latest
Samsung's February 2023 security patch is available for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4 internationally
It's also reached the Tab S7 and S8 series and several A series phones
Read update
Right at the beginning of February 2023, Samsung held its first in-person Galaxy Unpacked event in three years to unveil the Galaxy S23 series. Packing a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, a 200MP primary camera, and other improvements, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is all set to become one of our favorite Android phones of the year. With such a major device launch on its plate, you'd expect Samsung to be a bit late with its monthly security patch release this time around. That's not the case, though, as the Korean giant has started rolling out the February 2023 security update for the Galaxy Note 20 series.
Samsung blesses Galaxy S20 and Note 20 devices with stable Android 13
This makes eight phones on One UI 5 in one day
We're on a schedule now. Well, at least Samsung is with Android 13: dozens of Galaxy phones across the globe are due to receive One UI 5 in the coming months. News came earlier this morning that Galaxy S21 series devices were getting the bump, but we're now getting word that the S20 and Note 20 phones are in the bag.
Samsung’s Expert RAW camera finally supports its 2020 flagship phones
Galaxy S20 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra, and Fold 2 owners, its time to download the app
Samsung's Expert RAW app provides greater control over the cameras of your Galaxy phone, allowing you to take even better photos. The app debuted in beta on the Galaxy S21 Ultra in 2021 and launched publicly with the Galaxy S22 lineup this year. Samsung promised to expand Expert RAW's availability to its previous-gen flagship Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S20 and Note 20 Ultra. Its initial timeline stated the app would be compatible with its 2020 flagship Galaxy phones by the first half of 2022. But due to validation issues, the support was delayed. Three months after the promised timeline, Expert RAW has been finally updated with support for Samsung's two-generation old premium devices.
Samsung's October 2021 patch is out for Verizon's Galaxy S10 and Note10 series
Plus a whole bunch of last-gen foldables
Read update
Samsung got an early start on delivering October's security patch internationally, delivering it to users before September had even drawn to a close. As usual, US-based devices are following about a week behind — not too shabby, considering Pixel owners only just got the update on Monday. As October carries on, more Samsung phones are receiving their stateside updates.
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
Read update
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
Read update
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 July 2021 update is coming to the Galaxy S20 on Verizon
The update is also available for the Verizon Z Fold2 and S10 Lite
Read update
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 June 2021 update is now available for the T-Mobile S21 series
The T-Mobile A51 has also been updated
Read update
We might be facing the heat of July, but Samsung's June patch is still coming to a number of phones. Over the last two weeks, it's reached several devices in the US, including the Galaxy S21 and S10 series, the A10e, the A52, and more.
Since we're not getting a new Note this year, enjoy this deal on last year's model
At this price, Samsung's Galaxy Note20 is still worth picking up
This time of year is right around when we would usually be seeing all sorts of rumors and leaks surrounding Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Note. Unfortunately, the lineup that made "phablets" mainstream is taking a break in 2021, replaced with new additions to the folding Galaxy Z-series. If you were holding out to replace an aging device with a traditional stylus-equipped phone, at least you can celebrate by grabbing last year's Note20 for just $600 at Woot.
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
Read update
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.
The international Galaxy S21 is finally getting the June 2021 update after a delay
The camera is buttery smooth now
Read update
Samsung started updating its phones with the June security patch before May was out, but the S21 series seemed to be having issues. Now things seem to be back to normal as the update is rolling out widely.The June patch first appeared for Korean S21 users on May 27th, but instead of rapidly spreading to more regions, things went quiet. Another June update rolled out a short time later but, like before, failed to reach any other countries. Whatever problems or bugs were plaguing the update seem to have been squashed, with the US S21 getting it yesterday and it reaching the UK today.As well as the usual security fixes, the cameras have gotten a significant improvement. Until now, switching lenses in the S21 camera app was far from smooth, stuttering, and lagging as it zoomed in and out. That's finally been fixed, and switching between the cameras is smooth and buttery.I got it on my UK S21 Ultra today, carrying G998BXXU3AUF6 as the build number and weighing in at 477MB. Hopefully, it will arrive in other regions soon.As always we'll continue to update this post as new devices get updated.
The Galaxy S21 and S20 FE are Amazon's doorbuster smartphone deals for Prime Day with huge discounts
Now is the time to pick up your next Galaxy phone
The Amazon Prime Day extravaganza is right on time this year, and as always, there are hundreds of deals to snag. If you’re due a smartphone upgrade, then there cannot be a better time than today as a whole bunch of Samsung phones — from the Galaxy S20 FE to the newest S21 line — are all selling at the lowest prices we’ve seen to date.Samsung’s massively successful Galaxy S20 FE is even cheaper for Prime Day, available for just 9. It’s frankly a steal for a flagship-class phone that can still last you for years. The entire Galaxy S21 series is also discounted by 0 on its usual selling price — or a full $300 down from their MSRPs ($200 for the base S21 model). Meanwhile, the more budget-conscious among us can look at the Galaxy A71 5G, which is down to a sweet $375.
Samsung's May 2021 update arrives for the Galaxy Tab S6, Note8, and more — here's the full list
Bringing improved Quick Share to more flagships
Read update
Samsung has been trying to improve its image in software lately, especially when it comes to security updates for Android devices. What better way than to release an update several days early? That's the case with the May security update, which is already rolling out to several devices, with new features coming to select flagships.
Samsung is finally rolling out eSIM support to Galaxy phones in the US — here are the models so far
Starting with T-Mobile's Note20 and Note20 Ultra
Although plenty of devices in the US technically have eSIMs, only Apple's iPhone and Google's Pixel series allow users to connect to networks using the digital cards included in their phones. Many of Samsung's recent flagships also have eSIMs built-in, but without the backing of US carriers, the feature has gone unused. Thankfully, that's finally changing, as T-Mobile is the first carrier to add support for eSIM on Samsung devices running on its network, starting with the Galaxy Note20 series.
Samsung releases March security patch for the Galaxy Note 9, A90, and Tab S4
The March update continues to reach more devices
Read update
Samsung has really been owning it when it comes to the Android security patch game. Continuing that impressive track record, Samsung is already releasing the March 2021 update for several devices, even though we're still in February. As well as keeping our devices secure, we're also seeing some new features land, as the Galaxy Tab S7 picks up some new iPad-inspired capabilities.
Samsung updates Good Lock module Pentastic with new Air Command customization for your S Pen
Jazz up your S-Pen experience
Pentastic is one of the newer Good Lock modules, allowing users to customize their S-Pen experience. The latest update adds some custom backgrounds to Air Command, as well as brightness and blur control. After opening Pentastic, tap the style of Air Command you wish to use. Doing so will open up the editor, where you can upload an image that will serve as a background whenever you access Air Command.
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 rolling out One UI 3.1 update to more Galaxy devices
It's bringing some Galaxy S21 features to older devices
Samsung has already rolled out its Android 11 update to many phones and tablets, branded as One UI 3.0, but the company introduced a minor revision with the Galaxy S21 series. The One UI 3.1 update was already confirmed to arrive on select phones and tablets, and now the wide rollout is in full swing.
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.
Energy Ring supports Galaxy S21, Pixel 5, older devices in a new universal app
Future bright for S21+, not so much for phones from Redmi and others
IJP, maker of a few popular Android battery meter replacements, has merged Energy Ring support for different devices from separate apps into a universal app and has announced further support for the Galaxy S21 and Pixel 5 along with other developments in the pipeline.