forbes.com
Samsung Ends Galaxy S21 Updates, Shifts to Quarterly Security Patches
Samsung has ended major Android OS updates for its Galaxy S21 series, shifting to quarterly security updates, while newer flagships receive seven updates. This follows the company's four-year policy for older models, impacting millions of users.
- What is the impact of Samsung ending major Android OS updates for the Galaxy S21 series?
- Samsung has stopped major Android OS updates for its Galaxy S21 series after four years, as expected given Samsung's typical four-year update policy for flagships released before 2024. The S21 will still receive security updates, but these have been reduced to quarterly releases, suggesting that further support is limited. This contrasts with devices released after 2024 which will receive seven major updates.
- How does Samsung's update policy for the Galaxy S21 compare to its update policy for newer flagship phones?
- This decision aligns with Samsung's established update cycle for older flagship phones. The S21's reduced update frequency follows a pattern seen with previous models like the S9 and S10, indicating a consistent end-of-life strategy. The high trade-in value of the S21 currently makes it a good time to upgrade, before further support ends completely.
- What are the long-term implications of Samsung's update cycle for consumers and the broader mobile phone market?
- The shift to quarterly security updates for the Galaxy S21 foreshadows its eventual complete removal from Samsung's update schedule within the next year. This strategy reflects a balance between providing extended support and managing resources. Users can maximize their return by selling their devices now before the value further decreases.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately emphasize the end of updates for the S21, setting a negative tone. The article prioritizes the negative news of the update cycle ending over the positive aspects of the One UI 7 update, such as new AI features. This framing could unduly alarm readers.
Language Bias
The article uses language like "end is nigh" and "stay of execution," which are dramatic and emotionally charged. More neutral alternatives would be "end of support" and "continued support.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the end of support for the Galaxy S21, but omits discussion of the benefits of the One UI 7 update beyond AI features. It also doesn't mention the potential downsides of upgrading to newer models, such as cost and learning curve.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the choice as either upgrading immediately or facing imminent obsolescence. It neglects to acknowledge that some users might choose to continue using their S21 despite the reduced update frequency.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses Samsung's rollout of One UI 7 with AI features to older devices, including the Galaxy S21. This initiative could help bridge the digital divide by extending the lifespan of devices and providing access to advanced technology for a wider range of users, regardless of their ability to afford the latest models. Although the impact is positive, the limited lifespan of software updates still presents a barrier to long-term access.