Samsung Android Nougat release news: Galaxy A5 (2016) gets Google mobile v7.0 OS [How to install]

Having completed the Android Nougat roll-out for all its flagship Galaxy S series, Samsung has commenced the second phase of the software deployment to mid-tier Galaxy A.

In a surprise move, Samsung, instead of releasing new OS to the latest 2017 series, has released 2016-based Galaxy A5 (SM-A510F) in Russia. The firmware (build version: A510FXXU4CQDK) is being rolled out via Over-The-Air (OTA), the Galaxy A(2016) owner said on XDA Developer Forum.

Also read: Samsung hangs on to the crown amid onslaught from Chinese smartphone makers

How to install Android 7.0 Nougat on Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016):

1. Select "Yes, I'm in".

2. After the software is downloaded, select "Install now".

3. After the software is installed, your phone will re-start automatically.

4. Your phone is now updated.

Since OTA process is carried out in stages, it will take weeks to reach all corners of the world; so readers are advised to have some patience for the update to arrive.

Until then, Galaxy A5(2016) owners can also check for updates manually by going to Settings >> About Phone >> System Updates >> check for the new firmware.

What's coming with Android Nougat?

Android Nougat comes with night mode, bundled notification, improved battery optimisation, multi-window options and more.

Read more: Android 7.0 Nougat released: 16 key upgrades of Google's new mobile OS update over Marshmallow

In addition to Google's Nougat features, Samsung has incorporated several personalisation options, including the Always On Display that lets the users change the clock colour, get enhanced accessibility, lock screen personalisation option to improve notifications on display, card dynamic adjustment of display size, revamped calendar app, new font option for titles so that it can be displayed in dominant upper case characters, option to use owner's image for the display, and newer clock styles.

In a bid to make the phone more efficient, it has introduced Performance Mode that lets users optimise their smartphones to better meet their specific needs by activating one of the four available modes -- Optimised mode (extends battery), Game mode (provides useful functions such as Game Launcher and Game Tools), Entertainment mode (enhances sound and image quality) and High Performance mode (enables the highest quality display settings possible).

Other Samsung mid-range slated to get Android Nougat update include Galaxy A7 (2016 & 2017), A3 (2016 & 2017) and A8 (2016), among others.

Watch this space for the latest updates on Samsung Android Nougat release schedule.