The South Korean giant Samsung has officially announced which devices in its Galaxy line will not receive the update to One UI 8, based on Android 16, in 2025. The decision directly impacts millions of users who have popular models, but who are now outside the company’s software support cycle. With the rapid advancement of mobile technology, the company prioritizes newer devices, leaving some devices launched a few years ago without access to the operating system’s new features. Essa strategy reflects Samsung’s commitment to optimizing the performance of its new products, but also raises debates about the longevity of smartphones.
The list of affected devices includes models that were present on the global market, such as the Galaxy S22 series and other devices launched before 2022. The news, published on specialized portals, generated mixed reactions among consumers, with many expressing frustration on social media. Para clarify the impact, the following are the main points of the decision:
- Models impacted: Incluem popular series like Galaxy S22, A32 and others.
- Support timeline: Aparelhos released before 2022 have fewer guaranteed updates.
- Alternatives for users: Opções include keeping the current system or migrating to new models.
- Samsung Focus: Priorizar devices with Android 16 compatible hardware.
With the launch of One UI 8 approaching, expected in mid-2025, consumers are now evaluating their options, while Samsung reinforces its innovation strategy.
User reactions to the deletion of One UI 8
The release of the list of devices without support for One UI 8 generated a significant volume of comments on social media. Usuários of the Galaxy S22, for example, expressed discontent, highlighting that their devices, launched in 2022, still offer robust performance. Muitos question Samsung’s decision to limit updates to relatively recent models, while others argue that the company needs to focus on optimizing the software for more advanced hardware.
On technology platforms, such as specialized forums, the debate intensified. Alguns consumers pointed out that the exclusion of models such as the Galaxy A32 and A52, popular in emerging markets, could affect brand perception in regions where these devices have a strong presence. Samsung, in turn, did not issue additional statements to respond to the criticism, maintaining the focus on promoting devices eligible for One UI 8.
Devices affected by the decision
The list of cell phones that will not receive the One UI 8 covers several Samsung lines, with emphasis on the Galaxy S22 series, which includes the S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra models. Esses devices, launched in 2022, were praised for their build quality and advanced cameras, but are now limited to the One UI 7, based on the Android 15.
The exclusion of these devices follows Samsung’s support policy, which guarantees four years of operating system updates for most of its premium devices released from 2021 onwards. memory.
Key impacted devices include:
- Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra.
- Galaxy A32, A32 5G, A52 and A52 5G.
- Galaxy M32 and M52 5G.
- Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3.
- Tablets from the Galaxy Tab S7 line.
Samsung Support Strategy
The Samsung takes a structured approach to software updates, offering up to four years of major updates for flagship devices and three years for mid-range models. Essa policy, implemented in recent years, has put the company ahead of many competitors in the Android market, but it also creates limitations for older devices. The One UI 8, for example, will be optimized for newer processors, such as the Exynos 2500 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, which will equip the Galaxy S25 line.
Models like the Galaxy S22, despite their powerful hardware at the time of launch, would not fully meet the demands of the Android 16, according to Samsung. The company argues that updates for older devices could compromise the user experience, with problems such as slowdowns or compatibility failures. Essa decision reflects a trend in the technology industry, where manufacturers prioritize innovations in new products over maintaining legacy models.
New things expected in One UI 8
One UI 8, based on Android 16, will bring significant improvements to eligible devices. Samsung has already signaled that the system will focus on artificial intelligence, with advanced personalization and automation features. The interface will also be optimized for foldable screens, such as those on the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip lines, in addition to offering greater integration with the DeX ecosystem, which transforms smartphones into desktops.
Among the confirmed news are:
- Enhanced AI: Ferramentas machine learning-based photo and video editing.
- Optimized performance: Redução battery consumption in native apps.
- Enhanced security: Novos data protection protocols.
- Customization: Mais theme options and dynamic widgets.
The beta version of One UI 8 is expected in the second quarter of 2025, with official rollout starting in July for devices like the Galaxy S23, S24 and S25. Tablets like the Galaxy Tab S8 and S9 are also on the list of eligible devices.
Impact on the entry market
The exclusion of models such as the Galaxy A32 and A52 from the update cycle could have significant consequences in markets where these devices are widely used. In countries such as Índia, Brasil and The absence of One UI 8 on these models may lead consumers to consider other brands, such as Xiaomi and Realme, which offer longer software support in some categories.
Input devices, which often receive only two major updates, are most affected by the Samsung policy. For example, the Galaxy A32, released in 2021, has already reached the support limit with One UI 7.
Alternatives for users
Users of devices not eligible for One UI 8 have few options to keep their devices up to date. Samsung’s main recommendation is to continue using One UI 7, which will still receive security updates for at least another year. Essa approach guarantees protection against vulnerabilities, but does not offer the latest features of Android 16.
Another alternative is to migrate to newer models, such as the Galaxy S23 or the Galaxy A54 line, which are confirmed in the list of devices compatible with One UI 8.
Available options include:
- Maintain One UI 7 with security updates.
- Purchase eligible models such as Galaxy S23 or A54.
- Explore Samsung exchange programs.
- Consider competing brands with longer support.
One UI 8 Timeline
The development of One UI 8 follows a schedule well defined by Samsung. The company started working on the new version shortly after the launch of One UI 7, in December 2024. The internal testing phase is already underway, with the beta version scheduled for May 2025. The official rollout will begin in July, prioritizing the latest devices in the Galaxy S line.
Samsung also plans to expand the beta program to more regions, including markets like Brasil and Índia, where the user base is significant. The company expects to complete the distribution of One UI 8 to all eligible devices by the end of 2025, following the same pattern of gradual updates adopted in previous years.
Comparison with competitors
Samsung’s update policy is often compared to that of other manufacturers, such as Google and Apple. The Google, for example, offers up to seven years of support for your Pixel devices, surpassing the Samsung in longevity. Já to Apple maintains updates for iPhones for up to six years, depending on the model. The decision to exclude the Galaxy S22 from the One UI 8 puts the Samsung at a disadvantage compared to these brands, especially in the premium segment.
In the Android market, manufacturers like OnePlus and Oppo are also starting to extend software support, with promises of up to five years of updates for some models. Essa competition puts pressure on Samsung to review its strategy, especially for entry-level and mid-range devices, which have shorter support cycles.
Focus on new releases
Samsung is directing its efforts towards 2025 launches, such as the Galaxy S25 line, which will be the main showcase for the One UI 8. The new models will feature cutting-edge processors and improved cameras, designed to take full advantage of the new features of the Android 16. The company also plans to expand the integration of artificial intelligence, with features exclusive to the Galaxy line.
Foldable devices, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, will also receive special attention in One UI 8, with optimizations for multitasking and flexible screens. Essas innovations reinforce Samsung’s position as a leader in the premium smartphone segment, but highlight the technological gap between new models and older devices, such as the Galaxy S22.
Loyalty programs
To mitigate the impact of the exclusion of popular models from One UI 8, Samsung is investing in loyalty programs in key markets. In countries such as Estados Unidos and Coreia of Sul, the company offers discounts to consumers who exchange old devices for new models. Esses programs include free device health assessments and bonuses for purchasing Galaxy S or Z line devices.
At Brasil, Samsung maintains similar initiatives, with partnerships with retailers to facilitate the acquisition of new smartphones. Essas actions help maintain the customer base, but do not eliminate the dissatisfaction of users who expected longer support for their devices.
Galaxy Ecosystem Expansion
In addition to software updates, Samsung is expanding its ecosystem of connected devices, which includes smartwatches, headphones and tablets. One UI 8 will be integrated into these products, offering a unified experience for users of eligible devices. For example, the Galaxy Watch 8, expected in 2025, will have features synchronized with the new operating system, such as smart notifications and advanced health monitoring.
This strategy aims to encourage consumers to stay in the Galaxy ecosystem even if their current smartphones don’t receive the One UI 8. The company is also investing in cloud-based services like the Samsung Cloud to make the transition between devices easier.
Top Eligible Devices
While some models are without One UI 8, Samsung has released the list of devices that will receive the update. The Galaxy S23, S24 and S25 range is confirmed, as are the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5 models. access to the new system.
The Galaxy Tab S8 and S9 line tablets will also receive the One UI 8, with specific optimizations for productivity and multitasking. The full list of eligible devices reflects Samsung’s commitment to maintaining a diverse base of up-to-date devices, even in the face of limitations imposed by older hardware.
Main supported models include:
- Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra, S24, S24 Plus, S24
- Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 4, Z Flip 5.
- Galaxy A54, A73, A34.
- Galaxy Tab S8, S8 Plus, S8 Ultra, S9, S9 Plus, S9 Ultra.