Hello everyone and welcome to another weekly firmware episode where we discuss the recent ups and downs the OEM business has seen. As usual, Samsung topped the charts this week, but curiously, a brand new software update from Nothing was included on the list once more. In addition, Xiaomi, Nokia, Realme, and OnePlus each had a portion of the market.
Already seems intriguing, don't you think? Stay informed and be fully aware of everything.
Devices Lined Up for Today
Samsung
Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy A12, Galaxy S8, Galaxy A52, and Galaxy A53
Nothing
Nothing Phone 1
Realme
Realme 8 5G & Narzo 30 5G
OnePlus
OnePlus 10 Pro
Xiaomi
Mi 12 & Mi 12 Pro
Nokia
Nokia XR20, G50, and 8.5 5G
Samsung
Galaxy S21 FE gets August Security Patch in USA
The August 2022 security update for the Galaxy S21 FE has begun rolling out one week after that for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra. The carrier-locked variant of the smartphone is now in the US and supports the updated software.
The new update for the carrier-locked Galaxy S21 FE is available in the US with firmware version G990USQU3CVG1. It is accessible on the T-Mobile network, and additional carriers should make the update available soon.
The August 2022 security patch is included in the update to correct a number of security flaws, including those involving Samsung Knox, Samsung DeX, improper access control, and MAC address leak over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Additionally, the update might improve device stability and fix common UI bugs.
Galaxy A12 Finally gets Android 12 Update
Samsung has released the Android 12-based One UI Core 4.1 upgrade for the Galaxy A12, weeks before the Galaxy S22 series could receive the Android 13-based One UI 5.0 update. In Russia, the update is now being distributed and is expected to reach other regions soon.
The Galaxy A12's Android 12 update arrives with firmware version A125FXXU2CVH1. Unfortunately, the July 2022 security patch, rather than the most recent August 2022 patch, is included in the upgrade. Numerous new functionality and UI design enhancements are included in the upgrade.
A new type of widgets, a new widget picker design, thicker brightness and volume sliders, and an improved Dark Mode are all included in the significant new software update for the Galaxy A12.
Galaxy S8 and older Galaxy S7 & S7 Edge Getting Strange Update
The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ received their final update in May 2021 after being widely acclaimed since their early 2017 launches. Samsung has recently released a quick fix, which is surprising because we believed it was the final update.
The only change noted in the firmware G95*FXXUCDVG4 changelog is an improvement to GPS stability. The 420MB download size doesn't seem to be explained by that, but if there are any other fixes, they weren't considered crucial enough to report.
Furthermore, this is merely a workaround; the device is still running Android 9 with the April 1, 2021, security patch installed. Yet, it goes above and beyond what we anticipated for a phone that is already five and a half years old.
This GPS update appears to be identical (or very similar) to the one distributed to Galaxy J7 devices in Asia (the J7 hails from the distant 2015). Furthermore, these outdated phones might not be the only ones. There are rumors that a number of other outdated smartphones, including the Galaxy S6 from 2015 and the Galaxy S7 from 2016, are going to receive an update.
Of course, the more recent Galaxy S9 (2018) will also receive updates. None of these are on the official list of supported devices, and the Galaxy S10 from 2019, which receives updates on a quarterly basis, is the oldest S-series model still receiving regular updates (the S10 Lite is still on the monthly schedule).
Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A53 get August Security Update
The most recent smartphones to receive the August 2022 Android security patch are the Galaxy A52 (4G model) and Galaxy A53. Samsung is still releasing this fix for its devices.
While the update for the Galaxy A52 has firmware version A536EXXU3AVGA, the software update that raises the Android security patch level on the device comes with firmware version A525FXXU4BVG2. The August 2022 Android security patch for these smartphones is being sent out by Samsung in Russia, but it should soon be available in more nations.
You can manually check for the latest software update on your Galaxy A52/A53 if you live in Russia and haven't yet gotten it by going to the Settings > Software update menu on your phone.
Nothing
Another Update Out for Nothing 1
Another new version for the Phone 1 is now being released with camera enhancements and bug fixes.
Nothing OS 1.1.3 (via XDA) boosts color saturation for the ultrawide camera, fastens the processing of HDR and Night Mode photos, and improves noise reduction and sharpness when using zoom. Further adjustments have been made to the colors and brightness of photographs while employing Glyph lighting for better outcomes.
An issue that caused stuttering in third-party apps like Twitter and the Google Play Store was fixed in the most recent Phone 1 update in addition to camera improvements. Additionally, it resolves a bothersome bug that caused the lock screen to crash following the use of fingerprint unlock after tapping a notification.
Despite the long list of upgrades sent out by Nothing in the past weeks, the latest Nothing OS update weighs just 64.33MB and will probably appear on your Phone 1 soon. This update does not unlock the display's 1,200 nits peak brightness mode as promised by the company during the launch, but you can expect it to come soon enough.
Realme
Realme 8 5G & Narzo 30 5G Get Android 12 Update
Realme UI 3.0, based on Android 12, is now available for the Realme 8 5G and Narzo 30 5G, which debuted with Android 11-based Realme UI 2.0 last year.
The firmware version for the Realme UI 3.0 upgrade for the Realme 8 5G is RMX3241 11.C.03, whereas the firmware version for the update for the Narzo 30 5G is RMX3242 11.C.03. Your 8 5G should be running firmware with version RMX3241 11.A.16 and the Narzo 30 5G should be running RMX3242 11.A.16 in order to acquire Realme UI 3.0, though.
The Realme 8 5G and Narzo 30 5G will receive the upgrade, which includes the standard Android 12 and Realme UI 3.0 delights, along with a new look and functionality. Below is a link to the update's full changelog, which applies to both smartphones (they are the same phones after all).
The Realme UI 3.0 stable update for the 8 5G and Narzo 30 5G is currently seeding in India to a limited number of users, and a broader rollout will commence in a few days if no bugs are found.
OnePlus
Second Open Beta Update for OnePlus 10 Pro
The second open beta build of OxygenOS 13, which is based on Android 13, is now available for the OnePlus 10 Pro. While handsets running the stable version of OxygenOS 12 will need to sign up for the beta program in order to experience the most recent versions of Android and OxygenOS, the OnePlus 10 Pro units that are now running the first open beta will receive the second beta in a few days.
The Aquamorphic Design theme for the OnePlus 10 Pro is included in the most recent beta release. Additionally, it enhances HyperBoost GPA to version 4.0, which, according to OnePlus, balances performance and battery consumption in crucial situations while also enhancing system stability and performance.
Xiaomi
MIUI 13 Based on Android 13 Out for Mi 12 and Mi 12 Pro
Google has begun rolling out Android 13's first stable update to Pixel devices. Following suit, Xiaomi has now made available the first stable build of MIUI 13 for its flagship Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro, which are based on Android 13. All of the new features that Google added to Android 13 are made available to the devices with the update.
For those who are unaware, Xiaomi gives consumers "beta stable" and "stable" MIUI versions. There isn't much of a difference between the two builds; the "beta stable" updates are only meant for a select subset of customers who have signed up for the Mi Pilot beta testing program. This group evaluates the early release before it is made available to a larger public.
A "beta stable" update of MIUI 13 based on Android 13 is now being distributed to the Xiaomi 12 and Xiaomi 12 Pro. Users who are not a part of the Mi Pilot beta testing program won't be able to install it, so to speak.
The Android 13 update for the Xiaomi 12 has the firmware number 13.0.4.0.TLCMIXM weighs 4.2GB, according to screenshots posted by a user on Xiaomi's community forums. On the other hand, the release for the Xiaomi 12 Pro bears the firmware number 13.0.4.0.TLBMIXM weighs 4.3GB. It includes all of the new Android 13 features as well as the August 2022 Android security updates. The update is intended for worldwide variations, as seen in the screenshots.
Nokia
Nokia XR20, G50, and 8.5 5G Get New Updates
Nokia handsets have recently received a lot of build and security updates, and more are on the way. New upgrades are reportedly available, according to users of the Nokia XR20, Nokia G50, and Nokia 8.3 5G.
The update for our Nokia XR20 was finally made available a few days ago. A July security patch is included in the update, which is the latest Android 12 Build V2.420 and is 32.44 MB in size. Hopefully, this update will address the recent overcharging problem. Globally, the update is now accessible, so if you haven't yet, check your XR20 and make any necessary improvements.
The first device in the G series, the Nokia G50, also got the new Android 12 Build update that includes the July security patch. The charging issue, as well as various other UI glitches and system stability problems, are all fixed in version V2.380, which is 27.80 MB in size.
The popular Nokia 8.3 5G, which is still in need of a replacement, received a security patch in July. Here in Croatia, the 56.38 MB update is available. Additionally, the UK and maybe other countries across the world have access to it. Make sure your 8.3 is secure and up to date by checking it.
Wrapping Up
For the OEM sector, that is how the third week of August played out. Samsung continued to dominate the headlines this week, as it has in previous weeks. I do have to agree, though, that it's pretty dramatic to see artists like Nothing returning and doing so with even more updates. What do you think about that? Tell us in the comments section below.