Samsung has finally released the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update to the Galaxy Tab A8 (2021). With this update, the low-end tablet has received a total of three major Android OS updates, and it could be the last major update it will get.
Galaxy Tab A8 (2021) gets Android 14 and One UI 6.0 update
The Android 14-based One UI 6.0 Galaxy Tab A8 (2021) update is now available (via YashRathoreX) in India. It comes bearing firmware version X200XXU3DXB3 and has a relatively large download size. It also brings the December 2023 security patch and not the latest March 2024 patch, which means the tablet is three months behind the new security update.
If you have a Galaxy Tab A8 (2021) and live in India, you can now install the update by opening the Settings app, navigating to Software update, and tapping Download and install. If you are in other regions, you could get the new update within the next few weeks. You can watch all the new features that the One UI 6.0 update brings in our in-depth video below.
Galaxy Tab A8 (2021) Android 14 features
One UI 6.0 brings a new Quick Panel layout to the Galaxy Tab A8 (2021). You can instantly access the full Quick Panel by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen. However, this is an optional feature. The update also brings a new album art display, a new media player widget for the lock screen and notifications area, and refreshed notifications.
You can sort notifications by time, and the notification icons now look more vivid. You can resize and reposition the lock screen clock widget. You can even choose from more font options for the lock screen clock widget. Samsung has removed ‘Samsung' and ‘Galaxy' terms from its stock app icon labels.
Samsung has introduced a two-hand gesture for selecting, dragging, and dropping multiple files/items from one place to another. This feature works inside Calendar, Gallery, My Files, Samsung Internet, home screen, and other places. When you open the multitasking menu and return, pop-up windows stay open.
Link to Windows now works with the Galaxy Tab A8 (2021), which means you can work better with a computer running Windows 10 or Windows 11. Samsung has also introduced a new design language for emojis. While sharing content from the tablet, images and videos are previewed so you have a better idea of what you're sharing.
The Weather app brings the new Weather Insights widget, more information (atmospheric pressure, dew point, moon phase, visibility distance, and wind direction), interactive map view, and improved illustrations of weather conditions.
The built-in Gallery app now has an enhanced view for Stories. The built-in Photo Editor and Video Editor have received new features. The Photo Editor has enhanced controls for editing, the ability to adjust decorations after saving, undo and redo options, the ability to draw on custom stickers, and new backgrounds and styles. The Video Editor is now named Studio, and it supports drafts and timelines.
The built-in video player has an enhanced video-playing UI and enhanced playback speed controls. The Calendar app has a new schedule view and shows reminders from the Reminders app. Samsung Internet can play videos in the background and has an enhanced tab list view on the Galaxy Tab A8 (2021).
In the app drawer, you can long-press an app icon from the search results to perform quick actions when you find things using Finder. The Modes & Routines app has more conditions and actions, and you can change the lock screen appearance. The Airplane Mode is now smarter, and it remembers whether you want Bluetooth to be turned on or off when you activate Airplane Mode.
Samsung has added a direct entry for Battery settings in the Settings app. It has also improved Digital Wellbeing and accessibility features. The My Files app offers an easier way to free up storage space and integrates trash files with Gallery and Voice Recorder apps.
