Samsung Galaxy S7 Receives First Update: Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow XXU1APAW Build Available

The first Samsung Galaxy S7 update is now available in the U.K. According to Team Android, Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow OS is being rolled out to Samsung’s 2016 flagship device.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 was officially unveiled during the 2016 Mobile World Congress event held last month. It became available for pre-order and is set to hit the shelves starting today, March 11.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 is pre-installed with Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS, according to GSM Arena. But with the firmware update recently released by the South Korean tech company, it is expected that the issues experienced during the initial public testing will be fixed.

For the technical details, the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update that is currently rolling out has build number XXU1APAW and it is compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S7 carrying the model number SM-G930F. To verify the mobile device’s model number, Galaxy S7 owners can look for the phone’s Settings menu, tap “About Device” and then check the Model Number.

Currently, the firmware update is only available for units in the United Kingdom. The update can be done automatically via OTA, or Over-the-Air method, and since it is being rolled out in stages, some users of unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 in other regions might have to wait. The Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update can also be installed using the Samsung KIES desktop tool.

Meanwhile, those who can’t wait for the automatic firmware update can opt for a manual installation procedure. Another possible way to install Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on Samsung Galaxy S7 G930F LTE is through the use of the ODIN tool. However, since this is an unofficial method, Samsung Galaxy S7 users are expected to be extra careful when installing the update.

Battery level should be checked first as the phone needs to have at least 80 percent power before installing the latest Marshmallow build. Also, since the smartphone needs to be connected to a computer to get the update, the right USB driver should be installed. Moreover, Samsung Galaxy S7 users need to enable USB Debugging mode. A detailed guide for the correct installation process and the download links of necessary files were posted on the Team Android’s post linked above.

Samsung Galaxy S7, according to Android Pit, “is not perfect but it is one of the best Android phones currently on the market.” Some of the smartphone’s selling points, as listed on the post, are its excellent display, the speed and the quality of the cameras, as well as its water resistance feature. Moreover, the 2016 flagship model also offers a “strong performance for everyday tasks and gaming.”

One of the new features highlighted for the Samsung Galaxy S7 during its launch is its Always-On display. A similar kind of technology can also be found on the LG G5. The feature is described on Android Pit.

“Always-on means a portion of the Galaxy S7 display remains permanently active. This part of the display can contain calendar information, the date and time, notifications and much more.”

Concerns were raised about the potential effect of the Always-on feature on the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S7. But according to the Team Android’s review, the tech manufacturer explained that it only “consumes little power because only individual pixels are activated.”

As for the phone’s specs, the Samsung Galaxy S7 has the same display as that of the 2015 flagship, the S6, which is Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. It is equipped with a 5.1-inch screen with a pixel density of 577 ppi. For more of the phone’s features and specs, watch the hands-on review from Gadget Match, as posted on their Youtube channel.

Meanwhile, gold-plated Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge units are available on the U.K. brand, GoldGenie. Accordingly, the gold-plated Samsung Galaxy S7 comes with a price tag worth £2,097 or $2,973. Check out the Twitter post from Mashable.

A gold-plated Samsung Galaxy S7 can be yours for just $3,000 https://t.co/rDWTw5VupH pic.twitter.com/odn7gtJc4O

— Mashable (@mashable) March 10, 2016

[Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images]