Some Samsung phones won’t be getting the new One UI 8 update. If your device is a few years old it might be left behind. Samsung follows strict update rules meaning even popular models eventually lose .
Phones like the Galaxy S21 have already received all their promised updates. Budget phones and tablets often get even fewer updates. Once a device reaches its limit Samsung stops sending new software versions.
Your phone will still work fine without the update. You might keep getting security fixes for a while. But if you want the newest features you may need to buy a newer model. Below is the full list of phones that won’t get One UI 8.
READ MORE: & Install One UI 7 Firmware on Samsung Devices [GUIDE]
Based on Samsung’s software policies and leaks, these models are likely staying behind:
List Of Samsung Galaxy Phones that wont be getting One UI 8 / Android 16 update
Samsung Phones Missing One UI 8 (Android 16)
| Device Series | Models Affected | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S Series | S21, S21+, S21 Ultra | Reached 4-year update limit (Android 11 → 15) |
| Galaxy Z Foldables | Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3 | 3-year update policy ended |
| Budget A-Series | A14 (4G/5G), A05, A05s | Entry-level models get shorter |
| M/F-Series | F14, M14 (4G/5G) | Budget phones often lag in updates |
| Galaxy Tablets | Tab S6 Lite (2022), Tab A7 (2022), Tab Active4 Pro | Older tablets miss major upgrades |
Why? Samsung’s update policy usually guarantees 3-4 years of major OS upgrades. Devices like the Galaxy S21 series launched with Android 11 and wrapped up with Android 15. Foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip 3 also hit their three-year mark. Budget phones and tablets often get even shorter windows.
What’s next for these devices ?
Some excluded devices might still receive security patches for a while. But if you’re craving Android 16 features, upgrading to a newer model (like the Galaxy S24 or Z Fold 7) or exploring custom ROMs (if available) could be your move.
Note: Samsung hasn’t finalized the official list yet, so stay tuned for summer 2025 announcements!
