Samsung is steadily advancing its efforts to bring Android 15 and One UI 7.0 to Galaxy devices, and the Galaxy S23 FE is the latest beneficiary of these updates. Recently, internal Android 15 firmware for the Galaxy S23 FE was discovered on Samsung’s servers, signaling significant progress in development. This exciting update comes on the heels of similar test builds spotted for the Galaxy S23 series just a few days earlier.
But what does this mean for Galaxy S23 FE owners? Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect as Samsung moves forward with One UI 7.0 and Android 15.
Understanding Test Firmware vs. Beta Firmware
It’s important to note the distinction between test firmware and beta firmware. Test firmware refers to internal builds used by Samsung for trial runs on their devices. These builds are a key part of development, helping the company fine-tune features, performance, and compatibility.
Also read this: One UI 6 Watch Update will be available in Galaxy Smartwatch
Beta firmware, on the other hand, is what gets rolled out to customers in select countries as part of Samsung’s One UI beta programs. These public betas allow users to experience the new software before its official release, providing valuable feedback to Samsung to refine the experience.
For now, the Galaxy S23 FE is only in the test firmware stage, meaning the updates are being evaluated internally by Samsung’s development team.
Will the Galaxy S23 FE Join the One UI 7.0 Beta Program?
Unfortunately, the answer seems to be no. Historically, Samsung’s One UI beta programs have been limited to mainstream Galaxy S flagship models. The Fan Edition (FE) devices, including the Galaxy S23 FE, are typically excluded from these beta programs.
As of November 21, 2024, Android 15 beta builds have only been spotted for the Galaxy S24 series, which is unsurprising. Samsung usually prioritizes its latest flagship lineup for beta updates, rolling out beta versions to older Galaxy S models and other devices a few weeks later.
While it’s disappointing for Galaxy S23 FE users, it aligns with Samsung’s established approach to beta updates. Fan Edition models have consistently been left out of these programs, and there’s no indication that the Galaxy S23 FE will break this trend with One UI 7.0.
What’s Next for the Galaxy S23 FE?
Even though the Galaxy S23 FE won’t be part of the beta testing program, there’s still good news. The discovery of internal firmware testing indicates that Samsung is actively working on bringing Android 15 and One UI 7.0 to the device. This means that once the beta program concludes and the official update is ready, the Galaxy S23 FE will likely receive it in due course.
Samsung’s Fan Edition devices are known for offering flagship-like features at a more affordable price point, and timely software updates play a big role in maintaining their value. While the beta experience might not be available, the final stable release of Android 15 and One UI 7.0 will undoubtedly enhance the Galaxy S23 FE’s user experience.
Final Thoughts
For Galaxy S23 FE users, the internal testing of Android 15 firmware is an encouraging sign of progress. Although the device may not be eligible for the One UI 7.0 beta program, it’s clear that Samsung is dedicated to delivering the latest software updates to its entire lineup.
Keep an eye out for official announcements from Samsung as we move closer to the rollout of Android 15 and One UI 7.0. In the meantime, the Galaxy S23 FE remains a solid choice for anyone seeking a balanced mix of performance, features, and affordability.
