NEWS
Farewell: Galaxy A02s, A12, and W21 (Z Fold 2) software update support ends
Samsung is preparing to launch the upcoming Galaxy S25 series at the Unpacked event on January 22, 2025. Meanwhile, Samsung ends software update support for the Galaxy A02s, A12, and Chinese Z Fold 2 (W21 5G) devices. This means that All three smartphones will not receive any further Android, One UI updates or security patches.
Farewell: Samsung ends software update support for Galaxy A02s, A12, and Chinese Z Fold 2
Samsung published details of the January 2025 security patch for Galaxy smartphones and tablets this week, and sadly, Samsung confirmed that the Galaxy A02s, Galaxy A12, and the W21 5G (The W21 5G is the Chinese variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 2) models have reached the end of the support period, which means no more software updates.
Galaxy A02s, Galaxy A12, and the W21 5G smartphones launched in November 2020, so they have enjoyed fairly regular security updates for four years. In its four-year run, the Galaxy A02s and Galaxy A12 upgraded to a new operating system two times, up to Android 12, while the Galaxy W21 5G upgraded to a new operating system three times, up to Android 13.
With each new OS version, Samsung brings new useful features and improvements so users can take full advantage of their devices. Now, although these phones are not eligible for any software updates including security updates, older Galaxy devices may receive an update or two if some serious vulnerabilities are found.
If you own a Galaxy A02s, Galaxy A12, and the W21 (Galaxy Z Fold 2) 5G and care about having the most up-to-date software, it’s time to upgrade. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an excellent option for any Fold 2 owners looking to switch to a new phone, as the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which launches in 2024, will get seven years of Android, One UI, and security updates.
On the other hand, the Galaxy A16 is the best option for any Galaxy A02s, or Galaxy A12 owners looking to switch to a new phone, as the A16, which launches in 2024, will get six years of Android, One UI, and security updates.
Today, with beta 4 Google expanded Android 16 Beta to select non-Pixel flagship devices from partner brands. Samsung, as always, is skipping the Android 16 Beta Program, while the new OS is available for select devices launched by Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, vivo, and Xiaomi.
Google released Android 16 beta 4 with a second version of platform stability and announced that apps compatible with the new OS will now be available on the Play Store.
Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Vivo, and Xiaomi have opened beta registration windows for their latest flagship devices launched in the last few months. Samsung, however, is yet to complete One UI 7 for its Galaxy devices, but will soon roll out the stable One UI 7 and launch an independent One UI beta program.
Last week, it was revealed that the company is already working on Android 16’s adaptation and testing the alleged One UI 8 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6 smartphones.
Android continues to deliver great updates and new features throughout the year, while feedback from the beta community plays a vital role in constantly improving Android. The Android 16 developer site has a lot more information about the beta, including downloads and a release timeline for Pixel.
List of devices that are running the Android 16 Beta
- HONOR Magic 7 Pro
- Lenovo YOGA Tab Plus
- OnePlus 13
- OPPO Find X8
- realme GT 7 Pro
- iQOO 13
- vivo X200 Pro
- Xiaomi 14T Pro
- Xiaomi 15
- Redmi K70 Ultra
After the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung has today resumed the rollout of One UI 7 based on the Android 15 update for the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE. It is worth noting that the Korean tech giant had halted the rollout a few days ago due to a serious bug discovered in the initial update, so it is now rolling out a new firmware that will fix this issue.
Samsung has started rolling out the new One UI 7 update for the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, and Fold 6 SE. Initially available in South Korea, the new One UI 7 build will go live in more markets soon. This build is a more refined build than the initial build and includes fixes for system improvements.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, and Fold 6 SE users can recognize it by the build number ending with BYD9.
Your Galaxy foldable device might have also received the new build. But you can check for the update manually in Settings > Software update. Click on Download and install so that your phone can receive the new OTA.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has now appeared on Geekbench, revealing that the company is carrying out pre-launch tests and preparations for its new device. The latest listing also solves the chipset mystery that has been in rumours for a long time.
According to the Geekbench 6.4 listing, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 US variant with model number SM-F966U achieved 3022 points on single-core and 9307 points on multi-core tests.
The US variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has appeared on Geekbench with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. Also, the phone is expected to run on Android 16-based One UI 8 operating system
Being a flagship folding handset, all these things sound quite good. Nevertheless, the actual performance will only be known once the device is officially launched in the consumer market. Inputs reveal that the chipset is clocked at 3.53 GHz base frequency.
Apart from this, the Korean tech giant can launch the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 around July this year. Also, an affordable flip model can also be introduced along with both the devices.
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