Samsung revealed One UI 9, its new interface based on Android 17, and, as with each new version of the operating system, some Galaxy cell phone models will reach the limit for major updates. This means that certain devices will be left out of the news brought by the latest generation.
It is important to clarify that the absence of a new version of Android does not imply the complete abandonment of the device. The South Korean giant operates with varying support schedules, ensuring that many smartphones continue to receive security fixes even after operating system updates end. This is a common practice in the industry, aiming to safely extend the useful life of devices.
In practice, users may find themselves in one of three situations: cell phones that will not receive One UI 9 but are still protected by security updates; devices that receive security patches less frequently; and, finally, models whose support has ended permanently.
Galaxy models that will not update to One UI 9
Samsung’s update policy indicates that several devices have already reached the maximum number of Android versions promised by the manufacturer. For this reason, they will remain on One UI 8 and will not have access to One UI 9.
- Galaxy S22
- Galaxy S22+
- Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy Z Fold4
- Galaxy Z Flip4
- Galaxy A73
- Galaxy A53
- Galaxy A33
- Galaxy A25
- Galaxy A24
- Galaxy A15 4G
- Galaxy A15 5G
- Galaxy M55
- Galaxy M35
- Galaxy M15 5G
The interruption of major updates means that these devices will not receive new features from Android or Samsung’s own interface. However, they will continue to function normally and will still be part of the company’s security update schedule, ensuring that vulnerabilities are fixed.
Understand mobile changes with quarterly updates
Samsung organizes its devices into different security schedules. While newer models receive monthly updates, older devices are migrated to a quarterly cycle, receiving patches every three months.
- Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy A33 5G
- Galaxy A53 5G
- Galaxy A73 5G
- In addition to these, some intermediate and entry-level smartphones are also part of the quarterly schedule, such as the Galaxy A05, A05s, A06, A14, A15, A16, A24, A25 5G, A34, A35, A36, A37 and several tablets from the Galaxy Tab line.
On the other hand, the newer lines such as the Galaxy S23, S24, S25 and S26, and the foldable Z Fold4 to Z Flip7, continue to receive security updates monthly.
Including a device in the quarterly schedule does not indicate a complete loss of support. The change signals that the model has entered the final stage of its life cycle, continuing to receive important security fixes at three-month intervals, before its support is, in fact, completely ended.
Which Galaxy models are no longer supported by Samsung?
A third group of devices is made up of those whose support period has already been completely terminated by Samsung. These models no longer receive both new versions of Android and security updates.
- Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra
- Galaxy S20 FE
- Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 2
- Galaxy Z Flip (1st generation)
- Galaxy A32
Although these phones remain operational, they may, over time, become incompatible with newer applications and, crucially, become more susceptible to security breaches. The lack of security patches makes them potential targets for vulnerabilities.
Is it safe to continue using a Galaxy without new versions of Android?
In many cases, yes. If your smartphone still receives security updates, whether monthly or quarterly, it is not essential to change it immediately just because it will not receive new versions of Android. The main difference will be the absence of newer One UI features and enhancements. However, the situation changes for those who have a device completely outside of Samsung’s support cycle. In these scenarios, replacement is advisable as soon as possible, especially if the cell phone is used to access banking applications or store confidential information and documents, due to security risks.
