Firmware News: Samsung September Security Patches, OnePlus Nord 2 Gets Better for Gaming, Nokia 5.4 Android 11, Update or the Galaxy Watch4, and More

As we step into the first week of September, the OEM industry is already busy throwing new firmware updates here and there. While OnePlus finally answers the battery drainage issue of Nord 2 users, Samsung is set to roll out OneUI 4.0 for the Galaxy S20 series. Nokia 5.4 finally gets Android 11; at the same time, Nokia X20 prepares for Android 12 beta.

Devices That are Lined Up for Today

OnePlus

• OnePlus Nord 2.
• One Plus 7.
• One Plus 7T.
• One Plus 7 Pro.

Samsung

• Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G.
• Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+.
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra.
• Galaxy Watch4.
• Galaxy Watch4 Classic.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro.
• Samsung Galaxy Foldables.

HMD Global

• Nokia 5.4.
• Nokia X20.

Redmi

Redmi Note 8 Pro.

OnePlus

OnePlus Nord 2 Gets Better for Gaming

Like the previous week, OnePlus is busy seeding updates for its multiple devices this week. To begin with, we've got the newly launched Nord 2. As per sources, the update is labeled as OxygenOS 11.3.A.10 and weighs somewhere around 245MB.

The new firmware focuses more on getting the device optimized for gaming. This is indeed one of the main reasons why the changelog features improvement in the battery consumption as one of the highlights. So, if you've been facing battery-related issues while playing high-end games like PUBG, COD Mobile, or something similar, it's time that OnePlus sees off the issue to a certain extent.

Apart from that, the update will bump OnePlus Nord 2 with the August 2021 security patch alongside several bug fixes and improvements here and there.

Have a look at the changelog to understand better:

System

● Improvement in the system stability.
● Optimized battery to make sure games like PUBG consumes less power out of the device.
● Fixed the face unlock issues.
● Updated the Android security patch to August 2021.

Camera

● The update brings improvement in the overall stability of this app.

New Update Rolls Out for the OnePlus 7 Series Smartphones

Alongside OnePlus Nord 2 devices in India, the OnePlus 7 series smartphones are also getting new firmware. Whether we talk about OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7T, or OnePlus 7 Pro, each of the devices is now receiving OxygenOS 11.0.3.1 with the August 2021 security patch.

In addition to that, devices will also get the latest Bitmoji feature in the Ambient display section. Last week the same update rolled out for the original OnePlus Nord, and now it is time for the 7 series smartphones users to taste the same.

Here is what the changelog looks like:

System

● The Android security patch gets upgraded to 2021.08
● Optimized the stability of the NFC feature.

Ambient Display

● A new screenshot feature has been added to the AOD.
● The update brings in a new Bitmoji feature, which is co-designed with Snapchat. This will help liven up the Ambient display with a personal avatar of yourself. The great thing about this feature is that the avatar keeps on updating itself on the basis of activities and situations around you.
OnePlus Store
● OnePlus brings an intuitive way to manage your OnePlus account. With the new OnePlus Store, you can now easily have access to the members-only benefits.

Samsung

September 2021 Security Patch is out for Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G

We've just made it to the month of September, and Samsung, as always, is ready with this month's security patches. The first device to receive it, though, is the Galaxy S20 FE 5G. The new firmware bears the version number G781BXXU4CUH5 and weighs 790MB.

As of now, the new software is exclusive for the devices in Australia, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Poland, Czech Republic, and other Nordic countries. In case you don't belong to any of these regions, there is nothing to worry about. The new firmware should make a global appearance really soon.

Wondering what changes does the update bring to the devices/ Well, have a look at the changelog:

● The overall stability of the device has been improved.4
● The Android security patch has been updated to 2021.09.

New Updates are Live for Samsung Galaxy Watch4 and Watch4 Classic

Do you remember when we talked about an update that got featured even before the launch of the Galaxy Watch4 devices? Well, here comes another one to bring in some essential features. The new firmware primarily focuses on the functionality o fitness tracking.

First things first, the entry of Samsung Health in the devices' settings is indeed a notable feature. This will let the wearable owners manage various health-oriented features in the most convenient manner. Also, the new firmware is expected to bring accuracy to the table, especially while measuring calories.

Bagging the version number R8**XXU1BUH9, the users will be able to turn off the automatic workout detection feature after the update. Moreover, many users have been bothered because the device out of the box didn't allow adjustments in volume, strange but true. However, the good thing is, Samsung has resolved it with this firmware update.

The update is currently live for the users in the UK, US, Italy, and Germany.

The One UI 3.1.1 is Live for Older Samsung Foldables

Samsung has started rolling out the firmware for its foldable devices that will feature the One UI 3.1.1. Currently, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G, Z Flip 5G, and Z Flip are scheduled to receive the new firmware, while the original Galaxy Floyd is expected to have the taste of one UI 3.1.1 somewhere in the upcoming weeks.

Here are some of the new features that Samsung is bringing to the table for helping users with convenient usage.

● Multi-Active Window (Available on Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Fold 2)
● This feature will help users keep up to three apps running on the screen simultaneously.
● Rotation ( Available on Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Fold 2)
● The apps which previously lacked the support of rotation have now seen the feature enabled.
● Cover Screen Mirroring (Available on Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Fold 2)
● A great feature to see you out of the trouble that you might face while managing two separate home screens.
● Flex Mode Panel (Available on Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Flip 2, Galaxy Z Flip 3)
● An impressive element is to put multimedia on one half of the screen and controls on the other.
● Drag and Split (Available on Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip 3)
● Setting the Aspect Ratio (Available on Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Fold 2)

Samsung Galaxy S20 Gets September 2021 Security Patch

After Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, the other devices from the S20 series, including Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 ultra, line up to receive the September 2021 security patch. Currently rolling out in various parts of Europe, the new firmware strictly focuses on security updates. Talking about the firmware, in particular, the version sits with G98xxXXSADUH5.

Noise Control Update for Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro

A piece of good news for all the Galaxy Buds Pro owners. In Korea, Samsung has just released an update for the Korean market with version number R190XXU0AUH5/R190XXUA0UH5. The new firmware is set to bring a whole lot of amazing features. With the ability to control the nose of each earbud, the owners can now use it more flexibly. Moreover, the update enables ambient sound listening functionality during phone calls.

HMD Global

Nokia 5.4 Gets its Share of Android 11

It was April when Nokia 2.4 started receiving the Android 11 firmware. Later in the first week of August, the Nokia 5.3 users got their share of Android 11. This made the owners of Nokia 5.4 a bit concerned. But finally, they can take a sigh of relief as HMD Global has launched the new firmware that features Android 11 alongside the August 2021 security patch.

The update weighs 1.77GB and bears the version number V2.120. As expected, the new firmware comes will all the Android 11 goodies that include one-time permissions, chat bubbles, and more.

Here is a quick look at the changelog:
● Managing your conversations has been made easy. You'll get all your messages in one place.
● The update comes with the chat bubble feature. This will enable you to chat even while dealing with other tasks.
● August 2021 security patch.
● An upgraded Google Play System with more security. The new firmware also fixes various issues that revolve around the privacy section of Google Play.
● One-time permissions.

The First Android 12 Beta Build Rolls out for Nokia X20

HMD Global has announced their first-ever Android 12 beta build to go live for Nokia X20 devices. Anyone who is interested in taking part in the developer's preview can register themselves using the My Phone app, which is already installed.

Once registered, an OTA update will be sent within 12 hours, which will feature the beta build for Android 12.

As it is not the stable version, here are a few things that you need to keep in mind:
● The beta build might exhibit some stability or performance issues.
● Some apps may fail to work properly.
● In case anyone wishes to roll back the update (from Android 12 Beta to Android 11 Stable), he/she will lose data.
● No form of online support can be provided for any issues faced.

Redmi

Android 11 Based MIUI 12.5 is out for Redmi Note 8 Pro

The Redmi Note 8 Pro devices in India and recently started receiving a new firmware that features the Android 11 based MIUI 12.5. The latest update comes with a download size of around 2.1GB and carries a version number V12.5.3.0.RGGINXM.

Additional News

• As per reports, HarmonyOS 2.0 has already reached 90 million users. With eight new members being added each second, crossing the 100 million mark is an event near sight.
• One UI 4 Beta is About to Make an Appearance for t.he Samsung Galaxy S21 Series in the month of September.

A Quick Round-Up

• OnePlus Nord 2 Gets Better for Gaming.
• New Update Rolls Out for the OnePlus 7 Series Smartphones.
• September 2021 Security Patch is out for Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G.
• New Updates are Live for Samsung Galaxy Watch4 and Watch4 Classic.
• The One UI 3.1.1 is Life for Older Samsung Foldables.
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Gets September 2021 Security Patch.
• Noise Control Update for Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro.
• Nokia 5.4 Gets its Share of Android 11.
• The First Android 12 Beta Build Rolls out for Nokia X20.
• Android 11 Based MIUI 12.5 is out for Redmi Note 8 Pro.
• HarmonyOS 2.0 hits 90 million active users.
• The Samsung Galaxy S21 Series is About to Get One UI 4 Beta.

Keep Reading

And that is pretty much it. We're done talking about the major firmware updates that were featured in the (Android) OEM industry over the last week. Just like the beginning of every other month, Samsung is ready with the latest security patches. On the other hand, OnePlus has been busy optimizing the battery of the OnePlus Nord 2 for a seamless gaming experience. We hope you enjoyed walking through our session of weekly firmware news.

Did we miss out on mentioning any important firmware news? You can always use the comment section below and make us and our audience aware of it in such a situation.

Also, with the beta version of One UI 4 knocking at the door, the month of September is pretty sure to shelter a series of amazing things to look at. Don't miss out.