- Samsung is preparing One UI 9 on top of Android 17, with new features for customization, security, accessibility and multitasking.
- The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and S12+ come with Android 17 and One UI 9, 120Hz AMOLED displays and an included S Pen.
- The community installs Android 17 on a 2017 Xiaomi Mi A1 using a custom ROM from Evolution X.
- Google strengthens advanced protection in Android 17 and Motorola expands the rollout to more than 50 models.
Android 17 is no longer just a version appearing on roadmaps. The software is now appearing on new devices, tablets, and even phones salvaged by the community . Samsung uses it as the foundation for One UI 9, while independent projects ensure that very old devices continue to receive recent versions. In Spain and the rest of Europe, interest is divided between knowing which phones will be updated and verifying which features will actually arrive.
The update brings customization, security, and performance improvements, but its rollout isn't uniform. Some manufacturers are integrating it into their own custom interfaces, while others are using it to extend the lifespan of discontinued devices . Therefore, it's worth paying attention to both official announcements and the work of developers, because Android 17's rollout is more extensive than usual.
One UI 9, Samsung's layer based on Android 17
Samsung is developing One UI 9, its next customization layer built on top of Android 17. Although the Korean firm maintains its own menus and applications, the presence of Google services remains important , with Gemini and the app store among the elements that are not disappearing.
Among the first changes revealed are a lock screen with more widget options, a more advanced version of Now Brief, additional security limits for apps, multitasking improvements, more polished gaming performance, enhanced connectivity, and support for ultra-wideband and satellite connections. Security and multitasking are two key focuses , in addition to bug fixes from the previous version.
Over the past few weeks, additional features have been added, such as more creative tools in Samsung Notes, direct access from Contacts to Creative Studio for creating profile cards, more settings in the Quick Panel for brightness, sound, and media player, accessibility improvements with smoother cursor control, and a combined TalkBack suite. A Highlighted Text feature has also been added for easier reading.
In terms of security, the system alerts and blocks apps when it detects high-risk applications, simplifies the About phone menu, and incorporates a location usage indicator in the status bar. There's also per-app internet access blocking, floating bubbles for any application, and advanced multi-touch gestures in Good Lock. Control over app permissions and activity is becoming increasingly important.
Those who have tested the betas mention smoother animations and transitions, transparencies and a glass effect reminiscent of other systems, more widgets in FlexWindow for foldable devices, AI tools in Gallery and photo editor, automatic coupons in Samsung Internet with a button to ask the AI about a page, improvements to Samsung DeX, more integrated Quick Share, changes to call notifications, and a new Warranty and Care app. Bixby is integrated into the home screen with voice and text shortcut widgets, and Galaxy AI adds Now Nudge, My FanCam, Photo Assist, and Now Brief. AI is making its way into everyday tasks and foldable devices.
The list of compatible phones is extensive. The Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra are included in the beta version, along with models from the S25, S24, and S23 families. Updates are also expected for the Z Fold and Z Flip ranges, several Galaxy A and M models, and tablets such as the Tab S11, Tab S10, and Tab S9, among others. Samsung Members can be used to check if your device is eligible for the update.
Regarding release dates, Samsung doesn't usually adhere to such a specific schedule as other companies. The One UI 9 beta began in May for the S26, and a fourth beta was distributed during July. The final version is expected in August, first for the latest models and then for mid-range and entry-level devices . The update can be accessed from Settings, under Software update, by tapping Download and install, and it's advisable to back up your data beforehand.
Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and S12+, Android 17 out of the box
Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S12+, two tablets that come with Android 17 and One UI 9. The Ultra maintains a 14,6-inch screen, while the S12+ has a smaller 12,6-inch display. Both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with a 120Hz refresh rate , a peak brightness of 1.600 nits, 1.000 nits in high-brightness mode, and progressive brightness adjustment via Vision Booster.
Both models feature four speakers with four-channel spatial audio and IP68 certification. The Ultra measures 208,5 x 326,3 x 5,1 millimeters and weighs 692 grams in Wi-Fi mode or 695 grams in 5G mode. The S12+ measures 187,8 x 289,5 x 5,3 millimeters, weighing 553 grams in Wi-Fi mode and 555 grams in 5G mode. The size difference is also noticeable when holding them for extended periods.
The chosen processor is the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, manufactured using a 3-nanometer process. Samsung attributes improvements of up to 61% in NPU, 19% in CPU, and 17% in GPU to this platform compared to the previous generation. It also features a 3D vapor chamber for improved heat dissipation. The processing power is primarily geared towards artificial intelligence tasks.
The Ultra can be configured with 12GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage, or with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The S12+ offers 12GB of RAM with 256GB or 512GB of storage. Both retain a microSD card slot that supports up to 2TB of storage. Connectivity options include 5G, Dual SIM with pSIM and eSIM, Bluetooth 6.0, and Wi-Fi 7 on the Ultra, compared to Wi-Fi 6E on the S12+. Expandable storage remains a key selling point.
The cameras also set them apart: the Ultra features a 13-megapixel main sensor and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, while the S12+ only has the 13-megapixel sensor. Both have a 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The Ultra's battery has a capacity of 11.600 mAh, and the S12+'s is 10.600 mAh , offering up to 23 and 21 hours of video playback respectively, and both support 45W fast charging.
In the creative department, the S Pen is included and can be used for writing, drawing, and editing, although this version doesn't support Bluetooth. Photoshop comes pre-installed for the first time on an Android tablet, with support for the S Pen, Generative Fill, Image-to-Video, and Adobe Firefly tools. There are also promotions for Notability, Goodnotes, LumaFusion, Notion, and other creative apps.
Availability has been announced for select markets starting October 7th, with conditions varying by country. For Spain, it's advisable to check local communications before assuming prices or dates are final, as not all announcements agree on these details. The European launch may have variations in each region.
Android 17 on a Xiaomi Mi A1 thanks to the community
One of the most striking cases is the Xiaomi Mi A1, a phone released in 2017 whose official support ended with Android 9 Pie. Now, the Evolution X ROM has released a version based on Android 17 for this device, known internally as tissot. The phone is back in the spotlight almost a decade after its launch.
The challenge is significant: we're talking about a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 and 4 GB of RAM, a combination that, on paper, doesn't seem to mesh well with a modern system. Developers have had to adapt device trees, kernels, and specific components to enable the hardware to communicate with Android 17. This isn't a simple installation; it's a very complex compatibility effort.
To achieve this, parts of the system were rewritten at a low level. The original partition table wasn't ready for the current images, so cache sectors were reallocated to make room. Bridges were also built between the proprietary drivers of older kernels and the modern Android interface, which are necessary for the mobile network, sensors, and camera to function. ZRAM compression helps prevent unexpected shutdowns with only 4 GB of memory.
The performance isn't comparable to a modern phone: there's significant lag when navigating the settings, and it's not suitable for using the Mi A1 as your primary device. Even so, the project demonstrates that custom ROMs still have their place. Evolution X has maintained builds for this model since 2019, and the jump from Android 16 to Android 17 was almost instantaneous. The feat is more of a technical curiosity than a practical solution for everyday use.
History also invites comparison with other longevity cases. The Nvidia Shield TV achieved a record ten years of official support, and companies like Google, Samsung, Oppo, and Xiaomi have extended their support policies to seven years. The community continues to fill the gaps left by manufacturers.
Advanced protection in Android 17
Google has detailed six Advanced Protection features for Android 17: Intrusion Logging, USB Protection, Accessibility Protection, Disable WebGPU, Failed Authentication Lock, and View Supporting Apps. This protection can be activated from a single control and is intended for users who require extra security. Accessibility Protection restricts access to the AccessibilityService to apps verified and classified as accessibility tools.
Intrusion Logging requires manual activation and stores end-to-end encrypted security and network events in the cloud, with user-only access for a mobile period of 12 months. USB Protection restricts new connections to charging only while the phone is locked, while existing connections remain active. This feature is available on Pixel 6 and later, and on select devices running Android 17.
Disable WebGPU disables WebGPU in Chrome when the mode is active, as a measure to reduce exposure to sophisticated browser attacks. Failed Authentication Lock locks the device after several failed authentication attempts in Settings or protected apps. View Supporting Apps displays installed apps that check the protection status. Not all security features are available on all models.
Motorola is also making a move with Android 17
Motorola has begun the official rollout of Android 17 to its lineup. The company anticipates that more than 50 models across the Razr, Edge, and Moto G families will receive the update in stages throughout 2026. The update includes stackable widgets that group weather, calendar, battery, and music player information into a single block.
In terms of notifications, Android 17 incorporates Live Updates for real-time information, automatic summaries of long conversations, and machine learning-based categorization to send automatic promotions and alerts to silent folders. Motorola adds Tap to Share for sending files by simply tapping two devices together and Quick Drop for creating reusable groups and sharing with multiple recipients. The goal is to reduce clutter and speed up sharing.
There are also themed icons coordinated with the system palette, a classic-style Quick Settings panel for hiding text, and improved HDR brightness control. For security, the anti-fraud layer uses artificial intelligence against malware, phishing, and data breaches, as well as filtering deceptive messages and suspicious pop-ups. The battery receives thermal optimizations, and the system patches known vulnerabilities.
The model lineup includes the Razr 70 Ultra, Razr 70 Plus, Razr 70, Razr Ultra, Razr+, Razr, Razr Fold, Razr 60 Ultra, Razr 60s, Razr 60d, Razr 60, Razr 50 Ultra, and previous-generation Razr+ models. The Edge series includes the Edge 2026, Edge 70 Pro+, Edge 70 Pro, Edge 70 Max, Edge 70 Neo, Edge 70 Plus, Edge 70 Fusion+, Edge 70 Fusion, Edge 70, Edge 2025, Edge 60 Stylus, Edge 60 Pro, Edge 60 Fusion, Edge 60, and Edge 50 Ultra. The Moto G family will arrive later, in stages.
All this activity makes one thing clear: Android 17 isn't limited to a single release or a single brand. The version is progressing across customization layers, tablets, security measures, and community projects . In Spain and Europe, it's prudent to check compatibility in Samsung Members, review Settings for updates, and wait for local confirmations before assuming prices, dates, or final lists. Meanwhile, the community will continue to get the most out of devices that seemed destined for oblivion.
