Samsung's Android 12 release for Galaxy S21 humbles all other OEMs

We were hoping for One UI 4.0 to launch in November after a Samsung Community Manager hinted at a possible early release, and sure enough, the update went live today for the Galaxy S21 series worldwide. The One UI 4.0 update introduces new customization options, new privacy settings, as well as other refinements to the user experience and the UI. But aside from the update's content, what really impressed us this time around was Samsung's fantastic firmware support and the speed with which it released the first One UI 4.0 public build.

Samsung began testing One UI 4.0 for the Galaxy S21 series in mid-September, which means it took the company only two months to transition from the first beta build to the first public One UI 4.0 release. Samsung was able to roll out the Android 12-based update less than a month after Google launched the firmware for its Pixel phones, so there's not much the Korean tech giant could've done to speed things up even more.

Samsung sets the standard others can't reach

Last year, the Android 11 update got released for the Galaxy S20 series in December, but Samsung's software engineers were quicker this time around. The One UI 4.0 update is now available for the Galaxy S21 series, and other devices will follow sooner or later. Let's hope that they'll all enjoy the kind of treatment the Galaxy S21 series got and receive One UI 4.0 promptly. If anyone can do it, it's Samsung.

If you haven't received One UI 4.0 for the Galaxy S21 yet, keep in mind that the rollout process should gradually expand to more markets. If you need some assistance, you can check our guide on how to install One UI 4.0.

Join SamMobile’s Telegram group and subscribe to our YouTube channel to get instant news updates and in-depth reviews of Samsung devices. You can also subscribe to get updates from us on Google News and follow us on Twitter.

Mihai Matei - Senior Editor

[email protected]

First Samsung device: SGH-A800

Mihai is a blogger and column writer at SamMobile. His first Samsung phone was an A800 which took a lot of beating, and a part of him still misses the novelty of the clamshell design. In his free time, he enjoys watching shows, documentaries, and stand-up comedy; listening to music, taking walks, and occasionally playing old(er) video games.

Firmware Phone Android 12 Galaxy S21 Galaxy S21 Plus Galaxy S21 Ultra One UI 4.0