Do you wonder what the code in Samsung’s firmware version means? Do you know that every Samsung update has different codes? Have you tried to decode them so you can understand them? If not, then in this article, I will guide you on how to read Samsung firmware numbers.
Samsung regularly releases the latest software updates to its smartphones, smartwatches, and fitness bands. Every company has its own way of displaying new software updates.
As a tech reader, I can say that Xiaomi, Huawei, Apple, and Realme use a simple numbering system. Samsung, however, shows it in lengthy code, so you may sometimes find it difficult to understand. For example, the newest version for the Galaxy S25 is S931BXXU4AYC1, which is much longer compared to Apple’s iOS versions for the iPhone.
Every day, at least one Samsung device receives a new software version. Some firmware updates carry major features and changes, while others come with minor improvements. There are also security updates from Google that you receive every month or quarterly. So how do you know which update is important and which one only enhances security?
Beta versions are also available, and most smartphones will receive them in the coming months. Now, come with me to decode all the letters in the firmware version and understand their meaning. In this example, we will take the Galaxy S25’s latest software update, S931BXXU4AYC1.
1. The first S931B part
In the firmware version, the first S931B is the model number of the Galaxy S25. You may see G988F in some regions like Europe, India, Korea, Brazil, etc.
2. The XX part in the code
This XX part indicates the international or European version. Some carriers in many countries use different codes, such as in the US, South Korea, and China. For example, South Korea has a code name, NKSU, to differentiate its firmware from that of other countries.
3. U4 is the bootloader version
As per Samsung’s security policy, you can’t downgrade to a lower bootloader version. If you are on bootloader version U4, you cannot flash a U3 version. If you try to downgrade the bootloader, then the chances of bricking the device will increase, so avoid flashing a lower bootloader.
4. The letter A indicates the major Android OS update
The letter A is important. It represents the major update since the Android OS version. The letter A means the first major update, B is the second major update, and so on. If Samsung releases the One UI 8 version in the future, it will use the code ‘B’ in its firmware. The letter Z indicates the beta version. When you see Z instead of A, B, C, and so on, it means that it is a beta version.
5. Y stands for the current year
The eleventh character in the code represents the current year. In the given code, Y stands for 2025. The letter X was used for 2024, W for 2023, V for 2022, and now Y is used for 2025. That means in 2026, we will see the letter Z in the firmware code. Also note that, when Galaxy devices receive beta updates, then you can see the Z letter in the 10th position, and the 11th position will also show you the Z letter, meaning the ZZ code in the firmware.
6. The next C represents the release month
The letter C, which is the twelfth character, tells you the month in which the firmware was released. A stands for January, B for February, and so on. Here, C means March.
7. The last number shows how many times the firmware was built
To create stable software, developers need time and effort. The last number, ‘1’, shows the build revision. From this number, you can understand how many times the firmware has been built.
I think I have covered all the letters in the firmware code. With this information, you can now understand the firmware version of your Galaxy device.
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