Samsung Galaxy S21 FE finally receives One UI 7 + OTA downloads
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE continues to receive software support with the latest confirmation that the One UI 7 update has begun rolling out to Exynos-powered models in Vietnam. This development signals good news for S21 FE owners worldwide who have been eagerly awaiting Samsung’s newest interface overhaul. Let’s dive into what this means for users and what we know about the update so far.
Samsung has officially expanded its stable One UI 7 update to include the Galaxy S21 FE, after previously rolling it out to other S21 series devices. Starting today, S21 FE users can download the refined Android 15 experience, complete with powerful AI features and system-wide improvements.
The new firmware, identified by software version G990EXXUDGYD4, is currently available in Vietnam for Exynos variants with model number SM-G990E. Users in the United States, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Poland, the UK, and India can expect the rollout to begin later this week. For both the S21 Exynos and Snapdragon variants.
This substantial over-the-air update comes with build GYD4, incorporates the April 2025 security patch, and requires a significant 3.5 GB download.
Breaking News: One UI 7 Arrives for the S21 FE
A Reddit user recently confirmed receiving the One UI 7 update on their Exynos-powered Galaxy S21 FE in Vietnam. The user shared this information earlier today, confirming that Samsung in fact cares about the fan edition devices. The update on their S21 FE with the XXV CSC code (Vietnam region).
Expected Rollout Timeline for Other Regions
Based on Samsung’s typical update patterns, users in other regions can anticipate receiving the update in the coming days. Several users speculated that India might be among the next regions to receive the update, given it’s the same model number and belongs to the same region, that is, Southeast Asian markets in Samsung’s typical rollout strategy.
European users are also awaiting the rollout, though no specific dates have been confirmed yet. Samsung generally phases its software updates across different regions to ensure stability and address any potential issues before wider distribution.
An interesting point discussed in the thread was regarding the graphics API used in the update. When asked whether the phone was using OpenGL or Vulkan after the update, the original poster confirmed it was still using OpenGL. Another user with a US variant S21 (not FE) that received One UI 7 also mentioned their device continued to use OpenGL rather than switching to Vulkan.
Note that, amongst Samsung enthusiasts, using Vulkan over OpenGL has been a hot debate. You can easily switch to Vulkan API using this tutorial.
What to Expect with One UI 7
While specific details about One UI 7’s features weren’t discussed in depth within the thread, Samsung’s new interface typically brings:
- Refreshed visual design – Updated icons, animations, and overall aesthetic improvements
- Enhanced customization options – More ways to personalize your device
- Performance optimizations – Potentially smoother operation and better battery management
- New features and functionalities – Samsung usually includes both Android-based and Samsung-specific enhancements
- Security improvements – The latest security patches and privacy features
Checkout all the Android 15 features here. Also read, Samsung One UI 7 full changelog and feature list.
Update information
- One UI version: 7.0
- Android version: 15
- Version: G990EXXUDGYD4/G990EOLMDGYD5/G990EXXUDGYD2
- Size: 3.5 GB
- Security patch level: 1 April 2025
Rollout Regions & Availability
The One UI 7 stable update for the Galaxy S21 FE is initially live in South East Asian countries, with a global release underway in:
- United States
- Germany
- Poland
- United Kingdom
- India
- Belgium
- UAE and more by end of the week
Check the Settings > Software Update > Download and install on your device to see if it’s available.
Download OTA Updates & Full Firmware
If you don’t want to wait for the staggered rollout, you can flash the full OTA or stock firmware manually:
- Official OTA ZIPs & Firmware Files
- Step-by-Step Tutorials
Stay tuned to Android Sage for rolling coverage of One UI 7 bugs, fixes, and hidden tips.
Thanks to Apprehensive-Hat8829 for screenshots.
