Samsung isn’t slowing down with its Android 16 push. After blessing the Galaxy A17 5G and A54 with the latest One UI 8 update, the company is now turning its attention to two more budget heroes in Kenya and across East Africa — the Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy A25 5G.
If you own either device, it’s time to start refreshing that Software Update page.
Firmware details and update status
- Galaxy A16 5G → Firmware version A166PXXU5CYI8
- Galaxy A25 5G → Firmware version A256EXXU8DYI8
The updates started rolling out towards the end of last week, which means the OTA wave should be gathering momentum by now. As usual, it’s a staggered rollout, so don’t panic if your phone hasn’t buzzed with a download notification yet — Samsung loves to keep us waiting in batches.
What’s new with One UI 8 (Android 16)?
This isn’t a small patch. Users can expect a refreshed user interface, new personalization features, boosted performance and battery optimization, systemwide improvements to multitasking and animations, updated privacy and security tools as well as a newer September 2025 security patch. You can check out the full One UI 8 changelog for the Galaxy A16 5G here and the Galaxy A25 5G here.
For budget phones, this is the kind of glow-up you don’t complain about. Samsung has also kept its update commitments intact. The Galaxy A25 5G launched with Android 14 and is now on its second major OS upgrade with Android 16, leaving two more to go (Android 17 & 18) thanks to the promised 4 major updates. The Galaxy A16 5G, which also debuted with Android 14, is on its second stop out of six. Yes, Samsung pledged 6 major OS upgrades for this one, meaning both phones are well-positioned to stay relevant for years without forcing you into an upgrade chase.
Samsung also sells a 4G-only Galaxy A16, which launched with the same Android 14 build and is equally guaranteed up to 6 major Android OS upgrades. But so far, there’s no sign of One UI 8 for the non-5G model. And this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this script. Just ask Galaxy A17 users. Just like with that model, Samsung seems to be prioritizing the 5G variant first, leaving the 4G crowd playing the waiting game.
Rolling out now, just not to everyone at once
If you’re on a Galaxy A16 5G or A25 5G in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda or elsewhere in the region, the update is headed your way over the air. Since rollout began late last week, most users should start seeing it any moment now, if not already.
To check manually, go to Settings → Software update → Download and install.
