Skip to main content

Samsung’s Android 12 and One UI 4 update comes to the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold 3

Samsung has made Android 12 and One UI 4 available to the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 just weeks after releasing the update to the Samsung Galaxy S21 family. The update has dropped first in the company’s native Korea, but will likely be making a worldwide rollout in the next week or so.

As with the S21’s release that came last month, One UI 4 and Android 12 bring enhanced customization and security features to Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 owners. These include a new feature that themes your phone with the color of your wallpaper, customizable emoji, and more. Privacy wise, OneUI 4 owners will now see indicators when their cameras or microphones are in use, preventing apps from accessing those clandestinely.

Recommended Videos

“We are committed to giving everyone access to the best mobile experiences possible, as soon as possible,” said Janghyun Yoon, executive vice president and head of the Software Platform Team at Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics, upon the original announcement of the One UI 4 release. “One UI 4 delivers on that promise, equipping Galaxy smartphone users with the latest customization and privacy features. But we won’t stop there. Soon, other smartphone and tablet users will also be able to benefit from this software update, enabling a more seamless experience across our entire ecosystem.”

One UI 4 and Android 12 is available on the Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra, as well as the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3. Samsung is also expected to bring One UI 4 to the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, S20 Ultra, Note 20, Note 20 Ultra, Note 20, Z Fold 2, and Z Flip 5G this month, therefore upgrading all of its most recent flagships before the end of the year.

In related news, Google is working on Android 12L, an update to Android 12 that’s focused on improving support for foldables such as the Fold 3. When it debuts, it’ll likely be a more fully fleshed-out and holistic experience for Fold owners than the current release.

Michael Allison
A UK-based tech journalist for Digital Trends, helping keep track and make sense of the fast-paced world of tech with a…
3 reasons I’m disappointed by the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 with its main display open.

During its Galaxy Unpacked July 2023 event, Samsung dropped a bunch of new products for everyone — from next-generation foldable phones to new wearables and a diverse range of tablets. One of the new device reveals was the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which has been expected along with the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Though I’m still fairly new to the scene of foldables, I have seen the appeal — and in some cases, I prefer the form factor over the standard glass slab that most phones are nowadays. But honestly, there isn’t a lot with the new Galaxy Z Flip 5 that’s drawing me in. Instead, it’s a bit underwhelming.
A larger cover display that's poorly implemented

Read more
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 price: here’s exactly how much it costs
Calender widget on the cover screen on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Samsung just held its latest Galaxy Unpacked event in Seoul, South Korea, and it had a whole slew of new products to unveil to the masses. We have three new Galaxy Tab S9 tablets, the Galaxy Watch 6 series, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, and the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is sure to impress with an all-new 3.4-inch cover display that Samsung has called the "Flex Window." You can access some new widgets from the Flex Window, including a multi-widget view for more at once, and even run apps on the cover display (with some caveats). The Z Flip 5 also has a new Flex Hinge that looks aesthetically pleasing and provides a solid foldable experience. The cameras are also slightly better, with a new lens coating that should cut down on unwanted lens flares.

Read more
10 big things you missed from Samsung Unpacked 2023
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 next to each other on a white table.

Samsung’s midyear Unpacked event has just concluded, and it featured the usual slate of big foldable and wearable announcements. As expected, we saw Samsung unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5, a new Galaxy Tab S9 lineup, and a pair of Galaxy Watch 6 models representing a comeback for the much-loved Galaxy Watch Classic style.

Needless to say, there was a lot to take in today, and some details can easily get glossed over in the midst of all the big tentpole product announcements. While Samsung’s new product lineup is undoubtedly exciting, the upgrades over last year’s models are more iterative — and in some cases even lateral — but Samsung still had a few surprises for us.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 gets a nice storage boost

Read more