Introduction
As we are starting 2025, many Samsung Galaxy users are curious about the longevity of their devices, particularly in terms of software support. Samsung’s Galaxy lineup includes several series, but this article will focus on the most popular S Series and Note Series, which are known for their flagship features. We will not cover other series like the A, J, or M lines, as their support policies may differ.
Clarification
Let’s clear up a common misconception: no Samsung Galaxy phone will suddenly stop working in 2025. Your device will continue to function even if it no longer receives software updates. However, Samsung plans to discontinue software support for some older models, meaning they will no longer receive Android OS updates or security patches.
This lack of support can pose potential risks, such as security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues with newer apps. If you own an older Galaxy model, now is the time to understand what this means for you.
Understanding Samsung Android OS Updates
Samsung categorizes its Android OS updates into three main types based on the device's age and series: Monthly Updates, Quarterly Updates, and Bi-Annual Updates. Each type of update serves a specific purpose and ensures varying levels of device functionality and security. Here’s how they work:
Monthly Updates
Devices Covered:
Recent flagship models launched within the past 3 years, such as Galaxy S21, S22, S23, and S24.
- Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Galaxy Z Fold4, Galaxy Z Flip4, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6
- W23, W23 Flip, W24, W24 Flip, W25, W25 Flip, Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
- Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24 FE
- Enterprise Models: Galaxy A53 5G, Galaxy A54 5G, Galaxy A55 5G, Galaxy Xcover5, Galaxy Xcover6 Pro, Galaxy Xcover7
What’s Included:
- Monthly security patches to address newly identified vulnerabilities and enhance device protection.
- Major Android OS updates, such as upgrades from Android 14 to Android 15, bringing new features, performance improvements, and compatibility enhancements.
Why It Matters:
Monthly updates ensure the latest Galaxy devices remain secure, up-to-date, and optimized for performance. This category represents Samsung’s commitment to keeping its newest flagship models ahead of the curve.
Quarterly Updates
Devices Covered:
Slightly older models that are still relatively new, such as the Galaxy S20 series.
- Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 5G, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20+ 5G, Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S20 FE, Galaxy S20 FE 5G
- Galaxy Note20, Galaxy Note20 5G, Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
- Galaxy A32, Galaxy A32 5G
- Galaxy A13, Galaxy A13 5G, Galaxy A23, Galaxy A23 5G, Galaxy A33 5G, Galaxy A73 5G
- Galaxy A04, Galaxy A04s, Galaxy A04e, Galaxy A14, Galaxy A14 5G, Galaxy A24, Galaxy A34 5G
- Galaxy A05, Galaxy A05s, Galaxy A15, Galaxy A15 5G, Galaxy A25 5G, Galaxy A35 5G
- Galaxy A06, Galaxy A16, Galaxy A16 5G
- Galaxy C55 5G
- Galaxy M13, Galaxy M13 5G, Galaxy M23 5G, Galaxy M33 5G, Galaxy M53 5G, Galaxy M04, Galaxy M14, Galaxy M14 5G, Galaxy M34 5G, Galaxy M44 5G, Galaxy M54 5G, Galaxy M05, Galaxy M15 5G, Galaxy M35 5G, Galaxy M55 5G, Galaxy M55s 5G
- Galaxy F13, Galaxy F04, Galaxy F14, Galaxy F14 5G, Galaxy F34 5G, Galaxy F54 5G, Galaxy F05, Galaxy F15 5G, Galaxy F55 5G
- Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024), Galaxy Tab S8, Galaxy Tab S8+, Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9+, Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, Galaxy Tab S10+, Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab A9, Galaxy Tab A9+
- Enterprise Models: Galaxy A52, Galaxy A52 5G, Galaxy A52s 5G, Galaxy Xcover Pro, Galaxy Tab Active3, Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro, Galaxy Tab Active5
What’s Included:
- Quarterly security patches to protect against evolving threats.
- No further major Android OS updates, as these devices have already reached their OS upgrade limit (e.g., the Galaxy S20 capped at Android 13).
Why It Matters:
Quarterly updates keep these models secure but without the latest features or system improvements. These updates ensure the device remains safe and functional but signal that its lifecycle is nearing its end.
Bi-Annual Updates
Devices Covered:
Older budget series devices, such as Galaxy A12, F12, and M12.
- Galaxy A02s, Galaxy A12, Galaxy A22, Galaxy A22 5G, Galaxy A72, Galaxy A82 5G
- Galaxy A03, Galaxy A03s, Galaxy A03 core
- Galaxy M21 2021
- Galaxy M12, Galaxy M22, Galaxy M32, Galaxy M32 5G, Galaxy M42 5G, Galaxy M52 5G, Galaxy M62
- Galaxy F12, Galaxy F22, Galaxy F42 5G, Galaxy F52 5G, Galaxy F62
- Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, Galaxy Tab A8
- Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, Galaxy Tab S7 FE
- W21 5G, W22 5G
What’s Included:
- Bi-annual security patches delivered every six months to address basic security vulnerabilities.
- No major Android OS updates, meaning these devices will stay on their current OS version indefinitely.
Why It Matters:
These updates are Samsung’s way of offering minimal support to older budget devices. While they maintain basic functionality, users should not expect new features or extensive performance enhancements.
What It Means When Support Ends
-
No Major Features:
Once a device stops receiving major OS updates, it will no longer get access to the latest Android features or innovations. For instance, AI-based photo editing tools or enhanced privacy settings in newer versions of Android won’t be available.
-
Increased Security Risks:
Without regular security patches, older devices may become vulnerable to hacking attempts or malware. This is particularly concerning for users who rely on their devices for banking, personal data, or work.
-
App Compatibility Issues:
Over time, apps evolve to match the features and requirements of newer Android versions. Devices running outdated software may experience app crashes, limited functionality, or the inability to install certain apps.
-
Declining Performance:
Without updates, devices might struggle to keep up with new apps or system demands, leading to slower performance, reduced battery efficiency, and less overall stability.
List of Models Neither Supporting Latest Android OS Version Nor Receiving Security Updates
The following Galaxy S and Note Series models do not support the latest Android OS Upgrade and are not receiving security updates as of 2025:
Galaxy S Series
| Model |
Released |
Initial Android Version |
Support Ended |
Last Android Version |
| Galaxy S |
2010 |
2.1 Eclair |
2012 |
2.3.6 Gingerbread |
| Galaxy S II |
2011 |
2.3.4 Gingerbread |
2013 |
4.1.2 Jelly Bean |
| Galaxy S III |
2012 |
4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich |
2015 |
4.4.4 KitKat |
| Galaxy S4 |
2013 |
4.2.2 Jelly Bean |
2017 |
5.0.2 Lollipop |
| Galaxy S5 |
2014 |
4.4.2 KitKat |
2019 |
6.0.1 Marshmallow |
| Galaxy S6 |
2015 |
5.0.2 Lollipop |
2019 |
7.0 Nougat |
| Galaxy S7 |
2016 |
6.0.1 Marshmallow |
2020 |
8.0 Oreo |
| Galaxy S8 |
2017 |
7.0 Nougat |
2021 |
9.0 Pie |
| Galaxy S9 |
2018 |
8.0 Oreo |
2022 |
10 |
| Galaxy S10 |
2019 |
9.0 Pie |
2023 |
12 |
Galaxy Note Series
| Model |
Released |
Initial Android Version |
Support Ended |
Last Android Version |
| Note |
2011 |
2.3.6 Gingerbread |
2013 |
4.1.2 Jelly Bean |
| Note II |
2012 |
4.1.1 Jelly Bean |
2015 |
4.4.2 KitKat |
| Note 3 |
2013 |
4.3 Jelly Bean |
2017 |
5.0 Lollipop |
| Note 3 Neo |
2014 |
4.3 Jelly Bean |
2017 |
5.1.1 Lollipop |
| Note 4 |
2014 |
4.4.4 KitKat |
2019 |
6.0.1 Marshmallow |
| Note Edge |
2014 |
4.4.4 KitKat |
2019 |
6.0.1 Marshmallow |
| Note 5 |
2015 |
5.1.1 Lollipop |
2019 |
7.0 Nougat |
| Note 7 |
2016 |
6.0.1 Marshmallow |
2016 |
* Recalled |
| Note FE |
2017 |
7.0 Nougat |
2021 |
9.0 Pie |
| Note 8 |
2017 |
7.1.1 Nougat |
2021 |
9.0 Pie |
| Note 9 |
2018 |
8.1.0 Oreo |
2022 |
10 |
| Note 10 |
2019 |
9 |
2023 |
12 |
| Note 10+ |
2019 |
9 |
2023 |
12 |
| Note 10 Lite |
2020 |
9 |
2023 |
12 |
These devices remain functional but lack the latest features, optimizations, and security patches. Users should consider upgrading to newer models if these limitations become problematic.
List of Models Not Having the Latest Android OS Version but Are Still Receiving Security Updates (Expected to End in 2025)
Samsung’s Galaxy S20 and Note 20 series are still receiving their Quarterly Security Updates from Samsung, but it’s expected to be stopped in 2025. Their last Android OS Version is 13.
| Model |
Released |
Initial Android Version |
Support Ended |
Last Android Version |
| Galaxy S20 |
2020 |
10 |
Expected 2025 |
13 |
| Galaxy S20+ |
2020 |
10 |
Expected 2025 |
13 |
| Galaxy S20 Ultra |
2020 |
10 |
Expected 2025 |
13 |
| Note 20 |
2020 |
10 |
Expected 2025 |
13 |
| Note 20 Ultra |
2020 |
10 |
Expected 2025 |
13 |
After their final updates, these devices will still function but will no longer receive new security patches. For users of these models, 2025 might be the time to start considering an upgrade to maintain software support and security.
Recommendation
If you’re considering an upgrade, we strongly recommend buying the Galaxy S21 series or newer models. These devices are still supported for Android OS upgrades and receive monthly security updates, ensuring optimal performance, enhanced security, and access to the latest features.
Galaxy S21 Series
- Galaxy S21 5G
- Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Galaxy S22 Series
Galaxy S23 Series
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S23+
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S24 Series
- Galaxy S24
- Galaxy S24+
- Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S24 FE
By choosing one of these models, you ensure that your device remains compatible with the latest apps, secure from vulnerabilities, and packed with features that keep it relevant for years to come. Explore certified refurbished options on trusted platforms like UpTrade to find the best deals on Galaxy S21, S22, S23, and S24 series devices.
