Galaxy consumers in July, while the Stable distribution is likely to happen after about two months of Beta testing. Accordingly, we can expect the Android 13′ arrival for the Galaxy S21 series later this year.
- Release Date – October 2022 [Expected]
Latest News
October 11, 2022
Samsung released third One UI 5.0 Beta update for the Galaxy S21 series smartphones in the Korean market. The latest ZVJ3 build comes with plenty of bug fixes and improvements for an even more stable system and functional performance. Check bugs that have been fixed below:
- Improved that Favorites and Recent items can be added and removed in Gallery album
- Fixed the issue executed sleep mode automatically
- Fixed the issue occurred vibration sound/beep sound continuously
- Fixed crash when entering App folder
- Fixed crash when changing Wallpapers
- Fixed crash in S pen Air Command
- Fixed the problem for Object eraser not working
- Fixed vibration feedback not working in Home gesture
- Fixed the frame breaking issue when entering from Widget to Home
- Deleted Multi-user function
- Other minor bug fixes
October 10, 2022
A new One UI 5.0 Beta build has been spotted for the Galaxy S21 series on Samsung Server which has version number ZVJ2 and includes October 2022 security patch.
New updated One UI 5 beta build found for S21 series on Server with Oct Patch as I in build number changes to J.
Its same as S22 series
ZVJ2 is now latest one..
ZVII>>ZVJ2
I hope Rollout is really soon and tomorrow is the day
— Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) October 5, 2022
October 1, 2022
Samsung releases the second One UI 5.0 Beta update for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus and Galaxy S21 Ultra smartphone users in the US. It comes with several bug fixes that have been reported by Beta participants with the initial Beta update.
Build Version – ZVIE
Changelog
- Fixed One UI crashes during normal usage
- Fixed One UI crashes when opening any folder
- Fixed Themes crashes after opening wallpaper in setting
- Fixed the issue that Camera keeps stopping
- Fixed force close and “can’t take screenshot due to security policy” pop up coming while taking screenshot from device
- Fixed the issue that Settings has stopped force close occur when we tap on color by keyword option
- Fixed Edge lightning style subtext not updated and option not working in Dex mode after select any option under the edge lightning style
- Fixed the issue that text is shown cropped when open Air command commands in split screen view
- Fixed the issue that Camera quick launch is not working
- Fixed the issue that Camera switch to Front and Rear is not working when double press power key in Camera
- Fixed the issue that Video editor crash occur when edit video
- Fixed the issue that Force close is occurring while entering in clock application if timer selected
- Fixed the issue that Camera preview is appearing black and not working while switching guest to owner mode
- Fixed the issue of not able to change single chat notification in message app
- Fixed the issue that force close is occuring while adding right app shortcut after deletion
- Fixed the issue that force close is occuring while editing video in popup view
- Fixed the issue that Call screen UI is not correct in guest mode
September 21, 2022
Samsung announced the Android 13-based One UI 5.0 Beta testing program for the carrier unlocked units of the Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra in the US.
September 11, 2022
On September 8, Samsung expanded the Android 13-based One UI 5.0 Beta testing activity for the Galaxy S21 series devices in India.
August 30, 2022
Samsung confirms that the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra smartphone users are now eligible to join the One UI 5.0 Beta program in South Korea, in order to start experiencing the Android 13 OS ahead of its stable release.
August 19, 2022
Samsung released the first One UI 5.0 Beta for the Galaxy S22 series devices. However, it seems like the company is already working on the development of the Android 13-based One UI 5.0 Beta for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra smartphones in South Korea.
- Firmware versions:
- G991NKSU3ZVHA
- G996NKSU3ZVHA
- G998NKSU3ZVHA
August 08, 2022
According to RPRNA, SamMobile heard that Samsung has started internal testing of the Android 13-based One UI 5.0 firmware on the Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra devices. However, the blog has not heard anything (like release date, Beta availability) other than what everyone knows!
August 05, 2022
Seems like, Samsung has delayed the One UI 5 Beta program for the Galaxy devices as Google shifted the official Android 13 launch to September. Meanwhile, a screenshot, shared by a Reddit user, suggests that T-Mobile US is testing the Android 13 firmware on the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
July 23, 2022
Going by the information shared by the user, Samsung Galaxy S21 One UI 5.0/One UI 4.1.1 update is testing in the UK and it carries the One UI build version G998BXXU5DVGA. We know that after the Galaxy S22, the Galaxy S21 series is most eligible to get the One UI 5.0 beta update.
July 9, 2022
Samsung is likely to start the Android 13 Beta program for Galaxy devices in the third week, while we just got our first look at One UI 5 Beta design and UI changes. Check it out here
May 29, 2022
Google has released the Android 13 Beta 2.1 for the Pixel devices that had already joined the Beta testing program. It comes with fixes for some major issues for a better user experience, meanwhile, you can check the changelog mentioned below.
- Fixed an issue where typing in the search bar resulted in a blank list of suggestions.
- Fixed an issue where devices would crash and restart when turning on the hotspot.
- Fixed an issue where a continuous call dialing sound could be heard in the background during a phone call.
- Fixed an issue where devices would crash and restart after disconnecting from Android Auto.
May 20
Recently, we’ve checked the Beta Operations Manager’s activity landing page, which has had no changes since January this year. We will continue to provide the latest insights regarding the Android 13 and One UI 5.0 update development for your Galaxy devices, so stay tuned…
April 29
Samsung has started releasing the May 2022 security patch to the Galaxy S22 series smartphone users starting April 25. As of now, the update is available in various Asian countries, while today reached the T-Mobile variants in the United States. Read more
April 21
In February 2022, Google released the Android 13 Developer Preview for eligible Pixel devices, however, the stable version may likely debut in October this year. However, the US tech giant will share more details about the new OS at its annual conference AKA Google I/O 2022.
Biden administration approved a $6.6 billion CHIPS Act subsidy to TSMC. The move comes right before President-elect Donald Trump’s 2nd term. Samsung and SK Hynix are also eligible for incentives but disbursal is awaited.
The outgoing gov led by Joe Biden has officially confirmed a $6.6 billion subsidy under the CHIPS and Science Act for the TSMC semiconductor plant in Arizona, US.
On November 15, the White House announced, “The Department of Commerce has provided up to $6.6 billion in direct funding to TSMC’s subsidiary, TSMC Arizona.”
“Today’s final agreement with TSMC – the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced semiconductors – will spur $65 billion dollars of private investment to build three state-of-the-art facilities in Arizona and create tens of thousands of jobs by the end of the decade. This is the largest foreign direct investment in a greenfield project in the history of the United States.
The first of TSMC’s three facilities is on track to fully open early next year, which means that for the first time in decades an American manufacturing plant will be producing the leading-edge chips used in our most advanced technologies – from our smartphones, to autonomous vehicles, to the data centers powering artificial intelligence.” – U.S. President Joe Biden
After Trump hinted at repealing the CHIPS Act, concerns were raised about whether the subsidy promised by the Biden administration would actually be executed.
Intel, Samsung and SK still waiting
Intel, Samsung, and SK Hynix have also signed preliminary agreements with the US Gov. However, TSMC has a sharp edge in terms of becoming the initial beneficiary.
Samsung will invest $44 billion and receive a subsidy of $6.4 billion, while SK Hynix will invest $3.87 billion and receive a subsidy of $450 million.
Following the TSMC announcement, it is expected that subsidies for other semiconductor companies such as Intel, Samsung, and SK Hynix will also be confirmed.
Low-interest loans for TSMC
The US Department of Commerce also stated that it would provide TSMC Arizona with low-interest loans of up to $5 billion, following the disbursal of incentives.
TSMC plans to invest $65 billion to build three semiconductor plants in Arizona. The second plant, scheduled to be operational in 2028, will use 2nm technology.
The Galaxy S24 series comprises Samsung’s first AI-powered smartphones. The company then launched the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, and Tab S10 series as well as the Galaxy S24 FE. Samsung published a video in which experts discussed Galaxy AI and On-Device AI innovations.
With the “AI for All” vision, Samsung is setting new standards for next-gen devices through AI smartphones, TVs, and home appliances. On-Device AI enables AI to operate directly within the device without relying on servers or the cloud.
Let’s explore Samsung’s pioneering efforts in On-Device AI innovation.
There are several advantages of On-Device AI including the ability to use AI features with fast response times regardless of network connectivity, and enhanced privacy as personal data is not shared with external servers.
Samsung offers Galaxy AI, which has many on-device AI features, on flagship devices. Galaxy AI supports 20 languages, enabling seamless communication via features like Live Translate and Interpreter, and Browsing Assist.
A key challenge in on-device AI is developing models that are small enough to fit on devices but powerful enough to deliver the desired performance. Samsung has addressed this by focusing on AI training data for specific tasks.
Additionally, Samsung has patented a technology that enables fast inference on low-spec devices without NPUs. The company is also exploring speculative decoding to accelerate inference and techniques to enhance computational power.
By developing AI for its own devices, Samsung can combine in-house development with open collaboration to create hardware-optimized models. Samsung’s on-device AI is set to expand to more products and services, combining with various AI technologies.
Plenty of Samsung products are honored by the CES 2025 Innovation Awards. The company’s products and services have been recognized by the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Awards, including four “Best of Innovation” winners.
CES 2025 is set to be held in January, and innovation awards show Samsung’s relentless commitment to pushing boundaries in consumer tech. Attendees of CES 2025 from January 7-10 will be able to see the full lineup of AI-powered products.
Highlighted CES 2025 Innovation Award Honorees
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro for Headphones & Personal Audio — The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro was named the Best of Innovation winner in Headphones & Personal Audio for its premium sound, adaptive noise control and sleek appearance.
Galaxy AI for Imaging — Samsung is integrating AI across all its connected technologies, starting with Galaxy AI on mobile devices to deliver real and innovative benefits to users such as powerful mobile editing and creativity tools.
Galaxy Z Fold6 for Gaming & eSports — The Galaxy Z Fold 6, the slimmest, lightest and most durable Z series foldable ever, is optimized for portability while bringing powerful performance thanks to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Galaxy Tab S10 Series for Computer Hardware & Components — This is Samsung’s first tablet series to be purposefully built for AI. Performance upgrades include an 18% increase for the CPU, a 28% increase for the GPU and a 14% increase for the NPU.
Galaxy Watch 7 for Fashion Tech — Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 allows users to express their style with an array of stylish watch bands and various watch face options.
10.7Gbps LPDDR5X DRAM for Mobile Devices, Accessories & Apps — Samsung has developed 12nm-class LPDDR5X DRAM supporting the fastest speed of up to 10.7 Gbps.
Exynos W1000 for Fashion Tech — Exynos W1000 is fabricated using Samsung’s 3nm process node. It runs demanding applications smoothly and delivers vivid 3D graphics with its dedicated GPU.
All Lenses on Prism for Imaging — All Lenses on Prism is a next-gen telephoto camera solution that places lenses directly on the prism, enhancing brightness and reducing noise.