LATEST ANDROID 12 NEWS
Introduction
Many Samsung fans had reason to be excited about the improvements that Android 12 brings. Google unveiled the twelfth major iteration of its mobile operating system at the Google I/O 2021. The first Android 12 public beta was released soon after the event but it wasn't available for Samsung devices. That's because Samsung always runs its own beta program for Android OS upgrades.
Thus began the wait to see when Android 12 for Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets will arrive. Samsung would obviously bundle it with a new One UI update. Android 12 for Samsung devices is accompanied by One UI 4.0, the latest iteration of the company's custom skin.
A lot more devices will now receive this latest iteration of the Android operating system. That's because Samsung has committed to providing three years of Android OS upgrades to its smartphones. All of these phones will thus be eligible for Android 12.
Best Android 12 features
Android 12 will enable easier Wi-Fi sharing through the Nearby Share feature. New screenshot markup options have also been added. This will prevent a lot of people from having to download third-party apps for making minor customizations to their screenshots.
Support for the AVIF image format certainly ranks among one of the best Android 12 features. This format promises improved quality over JPEG without significantly increasing file sizes. A transcoding layer is included in Android 12 to enable HVEC unsupported apps to utilize video compression.
Google has also made some design changes to Android 12 to update the look and feel of its mobile operating system. It added Material You color themes to enable users to create unique color palettes that are applied system-wide and to all apps.
Android 12 on Samsung devices
Since Samsung brings Android OS upgrades with a new One UI version, we were treated to a new iteration of its custom skin with this update. There's a lot for users to get used to when their device finally gets the latest update.
Cosmetic changes include redesigned home screen widgets that are more functional and stylish, new lock screen widgets and charging effects, improved quick panel layout and much more. A notable change include the revamped Camera app layout that's simpler and clearer.
Enhanced scan features have been added for fine editing. Substantial changes have also been made to other Samsung apps like Gallery, Photo and video editor, Calendar, AR Emoji, Samsung Internet, etc.
Check out the full Samsung Android 12 One UI 4.0 update changelog to see everything that's included.
Android 12 beta for Samsung
On September 14, 2021, the One UI 4.0 Android 12 beta went live for the Galaxy S21 series in select markets. It was gradually rolled out in all supported markets. Samsung eventually opened up the beta to the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Note 20 series.
Samsung normally takes a few months even after the public betas from Google become available to launch the new One UI beta. The Android 11 One UI 3.0 public beta was launched in October last year, a month after Google released the stable version of the software. Samsung's done it a bit sooner this time around.
Which Samsung devices will get Android 12
Samsung now guarantees three major Android OS upgrades. This policy applies to the 2019 flagships (Galaxy S10 / Note 10) as well as mid-range smartphones and tablets. All new flagship phones after the policy was introduced will be supported for three upgrades. Select Galaxy A and Galaxy Tab devices will be covered as well. Samsung devices that launched with Android 10 and Android 11 will also receive Android 12.
Samsung's four-year security update promise
Samsung has also overhauled its security update policy. The company now guarantees four years of security updates for all devices. Most devices receive a new patch every single month. A few receive updates quarterly and a handful gets an update only twice a year.
