The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is officially receiving its final major OS upgrade in the East Africa region, with the stable One UI 8 update, based on Android 16, now rolling out to users in Kenya and surrounding countries.
The move sees the Fan Edition device, which survived the One UI 8 cutoff that snagged its Galaxy S21 siblings due to its later launch with a newer base OS, catching up to the flurry of other Galaxy devices that have recently picked up the Android 16-based update in the region.
The update is arriving with firmware version G990EXXUIHYJ2. Curiously, while the build brings the all-new One UI 8 features, it tags along the slightly older September security patch. This is noteworthy as the same device in regions like Thailand, which saw the initial One UI 8 rollout first, is already receiving its first post-One UI 8 patch as version G990EXXSJHYJ4 with the October security update.
This staggered release is common for OTA updates, meaning East Africa gets the major OS jump now, while other markets are already receiving minor post-release fixes.
What’s new in One UI 8 (Android 16)
The changelog is massive, but some of the standout features include:
- Improved Quick Share for easier file transfers between devices
- Sticky notes in Samsung Notes for on-screen annotations
- Redesigned Samsung Internet with customizable menus
- Enhanced DeX experience with widget and resolution support up to WQHD
- Revamped Reminder and Calendar apps with quicker event creation
- New Samsung Health features like Running Coach, Bedtime Guidance, and Vascular Load tracking (for Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch Ultra users)
- Improved Secure Folder and enhanced Knox Matrix security scans
- Accessibility upgrades, including larger on-screen keyboard options and easier Bluetooth hearing aid pairing
Samsung also added subtle visual updates across Weather, Camera, and Settings, making the interface feel cleaner and more polished.
If you own a Galaxy S21 FE in Kenya or East Africa, head over to Settings > Software update and tap Download and install to check for the massive update. It’s time to experience the final major leap for your Fan Edition device.
