Samsung
Android 14 & One UI 6.1 Now Rolling Out to Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite might have reached the end of its software update roadmap since it has just received its third and last OS upgrade. After an earlier update to One UI 6.0, which occurred in the early days of this year, the tablet, launched originally with Android 11 in the middle of 2021, was treated to the new Android 14-based One UI 6.1 update in South Korea.
This comes with the firmware version T225NKOU8EXH2 and includes the July 2024 security patch, bringing new features intrinsic to Android 14 and One UI 6.1.
While most Samsung devices have already received this latest update of One UI 6.1, some even await the 6.1.1 version; the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite has been somewhat behind schedule. On the other hand, it’s pretty surprising that this low-priority, low-budget tablet got a third major software update.
Since this update is currently rolling out in South Korea, it might take a little while longer for users in other regions to get it, but it will.
Samsung is getting ready to launch three new tablets- the premium Galaxy Tab S11, Tab S11 Ultra, and the budget-friendly Galaxy Tab S10 Lite.
The Galaxy Tab S10 Lite has now appeared in the Bluetooth SIG database, confirming it has received official certification. This is a key step before launch and suggests the tablet could be announced very soon.
According to rumors, Samsung might unveil the Tab S10 Lite as early as next month.
What to Expect from Galaxy Tab S10 Lite:
- Processor: Exynos 1380 SoC
- RAM: 6GB
- Battery: 8,000 mAh with 45W fast charging support
- Stylus and Accessories: Will support the S Pen and a keyboard
- Software: Expected to run Android 15 with One UI 7
The Tab S10 Lite is shaping up to be a solid mid-range tablet with a large battery and stylus support making it a good choice for students professionals and casual users alike. Keep an eye out for an official announcement from Samsung soon.
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to arrive with Qualcomm’s next flagship chip—the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2—according to leaked firmware files. It will also ship with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16 right out of the box.
This lines up with a recent report from tipster Ice Universe which highlighted Samsung’s new strategy. Under this approach foldable phones receive the newest One UI version first and then it gets refined for the Galaxy S series.
The leaked firmware was found on Samsung’s own server suggesting the company is already testing One UI 8.5 for the S26 lineup.
The firmware includes the serial number PMK8850 which likely belongs to Snapdragon’s next-gen chip. For comparison the Galaxy S25 Ultra used the Snapdragon 8 Elite which had the 8750 serial number. So it’s quite likely that the S26 Ultra will continue using Qualcomm’s top-tier chipset.
However not all models in the Galaxy S26 series may use Snapdragon. The regular Galaxy S26 and S26+ are expected to feature Samsung’s own Exynos 2600 processor. This chip is said to offer strong CPU and GPU performance. Another report claims that Samsung has also found a way to improve the Exynos 2600’s cooling which could make it more reliable.
Samsung is reportedly changing its strategy for software updates. Going forward, the company will give priority to its foldable phones, like the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, when rolling out major One UI updates.
This shift became clear when Samsung launched One UI 8 — based on Android 16 — with the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, even though Android 16 hasn’t been officially released yet. Many thought this was just a one-time surprise, but it now seems to be part of a new update policy.
According to popular tipster Ice Universe, Samsung will now launch its latest foldables with the newest Android versions and updated One UI features. Meanwhile, its Galaxy S series will receive incremental updates, rather than being the first to get new software.
Although the Galaxy S phones may not get updates first, Samsung is expected to provide them with more stable and refined versions of the software. This means that while foldables will test out new UI designs, AI tools, and software improvements first, Galaxy S devices will get a more polished and smoother experience later on.