Samsung has refined the schedule for security updates for some of its smartphones and tablets. The company categorizes its devices into three sections for security updates: monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual. The semi-annual security updates section was previously referred to as other regular security updates, according to a report that did not really clarify the schedule for receiving updates for the phones in that category. After the category has changed to semi-annual, it means that the phones in that category will receive security updates twice a year.
Samsung divides its phones into three categories when they receive security updates. The first are monthly security updates, which include flagship smartphones like the Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy S20 series, and more. The second category concerns quarterly security updates, which include phones like the Samsung Galaxy S8 series (excluding the Galaxy S8 Lite), several Galaxy A series phones, Galaxy M series phones, and more. The third category, which was labeled Other Regular Updates according to a report from Gizmochina, has now been changed to Biannual Security Updates.
This means that the phones in this category will receive security updates twice a year. These include the Galaxy S8 Lite, Galaxy A6 series phones, Galaxy A8 series, Galaxy J series, and more. The company added that the list of smartphones in this category is regularly reviewed and is subject to change. It should also be noted that updates may be delayed at times, but the latest security patches are present every time they are released.
Samsung has been very efficient in releasing updates for its phones, especially for the mid-tier-to-flagship segment. The Galaxy M31s recently received the Android 11-based One UI 3.1. Previously, the Samsung Galaxy M51 and the Galaxy S10 Lite had a One UI 3.1 based on Android 11. Additionally, the company announced last month that it would offer at least four years of firmware security updates for select devices rolled out in 2019 or later.
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