Update: March 29, 2021 (5:10 AM ET): Samsung is now rolling out a new update to the Galaxy S21 series. The firmware, numbered G99xxXXU2AUCB (h/t SamMobile) weighs in at around 1.14GB.
That hefty download brings the April 2021 security patch and a number of camera improvements. For starters, Portrait mode can now be used on the phones’ primary shooter. The changelog also points to “overall device performance” improvements too.
To check if the update’s available for your device head to Settings > Software update and tap on Download and install. The update’s reportedly visible in India at the time of writing, but expect that availability to extend to other markets in due course.
Original article: February 16, 2021 (2:32 AM ET): Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy S21 update hub. Here you’ll find the latest information on updates to the Samsung Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra. We’ll detail the current software versions for each device and alert you if there’s a new update rolling out. Samsung usually pushes out updates to the entire series, but this may vary per variant and carrier.
If you have not yet purchased a Galaxy S21, check out the deals below. Scroll beyond the box below for historical update information for the Galaxy S21 series.
Samsung Galaxy S21
The vanilla Galaxy S21 is the smallest and most affordable of the three Samsung Galaxy S21 series phones. You do get a palm-friendly 6.2-inch display and basically the same specs as the Galaxy S21 Plus. You do need to sacrifice battery capacity by a bit, though, as the Galaxy S21 only has a 4,000mAh cell. Your wallet will be happy, however, because the starting price of the phone is just $799.
Samsung Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra updates
- Current stable version: Android 11
- When will the Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra get Android 12? December 2021 (Estimated)
Samsung launched the Galaxy S21 series on January 14, 2021. Pre-orders opened on the same day, while the devices were available in stores on January 29, 2021, across the US and Europe. All three phones launched with Android 11 out of the box with Samsung’s One UI 3.1 skin on top.
Samsung has been swift to push updates to its devices of late, and that trend continues with the Galaxy S21 series.
Well before the phone landed in consumers’ hands, Samsung rolled out two updates. Per SamMobile, firmware versions G991BXXU1AUAB, G996BXXU1AUAB, and G998BXXU1AUAC improved camera and device performance and weighed in at around 278MB.
In early February, the Galaxy S21 series received the February 2021 Android security patch in its first post-launch update. However, users on Reddit and Samsung’s forums discovered the update may have caused battery drain issues on some devices. Those experiencing issues noted that switching the phone to airplane mode halted the drain, which suggested mobile network connectivity was the culprit.
Related: Battery life — A guide to everything that drains your phone’s power
A second update, pushed to users on February 14, seemingly plugged the drain. Per PhoneArena, the update brought firmware version G99xBXXU1AUB6 and weighed in just under 260MB. Per the changelog, it brought device stability improvements, additional performance buffs, and enhanced features.
Below are the current stable versions of each device in the Galaxy S21 family.
| Samsung Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra | Android 11 | Android 12 |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Yes | TBA |
| Sprint | Yes | TBA |
| T-Mobile | Yes | TBA |
| Verizon | Yes | TBA |
| US Unlocked | Yes | TBA |
| International Unlocked | Yes | TBA |
What Samsung Galaxy S21 update are you running? Let us know in the comments. Also, if you’ve spotted an OTA that we haven’t, tip us!
If you’re looking for another update, be sure to visit our Android 10 and Android 11 update trackers.
