Update [Nov 6]: The Oreo 8.1 update is now available for model SM-T390 of the Galaxy Tab Active 2 slate, which also includes the latest security patch for the month of November 2018.

Samsung is rolling out new updates to the 2016 Galaxy On5 in China and the Galaxy Tab Active 2 in Europe and the United Arab Emirates – updates that install the newer Android 8.1 Oreo.

It is a surprise to see the Galaxy On5 2016 receiving an update to Oreo 8.1 having made its debut preinstalled with Android Marshmallow. Being an entry-level device, we only expected a single OS upgrade to Nougat, so good work Samsung!

The On5’s update has software version G5510ZCU1CRJ3 and brings October 2018 security patches as well. As for the Galaxy Active 2, the Oreo 8.1 software update has versions T395XXU3BRJ5 and T395JXU3BRJ5 for Europe and UAE, respectively. Interestingly, the slate’s update brings along November 2018 security patches, days before Google makes the same available for the Pixels.

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These are OTA updates, which means it will take some time before all Galaxy On5 2016 and Galaxy Tab Active 2 units get the download notification, so be patient. Alternatively, you may try forcing the update via either device’s Settings menu, but be sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection to download the heavy package.