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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.
Samsung revealed its Project Infinity, which aims to make your Galaxy devices safer against cyber threats. Android is vulnerable due to its open-source nature, making regular security updates necessary for your Galaxy phone’s security.
Project Infinity of Samsung is a classified operation, working on safeguarding Galaxy devices and users around the clock for safer operations. Samsung Newsroom has recently published a blog post, revealing insights from specialist meetings.
Cyber Threat Intelligence
Samsung’s Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) taskforce is a reconnaissance unit within Project Infinity along with the Red (RED), Blue (BLUE), and Purple (PURPLE) Teams, which go beyond lab conditions to identify real-world dangers.
- RED and BLUE perform proactive attack and defense functions, seeking out vulnerabilities and taking measures against them.
- PURPLE is a special operations unit that acts as both a sword and shield for specific critical areas.
It’s worth noting that Samsung has deployed RED, BLUE, and PURPLE teams in various countries including Vietnam, Poland, Ukraine and Brazil. CTI is dedicated to identifying potential threats and stopping hackers from taking control of your device.
“Once we spot these kinds of threats, we collaborate with developers and operators to lock everything down for preventing attacks,” said Ranger, a CTI member.
Samsung Security Updates
Earlier this year, Samsung announced it to support flagship Galaxy devices for seven years. The new policy applies to all flagship Galaxy devices launched after the Galaxy S24 series. It’s the longest software support offered by any mobile brand.
These updates mean customers can safely use their phones for longer. As cyber threats become more common than you think, security updates are much more crucial to safeguard your Galaxy from any potential threat of vulnerability.
Owners of select Samsung Smart TVs, monitors, The Premiere 7 & 9 projectors, or The Freestyle 2nd Gen can stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Flight Simulator 2024 and hundreds of other games with Gaming Hub Xbox Game Pass.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Flight Simulator 2024 are two of the most popular games of 2024. Thanks to Samsung Gaming Hub, you don’t need to download any of the Xbox Game Pass titles, no meaning no storage required – just jump in and play.
The company has also built an engaging gameplay experience designed by fans, for fans through The Six, challenging players’ knowledge and providing another way to interact with the world of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Notably, Samsung’s Gaming Hub is available on a variety of Samsung screens. It includes the AI-powered 2024 TV lineup, monitors, projectors, The Premiere, and The Freestyle 2nd Gen projector, offering instant access to console-free gaming.
Anyone with a Samsung Smart TV will be able to use their remote to jump in and play. This way, Gaming Hub provides a co-branded experience, giving Call of Duty fans another way to engage with the franchise they love.
For starters: The Six offers daily trivia where players can answer a series of six questions in competition with other players around the world. Correct answers with the fastest response time will achieve higher scores.
Samsung could launch the Galaxy ixi-O AI Phone next year. The company has collaborated with LG Uplus to develop a custom smartphone. The device is said to feature Galaxy AI and LG Uplus’s AI call assistant ixi-O.
Sources citing KEDGlobal revealed that Samsung and LG Uplus working together to develop the Galaxy ixi-O AI Phone. It’s a big development in the smartphone industry, while the handset is highly likely to be Korea-limited.
Samsung fans are well aware of the Galaxy AI feature suite. ixi-O is an AI-powered digital assistant developed by Korean carrier LG Uplus. The company plans to enter the smartphone market, featuring its own-developed AI assistant.
The report indicates that Samsung and LG Uplus’ ixi-O AI Phone will launch as early as next year. The development project focuses on crafting a “real AI phone” that goes beyond simply integrating AI assistant services into a smartphone.
ixi-O comes with useful features such as AI call answering, detecting voice phishing in real-time, recording and summarizing phone calls and converting voice conversation into text – all within an on-device environment.
Image: ixi-O AI | LG Uplus Newsroom
Based on specifications, the Galaxy ixi-O AI Phone will be based on a Galaxy phone available globally. The design will match with a global Galaxy smartphone, but the software may be tweaked as per the carrier’s requirements.
A custom Galaxy phone isn’t shocking or impossible in South Korea. Samsung releases Quantum, Buddy, and Jump-branded phones in the market. The company collaborates with Korean carriers to bring these devices to mainland Korea.
The carrier introduced an on-device AI-powered ixi-O assistant earlier this month. LG Uplus will initially target its consumer base for the new AI Phone. However, the AI Assistant may be expanded to a broader audience across Korea.