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Samsung's latest foldables are getting the September 2021 security patch internationally
The September patch is also available for a plethora of phones and tablets including the S21 series
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Samsung is staying true to tradition this week as it releases the September 2021 security patch before any other company, in some cases before August had even finished. This update includes a new version of One UI for the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Flip 5G, bringing features from the new Z Flip3 to the older devices internationally.
Samsung's August 2021 update arrives for the Galaxy S10 series and the Galaxy S20 on T-Mobile
Just in time for September's update
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Every month Samsung continues to impress with its commitment to timely security updates. Right now, the August 2021 security patch is rolling out to a number of high-profile Galaxy phones in the US, less than a week behind international models.So far the update is available for the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra on all three major carriers, as well as the unlocked S20 and Note20 series and several A-series phones. It contains the usual bug fixes and security improvements. We'll keep this post updated as other phones receive the August patch.
Samsung's Galaxy A51 is receiving the August 2021 security patch internationally
It's also available for the Tab A7 LTE and several A series phones
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Samsung's July patch is rolling out to the international Galaxy Tab S6 Lite — here are all the updated devices
The update is also available for a number of A-series phones
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Samsung has consistently been ahead of the curve with security updates this year, and that continues now as the July 2021 patch hits the Galaxy devices series internationally. As the month rolls on, we're seeing it hit more and more devices.
Samsung's July 2021 update is coming to the Galaxy S20 on Verizon
The update is also available for the Verizon Z Fold2 and S10 Lite
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By this point, we know pretty well what to expect from Samsung when it comes to monthly security updates. Usually some international market will get the next month's release a little early, still in the waning days of the previous month — exactly like we just saw happen for the July release right at the end of June. And then if we're very good and patient, a few days later we start seeing the first releases start to appear for US carriers — just like what's happening right now.
Samsung's One UI 3.1 update reaches the Galaxy A50 and A51 in the US — here's the complete list of devices
The update is also hitting the Sprint Tab S6 and several budget phones
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One UI 3.1 has been rolling out to older Galaxy devices quickly in the last few months. Despite only being an incremental upgrade over 3.0, it carries over several useful features from the Galaxy S21 to its older siblings. Over the last few weeks, One UI 3.1 has arrived for several mid-range devices and some T-Mobile variants.
Samsung's May 2021 security patch comes to more phones on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon — here's the complete list
Now arriving for the Galaxy S9 on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon
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Samsung was ahead of the curve again this month when it released the May 2021 security patch for the international Galaxy S21 before anyone else. That continues now as several devices on T-Mobile receive the same update, even as the June security patch arrives for several devices.
Samsung rolls out April patch to more US carrier phones and tablets — here's the complete list
Our up-to-date list of all Samsung phones on the April patch in the US
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OnePlus 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: The fan-favourite just about has the edge
Samsung's lesser flagship of 2020 still packs a punch
OnePlus smartphones aren't as easy to recommend as they used to be, and the OnePlus 9 is no different. There are a few compromises when compared to its more expensive sibling — the frame is polycarbonate, the primary camera doesn't have OIS, there's no telephoto sensor or IP68 certification, and it doesn't offer the same 50W wireless charging.
Samsung releases a 4G Galaxy S20 FE you'll actually want to buy — if you can
No more overheating LTE Exynos 990 model, but it's only available in a few markets so far
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Just a few weeks ago, rumors circulated that Samsung would be releasing a new, Qualcomm-powered, LTE-only (and potentially cheaper) version of the massively popular Galaxy S20 FE, replacing the Exynos-powered version. In short order, the new SM-G780G model has silently landed in several markets, including Vietnam and Malaysia, with product listings available in Germany and Sweden.
Samsung's April update is ready for more tablets and Galaxy A phones
Now arriving for the A52, Tab A 10.5 (2018), and Tab S7+
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Samsung has put a lot of effort into improving its software reputation, and a big aspect of that change has been a renewed focus on issuing regular security updates. Over the last couple of years, Samsung has frequently managed to beat Google to the punch, and that continues even now as the Galaxy Note10, Z Fold2, and S21 have all received the April security patch, more recently followed by the Galaxy A72, Tab A 10.5 (2018), and Tab S7+.
Samsung sued over fragile camera glass on the Galaxy S20 series
Samsung hasn't taken corrective measures even after acknowledging the problem
Samsung is being sued, but no, it's not by Apple this time. The lawsuit was filed by disgruntled Galaxy S20 series owners facing issues with the camera module's glass fracturing or shattering without any external force being applied to it. While the problem isn't widespread, it should have been notable enough to warrant Samsung's attention — but apparently, the company largely tried to ignore it.
Samsung may soon release a more affordable version of the popular Galaxy S20 FE
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE was one of the best phones of 2020, and it came very close to being the Android Police 2020 Readers' Choice Smartphone of the Year. While the US market only received the 5G variant of the phone, consumers in the UK, Germany, and India, among others, had the chance to pick up a 4G variant powered by the Exynos 990. In what seems to be a way of acknowledging the drawbacks of its in-house processor (and/or the dropping costs of last-gen silicon), the company is all set to unveil a 4G variant of the phone that's powered by the Snapdragon 865+.According to WinFuture, the phone will be available in a bunch of European countries and replace the prevailing Exynos variant. In fact, the phone (SM-G780G) has already been listed on the Swedish website. Apart from the fact that it won't support 5G networks, it is identical to its 5G counterpart. You'll get a 6.5-inch 120Hz OLED display, three 12MP cameras on the back, a 4,500mAh battery, IP68 certification, and support for wireless charging.If you're a sucker for details, you might be aware that OEM buyers of the Snapdragon 865 chip need to mandatorily purchase the discrete 5G X55 modem. So, how is Samsung shipping a 4G variant of a phone that uses the same chip?Even though modems support a wide variety of network frequencies, smartphone companies need to certify their devices to work on them. There's money involved in the process, and this is why it's common to see smartphone companies certify only those bands which are relevant in a particular market. For instance, the OnePlus 9 in India — where 5G networks don't exist yet — only supports two 5G bands, whereas the US variant supports a lot more. It's safe to assume that Samsung is resorting to a similar practice in this case.There's no word on when the Galaxy S20 FE 4G will be officially announced, but it shouldn't be too long now. It's expected to be available in four colors and have a sticker price of €750.
The Snapdragon Galaxy S20 FE 5G gets an aggressive introductory price in India
Owners of the Exynos model now have another reason to cry into their pillow
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Like most markets outside North America, India got the Exynos variant of Samsung’s fantastic upper-mid-range Galaxy S20 FE. This model simply isn’t on par with its Snapdragon-powered sibling on several fronts, including 5G connectivity. Now, Samsung is bringing the S20 FE 5G to the Indian market right around the time OnePlus is set to drop its 9-series flagships in a similar price bracket.
Last year's Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition blew us away: for $599 (it's hardly ever sold for its $699 MSRP), it offered performance nearly identical to that of phones that cost twice as much thanks to its Snapdragon 865 chipset. It was also among the first phones to offer a 120Hz display at a mid-range price. But it was released in October, which means it's coming up on six months old. So, is it still worth buying in 2021? Let's discuss.On its face, the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition is still a very good phone. Made with high-end parts where it counts, it's hardly aged — Samsung said it wanted to distill the essential experience of its flagship phones into something less expensive with the FE, and it was successful in doing that. Although it's "only" got six gigabytes of RAM, the S20 Fan Edition doesn't feel any older than any of Samsung's high-end 2020 models — it continues to handle any task you could conceivably throw at a phone with alacrity. It's even 5G-compatible, if that's something you care about.
Samsung's February security update reaches more US carrier devices
Our continuously updated Samsung security patch roundup
Samsung kickstarted its February 2021 patch rollout a bit early this time, with the European Galaxy S20 line being the first recipient. Now, these latest Android security updates are spreading to the US, starting with the unlocked Galaxy S20 models and the Note20 Ultra, and more recently followed by a couple of older and budget devices on AT&T and Verizon.
Samsung resumes Galaxy S20 FE One UI 3.1 update distribution
The update was pulled shortly after its initial release
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Since older Galaxy flagships received One UI 3.0 only recently, we weren't exactly expecting Samsung to also push the Galaxy S21’s newer 3.1 build to those phones anytime soon. However, the company decided to give its existing customers a pleasant surprise by giving the rollout an early kick-start. Right now the Galaxy S20 FE is already getting its One UI 3.1 update, leaving behind its more premium siblings from last year.
Samsung's bringing some Galaxy S21 features to older phones with a software update
One UI 3.1 won't make your S20 into an S21, but you will get some of its features starting tonight
Samsung has just announced that it's officially bringing its Android 11-based One UI 3.1 software to older devices. Initially exclusive to the S21 series, this wider rollout includes the Galaxy S20 series, S10, Note10, Note20 series, Z Fold2, and Z Flip series, as well as some A-series phones. Better, that also means some features from the Galaxy S21 are trickling down to older devices with it, and the rollout starts tonight.
Should Galaxy S20 Fan Edition owners upgrade to the Galaxy S21?
Even with Samsung's generous trade-in values, the S21 is more of a side-grade
The Galaxy S20 Fan Edition was one of the best smartphones of 2020, as it included most of the features of Samsung's more expensive phones at a lower $700 (or 0, or $550) price point. It clearly served as inspiration for the newer Galaxy S21 series, as the phone has the same plastic casing and flat display as the Fan Edition.
Unlocked, T-Mobile, and Verizon Galaxy S20 FE now receiving Android 11-based One UI 3 update
Get 'em while they're hot!
Android 11 is slowly starting to make its way to Samsung phones on US carriers, with the Verizon Galaxy S20 FE being the latest recipient. The update started hitting global S20 FE variants around a month ago, making its way stateside last week on the AT&T model. Now, it's Big Red's turn to send the OTA out.