MILLIONS of Samsung owners should be wary that their devices will no longer receive new features – or fixes for cyber security flaws.
Four Samsung Galaxy gadgets have just reached the end of their software update cycle. Here’s what that means for you:
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Samsung devices typically receive monthly, quarterly and biannual updates – but only for a select amount of years.
These updates can include new features, or fix a cybersecurity vulnerability that has emerged.
For example, Samsung’s August 2024 security patch fixed nearly 50 cyber flaws.
One of those flaws was reportedly such a risk that the US government raised red flags about it among federal staff in June.
The number of years a device receives updates for is growing.
Earlier this year, Samsung made a seven-year promise to newer Galaxy phones.
Samsung even extended that offer to select TVs last month.
However, most devices on the market will only receive four to five years worth of OS and security patches.
And that includes the four affected devices: the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Tab S7, Galaxy Tab S7+, and Galaxy M31s, all of which debuted in 2020.
While these devices will continue to work normally for now, they may begin to act up in the future.
Who offers free updates longest?
The longer you receive updates, the longer you can safely continue using your smartphone – with the latest features thrown in too for free.
Samsung
For the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung said it would provide at least seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security updates.
OnePlus
At the launch of the OnePlus 12, OnePlus committed to at least four years of Android updates and five years of security updates.
Nothing
Nothing only offers three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates.
Google
For Pixel 8 phones, Google said that devices would receive at least seven years of support.
Alternatives to consider
Nothing Phone 2a – £349/$349
This little-known Android phone, which hit shelves earlier this year, has three years worth of major Android updates and four years worth of security patches.
That means the device will be cyber-secured until 2028.
The design-simple phone, which has shouldered its way into a crowded market, comes with a hefty battery and Android 14 software.
And it even has a feature Samsung and Apple can’t beat.
See The Sun’s full review of the Nothing Phone 2a here.
Google Pixel 8a – £499/$499
Albeit slightly more expensive than the Nothing Phone 2a, the Google Pixel 8a receive seven years of security upgrades.
That will see you through until 2031.
While the camera doesn’t pack as much of a punch as the latest Pixel 9, the Pixel 8a still benefits from Google’s treasure trove of AI features.
See The Sun’s full review of the Google Pixel 8a here.
Samsung Z Flip and Z Fold 6 – £1,049/$1,100 and £1,799/$1,900
Both Samsung devices benefit from the Korean smartphone giant’s promise to offer seven years worth of OS and security updates.
So if you’re looking to replace your Galaxy Z Flip 5G, then the newest device in the Flip (or Fold) series might be a good option.
Doing so would make it possible to not replace your phone until the next decade – which sounds quite tempting.
See The Sun’s full review of the Samsung Z Flip 6 here.
See The Sun’s full review of the Samsung Z Fold 6 here.
