Samsung has initiated the rollout of its One UI 8 update, based on Android 16, for the Galaxy S21 FE, marking the device’s final major operating system upgrade. This update is currently available in Thailand and Vietnam, with a broader global release anticipated in the near future.
Key Features of the One UI 8 Update:
– Now Brief Enhancements: The update introduces improvements to the Now Brief feature, offering users more concise and relevant information at a glance.
– Lock Screen Customization: Users can now enjoy enhanced lock screen customization options, allowing for a more personalized user experience.
– Improved Split-Screen Support: The update brings refined split-screen functionality, enabling smoother multitasking capabilities.
The update package is approximately 2GB in size, reflecting the incremental nature of the changes from Android 15 to Android 16.
Device Lifecycle and Support:
The Galaxy S21 FE was launched in early 2022, and with this update, it reaches the end of its scheduled major OS upgrades. Samsung has committed to providing security patches for the device for an additional 15 months, ensuring continued protection against vulnerabilities.
Context on the Galaxy S21 FE:
The Galaxy S21 FE’s release was somewhat unconventional, arriving less than two months before the launch of the Galaxy S22 series. This timing, coupled with a higher price point compared to its predecessor, impacted its market momentum. Since then, Samsung has faced challenges in defining the identity of the FE lineup. The most recent addition to this series, the Galaxy S25 FE, was introduced quietly a few months ago.
