Samsung's New Free Upgrade Hits 7 Of The Cheapest Galaxy Phones

Samsung is rolling out its One UI 8.5 update to seven of its cheapest Galaxy phones, bringing advanced software features to devices that typically cost under $200. The free upgrade includes AI-powered camera tools, performance tweaks, and the latest security patches—extending the lifespan of entry-level handsets.

Samsung announced on June 7, 2026, that the One UI 8.5 update is now hitting its most affordable Galaxy smartphones. The rollout covers seven models from the Galaxy A and M series, including the Galaxy A16 and Galaxy M17. These devices, often purchased in emerging markets or by budget-conscious users, will gain features previously reserved for flagship phones.

The update arrives as part of Samsung’s strategy to provide four years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches even on its cheapest devices. One UI 8.5 was first released in March 2026 on the Galaxy S26 series, and now it’s trickling down. The move is notably faster than previous cycles—earlier One UI versions took six to nine months to reach budget lines.

Key details: The exact list of seven phones includes—besides the A16 and M17—the Galaxy A06, Galaxy A26, Galaxy M16, Galaxy A15, and Galaxy M15. The update is carrier-independent and can be downloaded over Wi-Fi or mobile data. File size ranges from 800 MB to 1.2 GB depending on the model. New features include the “AI Object Eraser” for photos, a “Live Translate” mode for Samsung’s stock dialer, and a redesigned Quick Panel with one-handed operation optimizations. Battery life is also improved through smarter app hibernation.

Industry analysts note that Samsung is using software updates as a key differentiator in the low-end segment, where profit margins are thin. By offering premium-like features on cheap hardware, the company locks users into its ecosystem and reduces churn to competitors like Xiaomi and Realme. “Samsung is essentially commoditizing AI features,” says IDC analyst Marina Koyama. “That pressures rivals to match or lose shelf space.”

The rollout is phased regionally, starting with India and Southeast Asia before expanding to Latin America and Europe over the next four weeks. Users can check manually via Settings > Software Update. Samsung has not announced a specific end date but expects all eligible devices to receive the notification by mid-July 2026. For owners of these phones, the update essentially upgrades the device to a mid-range experience—free of charge.