Shortly after the announcement of Android 11 in September, Samsung introduced its One UI 3.0 skin. The third iteration of its software will bring updates to its smartphones along with the latest version of Android.
Shortly after its announcement, the brand launched beta programs for several devices. Now, many Samsung flagships already have stable One UI 3.0 updates. However, with the Galaxy S21 series, the brand introduced One UI 3.1, which serves as a gradual refresh compared to the pure One UI 3.0. While many devices are still receiving this version, Samsung is already offering One UI 3.1 for some devices. Today, the Galaxy S20 FE is the company's latest smartphone to receive One UI 3.1.
Galaxy Tab S7 devices were the first to receive the new update. It now reaches the global 5G Galaxy S20 FE variant with model number SM-G782B in many European countries. The software has the version number G781BXXU2CUB5 and contains many new features that first appeared in the Galaxy S21 series. Fortunately, Samsung has kindly included the latest February 2021 security patch in this update.
An interesting fact is that the new update contains a new bootloader. The company has not changed the stock bootloader with the Android 11 update. However, a new bootloader build (v2) has been added with this update. Simply put, the new bootloader means that it is no longer possible to go back to the old firmware using a manual flash.
The update is rolling out for the specified device in some European countries. It might come via OTA, but don't expect it right now. The update is being rolled out gradually, so it may take a few days to reach all devices. You can go to the Software Update section of the Settings app to check if a new build is available for your device.
Unfortunately, Samsung has not revealed the release schedule of OneUI 3.1 for other devices. However, we can expect last year's flagships to get it in the coming months. The Galaxy S20 FE was one of the company's best-selling flagships last year, so it's no surprise that it's among the first devices with One UI 3.1.
As for the regular Android 11 update, Samsung is expanding its lineup of mid-range smartphones. After the Galaxy M31 update, the brand already has the Galaxy A51, XCover Pro, Galaxy M31s and many others running One UI 3.0 base version.
