Even the cheapest Samsung Galaxy phone is getting One UI 8.5

At a glance:

• Samsung's Galaxy A07 5G, the most affordable 5G phone, is receiving One UI 8.5 in Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• Galaxy Tab A11 is also updated to One UI 8.5 but limited to South Korea initially.
• One UI 8.5 rollout continues as Samsung shifts focus to One UI 9 based on Android 17.

One UI 8.5 reaches Samsung's most affordable 5G phone

Samsung has extended its One UI 8.5 update to the Galaxy A07 5G, the company's entry-level 5G smartphone launched earlier in 2026. According to SammyGuru, the stable version of the software is now available in multiple regions, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, with additional markets expected to follow shortly. This marks the first major update for the Galaxy A07 5G, which originally shipped with One UI 8 based on Android 16. The update brings enhanced features, performance improvements, and the May 2026 security patch to users of this budget-friendly device.

Galaxy Tab A11 joins the update, but with regional limitations

Alongside the Galaxy A07 5G, Samsung has also rolled out One UI 8.5 to the Galaxy Tab A11, an affordable Android tablet released in late 2025. However, the tablet update is currently restricted to South Korea, Samsung's home market, indicating a phased global rollout strategy. This selective availability suggests that broader tablet support may be prioritized for higher-end models before reaching lower-cost variants. The move aligns with Samsung's ongoing effort to modernize its software ecosystem across both smartphones and tablets.

Broader rollout and existing supported devices

Samsung's One UI 8.5 rollout, which began in May 2026, has already reached most flagship and current-generation A-series smartphones. Supported models include:

• Galaxy A56
• Galaxy A55
• Galaxy A36
• Galaxy A35
• Galaxy A26
• Galaxy A17 (5G and LTE variants)
• Galaxy A16 (5G and LTE variants)

On the tablet front, the Galaxy Tab A11 Plus has also received the update, alongside premium S-series devices. With these additions, only a small number of low-end models remain to be updated, signaling Samsung's near-completion of the One UI 8.5 deployment cycle.

What's next: One UI 9 and future updates

As Samsung finalizes One UI 8.5 distribution, the company is already shifting attention to One UI 9, which will be based on Android 17. A beta program for the Galaxy S26 series has reportedly begun, though details remain scarce. Despite One UI 8.5 being based on Android 16, Samsung has committed to six generational upgrades for eligible devices, meaning the A07 5G and Tab A11 should receive future major Android versions beyond Android 16. This long-term support strategy underscores Samsung's push to maintain software parity across its device portfolio, from budget to premium tiers.

How to check for the update

Users with compatible devices can manually check for One UI 8.5 by navigating to Settings > Software update and selecting Check for updates. If an update is available, they should tap Install to begin the process. Devices that have already received One UI 8.5 will also receive the May 2026 security patch alongside this rollout, ensuring critical vulnerabilities are addressed. Samsung recommends keeping devices connected to Wi-Fi during the update process to avoid data charges.

Why this matters for Samsung users

The expansion of One UI 8.5 to the Galaxy A07 5G and Tab A11 reflects Samsung's commitment to delivering consistent software experiences across price points. For budget-conscious consumers, this update ensures access to the latest features and security enhancements without upgrading hardware. Meanwhile, the transition to One UI 9 hints at Samsung's roadmap for integrating Android 17's capabilities, potentially including AI-driven optimizations and enhanced privacy controls. As the company streamlines its update process, users can expect more unified rollouts in future cycles.