One UI 8, built on Android 16, is now being rolled out to the Galaxy S21 FE
Samsung is initiating the rollout of One UI 8 for the Galaxy S21 FE in Thailand and Vietnam. This update is anticipated to be the last significant Android OS upgrade for the Galaxy S21 FE, as its four-year update guarantee is approaching its conclusion. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE still has over a year remaining for monthly security patches.
After its introduction alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 during the summer, Samsung has gradually expanded One UI 8 to additional devices. The operating system, based on Android 16, enhances the One UI 7 redesign by incorporating new features and reinforcing Galaxy AI. Now, Samsung is releasing the One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S21 FE, likely marking its final significant Android OS upgrade.
SamMobile was the first to notice the One UI 8 rollout for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, which commenced on Thursday, Oct. 23 for users in Thailand and Vietnam. There is currently no information regarding when the update will be made available in other regions, but this initial release indicates that One UI 8 will be globally accessible for the Galaxy S21 FE. As reported, the update size is over 2GB — relatively compact for a major OS upgrade — and arrives with version G990EXXUIHYJ2.
Samsung’s rollout speed seems to be faster than usual for the Galaxy S21 FE. As with several Galaxy phone models, the Galaxy S21 FE received Android 15 later than anticipated. It only received the upgrade to One UI 7 in May 2025. One UI 8 now swiftly takes its place as the latest software version just a few months later.
To verify the update, access the Settings app on your Galaxy S21 FE and tap on the Software update tab. Next, click Download and install, then Install now to download One UI 8 once it becomes available. If you are not situated in Thailand or Vietnam, you might need to wait a little longer for Samsung to distribute the update in additional regions.
Will the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE receive further updates?
The rapid rollout of One UI 8 should be appreciated by Galaxy S21 FE proprietors, but it might be their final major Android update. Samsung originally launched the Galaxy S21 FE in January 2022, backed by a four-year OS update commitment. One UI 8 signifies the fourth complete Android OS upgrade the device has received, and the Galaxy S21 FE will be four years old in a few months. Consequently, it is unlikely that the Galaxy S21 FE will receive Android 17.
Nonetheless, the device is expected to obtain security updates for another year following the conclusion of its OS upgrade guarantee in January 2026. Looking forward, newer Galaxy FE models will not lose support as quickly. Beginning with the Galaxy S24 FE and continuing with the Galaxy S25 FE, these “Fan Edition” devices are promised a lengthy seven-year update support.
