Samsung Galaxy Android 11 Update Info (2021)

With Samsung’s Android 11 roll out underway, we want to take you through everything you should know right now about the company’s plans for Galaxy phones and tablets.

It took a while, but Samsung is finally rolling out the official version of Android 11. The company started with some of its popular Galaxy devices, but the software has spread to other models down the road.

Samsung’s confirmed a lot of its Android 11 plans. And thanks to that information, along with rumors and traditions, we can put together an overview of the roll out for those of you who are curious about Android 11.

In this guide we’re going to take you through what you should know about Android 11 if you currently own, or if you’re planning to buy, a Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy S10, Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8, or another Galaxy device.

We’ll take you through what we know about Samsung’s version of Android 11. We’ll take you through what we know about the release date for your device and we’ll outline which devices will get an upgrade to the latest version of Android.

Let’s start with Samsung’s monthly updates.

Samsung Galaxy April Update

Samsung’s rolling out its April update to Galaxy devices.

The April update is moving out to the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S20 FE, Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 Lite, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Note 10+, Galaxy Note 10 Lite, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy A52, Galaxy A51, and Galaxy Tab S6.

You can learn more about the contents of Samsung’s monthly updates over on the company’s website.

Here’s the current breakdown of Samsung’s current Android security update coverage:

Current Models for Monthly Security Updates

• Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Fold 5G, Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip 5G
• Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 5G, Galaxy S10 Lite
• Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 5G, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20+ 5G, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S20 FE, Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
• Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Note 10 5G, Galaxy Note 10+, Galaxy Note 10+ 5G, Galaxy Note 10 Lite, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Note 20 5G, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
• Galaxy A52, Galaxy A52 5G
• Enterprise Models: Galaxy A50, Galaxy XCover4s, Galaxy Xcover FieldPro, Galaxy Xcover Pro, Galaxy Xcover5

Current Models for Quarterly Security Updates

• Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S8 Active, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+
• Galaxy Note 8
• Galaxy A2 Core, Galaxy A10, Galaxy A10e, Galaxy A10s, Galaxy A20, Galaxy A20e, Galaxy A20s, Galaxy A30s, Galaxy A40, Galaxy A50s, Galaxy A60, Galaxy A70, Galaxy A70s, Galaxy A80, Galaxy A90 5G
• Galaxy A01, Galaxy A01 Core, Galaxy A11, Galaxy A21, Galaxy A21s, Galaxy A31, Galaxy A41, Galaxy A51, Galaxy A51 5G, Galaxy A71, Galaxy A71 5G
• Galaxy A02, Galaxy A02s, Galaxy A12, Galaxy A32, Galaxy A32 5G, Galaxy A42 5G, Galaxy A72
• Galaxy M10s, Galaxy M30s, Galaxy M40
• Galaxy M01, Galaxy M11, Galaxy M21, Galaxy M31, Galaxy M31s, Galaxy M51, Galaxy M12
• Galaxy F62
• Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019), Galaxy Tab A 8 (2019), Galaxy Tab A with S pen, Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020), Galaxy Tab A7, Galaxy Tab Active2, Galaxy Tab Active Pro, Galaxy Tab Active3
• Galaxy Tab S5e, Galaxy Tab S6, Galaxy Tab S6 5G, Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, Galaxy Tab S7, Galaxy Tab S7+, Galaxy View2
• W20 5G, W21 5G
• Enterprise Models: Galaxy A8 (2018)

Current Models for Biannual Security Updates

• Galaxy S8 Lite, Galaxy Note FE
• Galaxy A6, Galaxy A6+, Galaxy A7 (2018), Galaxy A8+ (2018), Galaxy A8 Star, Galaxy A8s, Galaxy A9 (2018), Galaxy A30
• Galaxy J2 Core, Galaxy J3 (2017), Galaxy J3 Top, Galaxy J4, Galaxy J4+, Galaxy J4 Core, Galaxy J5 (2017), Galaxy J6, Galaxy J6+, Galaxy J7 (2017), Galaxy J7 Duo, Galaxy J7 Prime2, Galaxy J7 Pop, Galaxy J7 Top, Galaxy J7 Max, Galaxy J7 Neo, Galaxy J7+, Galaxy J8
• Galaxy M10, Galaxy M20, Galaxy M30
• Galaxy Tab A (2017), Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (2018), Galaxy Tab S4, Galaxy Tab E 8 Refresh

So while devices like the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9 won’t get Android 11, they will get security patches and bug fixes for the foreseeable future.

Samsung has confirmed plans to keep Galaxy devices updated with security patches for four years. The company says by “extending support for security updates delivered on a monthly or quarterly basis, Samsung is giving users peace of mind knowing their data is protected for as long as they use their Galaxy device.”

Here’s the list of eligible Galaxy devices:

• Galaxy Foldable devices: Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip 5G.
• Galaxy S series: Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 5G, Galaxy S10 Lite, Galaxy S20 5G, Galaxy S20+ 5G, Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S20 FE 5G, Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G.
• Galaxy Note series: Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Note 10+, Galaxy Note 10+ 5G, Galaxy Note 20 5G, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G.
• Galaxy A series: Galaxy A10e, Galaxy A20, Galaxy A50, Galaxy A11, Galaxy A21, Galaxy A51, Galaxy A51 5G, Galaxy A71 5G.
• Galaxy XCover series: Galaxy XCover FieldPro, Galaxy XCover Pro.
• Galaxy Tab series: Galaxy Tab Active Pro, Galaxy Tab Active 3, Galaxy Tab A 8 (2019), Galaxy Tab A with S Pen, Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020), Galaxy Tab A7, Galaxy Tab S5e, Galaxy Tab S6, Galaxy Tab S6 5G, Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, Galaxy Tab S7, Galaxy Tab S7+.

Samsung Galaxy Android 11: What’s New

Samsung’s version of Android 11 looks different than Google’s version because it utilizes the company’s new One UI 3.x user interface.

As expected, the software is loaded up with changes. Here’s the Galaxy Android 11/One UI 3.0 change log, courtesy of XDA-Developers:

Home screen

• Touch and hold an app to add an associated widget.
• Turn the screen off by double-tapping on an empty are of the Home screen. You can turn this on in Settings > Advanced features > Motion and gestures.

Lock screen

• Dynamic Lock screen now has more categories, and you can select more than one.
• Lock screen widgets are improved.

Quick panel

• See your conversations and media more conveniently in their own sections when you swipe down from the top of the screen.

AOD

• Always On Display widgets are improved.

Accessibility

• Get quick access to the most important accessibility settings during device setup.
• Get recommended accessibility features based on what you use.
• Set the Accessibility shortcut more easily in settings.
• Sound detectors now work with your SmartThings devices such as TVs and lights to give you more visible alerts when the doorbell rings or a baby is crying.

Samsung Keyboard

• You can find the keyboard in settings more easily under General management in Settings, and the settings have been reorganized to put the most important ones first.

Samsung DeX

• You can now connect to supported TVs wirelessly.
• New touchpad multi-gestures let you change screen zoom and font size more easily.

Internet

• Added ability to block websites from redirecting you when you tap the Back button.
• Added warnings and blocking options for websites that shot too many pop-ups or notifications.
• Rearranged menus to make things easier to find.
• Added several new add-ons, including one that translates websites.
• Added option hide the status bar for a more immersive browsing experience.
• Increased maximum number of open tabs to 99.
• Added ability to lock and reorder tabs.
• Improved design for tab bar which is now supported on all devices.
• Ended support for Samsung Internet edge panel.

Contacts & Phone

• Added the ability to edit multiple linked contacts at one time.
• Added an option to help you quickly delete duplicate contacts.
• Enhanced the search experience.
• Extended the storage period of the Trash bin from 15 to 30 days.

Phone/Call background

• Added the ability to customize the call screen with your own pictures and videos.

Messages

• Created a Trash bin to store recently deleted messages.

Call & Text on other devices

• Added the ability to turn Call & text on other devices on or off with Bixby Routines.

Calendar

• Events with the same start time are now shown together in month and agenda view.
• Reorganized options for adding and editing events.
• Improved layout for full screen alerts.

Reminder

• Improved layout for full screen alerts

Digital wellbeing and Parental controls

• Added trends to your weekly report. You can see how your usage has changed since the previous week and check your usage time for each feature.
• Added phone usage time while driving to the weekly report.
• Added a lock screen widget so you can check your screen time without unlocking your phone.
• Added separate profiles for personal and work modes so you can track your screen time separately.

Camera

• Improved auto-focus and auto exposure functionality and usability.
• Improved stabilization when taking pictures of the moon at high zoom levels.

Photo editor

• Added the ability to revert edited pictures back to their original versions.

Bixby Routine

• Grouped preset routines help you get started quickly and learn how to build your own routines easily.
• You can now see what actions are reversed when a routine ends.
• New conditions have been added, such as a specific start time, the disconnection of a Bluetooth device or Wi-Fi network, a call from a specific number, and more.
• New actions have been added, including talking to Bixby and accessibility actions.
• You can add a customized icon for each routine and add routines to the Lock screen for quick access.

Samsung also released new software alongside the Galaxy S21 series (Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra). The firmware is unsurprisingly based on Android 11.

The Galaxy S21 series runs an updated version of One UI, dubbed One UI 3.1, out of the box. And while the updated UI was initially exclusive to the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra, it’s moving out to other devices.

Samsung’s pushing One UI 3.1 to the Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7+ and it brings new features like Auto Switch, Second Screen, and Wireless Keyboard Sharing.

One UI 3.1 updates are also hitting the Galaxy S20 FE, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 Lite, Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Note 10+, Galaxy Note 10 Lite, Galaxy Tab S6, Galaxy A90 5G, Galaxy A71 4G, Galaxy A70, Galaxy A70s, Galaxy A51 5G, Galaxy A51, Galaxy A50, Galaxy A50s, Galaxy M51, Galaxy M31, Galaxy M31s, and Galaxy M21.

These Galaxy Devices Will Get Android 11

Samsung typically keeps devices updated with major Android software updates for two years. Fortunately, the company has changed this policy.

The company says it’s committed to providing three years of major software upgrades going forward. This is obviously a huge development.

Initially it looked like this might only apply to higher profile devices, but according to Samsung, lengthier support will also be extended to other devices. Sadly, it doesn’t cover older models like the Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ and Galaxy Note 9.

Here’s the full list:

• Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S20+ 5G, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20 5G, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S10 5G, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 Lite, and upcoming S series devices.
• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy Note 20 5G, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Note 10+ 5G, Galaxy Note 10+, Galaxy Note 10 5G, Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Note 10 Lite, and upcoming Note series devices.
• Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Fold 5G, Galaxy Fold, and upcoming Z series devices.
• Galaxy A71 5G, Galaxy A71, Galaxy A51 5G, Galaxy A51, Galaxy A90 5G, and select upcoming A series devices.
• Galaxy Tab S7+ 5G, Galaxy Tab S7+, Galaxy Tab S7 5G, Galaxy Tab S7, Galaxy Tab S6 5G, Galaxy Tab S6, Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, and upcoming Tab S series devices.

Here is a list of devices that will get upgraded to Android 11 in 2021:

• Galaxy S20 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy S20+ (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy S20 Ultra (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy S20 FE (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy Note 20 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy S10 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy S10 5G (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy S10+ (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy S10e (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy S10 Lite (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy Note 10 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy Note 10+ (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy Note 10 Lite (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy Z Fold 2 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy Fold (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy Z Flip (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy A10
• Galaxy A10e
• Galaxy A10s
• Galaxy A11
• Galaxy A20
• Galaxy A20e
• Galaxy A20s
• Galaxy A21
• Galaxy A21s
• Galaxy A30
• Galaxy A30s
• Galaxy A31
• Galaxy A40 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy A41
• Galaxy A42
• Galaxy A50 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy A50s (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy A51 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy A60
• Galaxy A70 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy A70s (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy A71 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy A80 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy A90 5G (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy A8s
• Galaxy M01
• Galaxy M11
• Galaxy M21 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy M30s (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy M31 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy M31s (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy M40
• Galaxy Tab S7 (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy Tab S6
• Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy Tab S5e (Rolling Out)
• Galaxy Tab Active Pro
• Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019)
• Galaxy Tab A 8 (2019)
• Galaxy Tab A 8 Plus (2019)

These Galaxy Devices Might Not Get Android 11

Any Galaxy device that’s not on that list is currently on the fence when it comes to Android 11. That means popular devices like the Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy S9 series are very much in danger of getting left behind on Android 10.

Here are a few Samsung Galaxy devices that will probably stick around on Android 10:

• Galaxy S9
• Galaxy S9+
• Galaxy Note 9
• Galaxy A9 (2018)
• Galaxy A8 (2018)
• Galaxy A8+ (2018)
• Galaxy A7 (2018)
• Galaxy A6 (2018)
• Galaxy A6+ (2018)
• Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (2018)

Older models like Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 probably won’t get upgraded to Android 11 either. Neither device has been upgraded to Android 10.

Galaxy S20 Android 11 Release

The Android 11 update is moving out to the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20 Ultra, and Galaxy S20 FE in countries around the world.

Galaxy S10 Android 11 Release

The Galaxy S10 Android 11 rollout is underway and the software is pushing out to the Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 5G, Galaxy S10 Lite, and unlocked Galaxy S10 models in a number of different regions.

If you haven’t received the update yet, keep an eye out. It should arrive soon.

Galaxy Note 20 Android 11 Release

The stable version of the Galaxy Note 20 Android 11 update is rolling out around the globe.

The software has landed for Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra users in the United States where AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have pushed the software out to their users. It’s also pushing out to owners of unlocked Galaxy Note 20 models.

It’s also rolling out in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Galaxy Note 10 Android 11 Release

Samsung’s released the Galaxy Note 10 Android 11 update. The software is currently moving out to Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+ models in Germany.

It’s also moving out to the Galaxy Note 10 Lite.

Galaxy A Android 11 Release

The Android 11/One UI 3.0 update is currently rolling out to the Galaxy A90 5G, Galaxy A80, Galaxy A71 5G, Galaxy A70, Galaxy A70s, Galaxy A51, Galaxy A50, Galaxy A50s, Galaxy A42 5G, and the Galaxy A40. You can expect it to hit other Galaxy A series models in the near future.

Galaxy M Android 11 Release

The Galaxy M31 was the first mid-range device to make the move from Android 10 to Android 11 and One UI 3.1. The update has also started hitting the Galaxy M31s.

Android 11 is also hitting the Galaxy M30s and the Galaxy M21. These updates arrived well ahead of schedule and they’re available in select regions around the world.

Galaxy Z Flip Android 11 Release

In a bit of a surprise, Samsung’s fired up the Galaxy Z Flip 5G Android 11 roll out.

The software is currently pushing out to users in Switzerland and several other regions.

Galaxy Fold Android 11 Release

The Galaxy Fold Android 11/One UI 3.0 update is officially moving out. The software is rolling out in France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the UAE, the United States, and other regions.

Galaxy Z Fold 2 Android 11 Release

Samsung’s pushing out the Galaxy Z Fold 2 Android 11/One UI 3.0 update. The software is currently available in Europe and the United States.

Galaxy Tab S7 Android 11 Release

The Galaxy Tab S7 was the first Galaxy tablet to make the move from Android 10 to Android 11.

Samsung’s pushed the software to the Galaxy Tab S7 LTE and the Galaxy Tab S7+ 5G in South Korea and we should see it spread to other models in the near future.

Galaxy Tab S6 Android 11 Release

Samsung’s pushing Android 11 to the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite well ahead of schedule.

The software is currently rolling out in Europe and you can expect it to hit other regions, and the remaining Galaxy Tab S6 models, in the near future.

Galaxy Tab S5e Android 11 Release

Android 11 is rolling out to the Galaxy Tab S5e in Europe and Asia.

Samsung Galaxy Android 11 Release Dates

Here’s what we know about the Android 11 release date for other Galaxy other devices.

The Galaxy S20 series was the first to Android 11 and the Galaxy Note 20 series followed closely behind. These devices will be followed by older models like the Galaxy S10.

Here’s Samsung’s full Android 11 release date roadmap. Note that these are the company’s expected release windows and they’re subject to change based on testing.

April

May

• Galaxy A21s
• Galaxy A31
• Galaxy A80
• Galaxy Tab S6

June

• Galaxy A01
• Galaxy A01 Core
• Galaxy A11
• Galaxy M11
• Galaxy Tab A

July

August

• Galaxy A10
• Galaxy A10s
• Galaxy A20
• Galaxy A20s
• Galaxy A30s
• Galaxy Tab A 10.1
• Galaxy Tab Active Pro

Samsung’s ahead of schedule with most of its Android 11 updates so if you own one of these devices you’ll probably get the software long before these estimates.

Samsung Galaxy Android 12 Update

Google’s confirmed the next version of Android and Android 12 is currently in testing ahead of a release later this year.

Samsung hasn’t said anything about Android 12 yet and we probably won’t get official details until we’re much deeper into the year. That said, you can expect leaks and rumors to outline the company’s plans.

While we wait for official information, have a look at our Samsung Galaxy Android 12 roadmap. It outlines everything you need to know right now.

4 Reasons to Wait for the Galaxy Tab S8 & 5 Reasons Not To

Wait for Even Better Performance

Samsung always makes year-to-year upgrades to the Galaxy Tab’s internals and we expect the new model to come with an assortment of performance upgrades.  The Galaxy Tab S7 utilizes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865+ chip and you can expect the Galaxy Tab S8 to come with an updated chip.  We haven’t seen any concrete rumors yet, but early speculation points to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 processor. We could also see the company bump up the amount of RAM.  A newer processor could help improve critical features like battery life, overall speed, multitasking, and gaming.  The Galaxy Tab S8 probably won’t come with all of the camera upgrades Samsung brought to the Galaxy S21 series earlier this year, but don’t be surprised if there are changes, particularly in the software department.  So if you want a ton of horsepower, but aren’t interested in Apple’s iPad Pros or Microsoft’s Surface Pro, think about waiting for the Galaxy Tab S8.

Last update on 2020-12-15. This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to read our disclosure policy for more details. Images via Amazon API