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Update your smartphone through its built-in settings before relying on it for holiday shopping, banking, travel, or account sign-ins. Security updates fix known weaknesses that may put data and accounts at risk if left unpatched. Updates are not a guarantee against scams or every kind of attack, but installing legitimate fixes promptly is an important layer of protection.
1. Updates fix known security weaknesses
A smartphone security update is a vendor-issued fix for a discovered vulnerability. It may arrive with a major iOS or Android upgrade, a smaller maintenance release, or a separate security patch or system-component update. Some fixes work behind the scenes; you may see no new feature, but the security change can still matter.
When a vendor publishes a fix, the affected weakness is no longer secret. Delaying an available patch leaves the phone exposed to that known issue for longer. The FTC advises consumers to update operating systems, browsers, security software, and apps promptly, and CISA recommends installing critical updates as soon as possible and enabling automatic updates where available. FTC: Update your software · CISA: Software updates
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →That does not mean every update is an emergency or that a phone will be attacked after a particular number of days. Risk depends on the flaw, device, software, and how the phone is used. But a phone can appear to work normally while still lacking a security fix.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
2. An outdated phone can expose accounts, payments, and personal data
Phones often hold or provide access to email, saved passwords, payment and banking apps, authentication prompts, private photos, messages, travel documents, and work accounts. If an attacker exploits a device weakness, that information or access may be at risk. CISA notes that data on a compromised device can be read, changed, stolen, or made inaccessible; it recommends keeping software current alongside safeguards such as encryption and backups. CISA: Protect data stored on devices
Holiday shopping increases the number of sensitive tasks many people handle on a phone: signing in to retailers, checking a bank balance, approving a login, tracking a delivery, or using travel and payment apps. Scammers may also send fake sale, refund, package, gift-card, or account-warning messages. A current phone can reduce exposure to some software vulnerabilities, but it cannot tell you that every message is genuine or stop you from entering credentials on a fraudulent site.
Rank #2
- Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB**** of RAM.
- Fluid display + immersive stereo sound. Bring your entertainment to life with an ultrawide 6.5" 90Hz* HD+ display plus stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio**.
- 50MP*** Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- 64GB**** built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps—and add up to 1TB more with a microSD card*****.
- Unbelievable battery life. Work and play nonstop with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery.*****
Be especially cautious with unsolicited links. Open a retailer’s or bank’s official app, or type its known address yourself, rather than following a message about a delivery or account problem. Avoid banking or shopping over open public Wi-Fi when possible; CISA’s holiday-device guidance recommends treating a smartphone like a full computer and warns about phishing and sensitive activity on open networks. CISA: Holiday travel and personal internet-enabled devices
3. Updates can keep apps and services working properly
Not every update is primarily about security. Operating-system releases and maintenance updates can also fix bugs, improve stability, or help newer apps work with the phone. App updates are separate: they update individual apps through the Apple App Store or Google Play. Android phones may also receive Google Play system updates separately from the manufacturer’s main operating-system update. Firmware and carrier updates can be separate again.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
These distinctions matter. Check both the operating-system version and the security-update status when your phone displays both; “latest OS” and “latest security patch” are not necessarily the same thing. Google describes Pixel updates as including security enhancements, OS updates, bug fixes, and features. Google Pixel software update information
Updating is still not a complete security solution. Phishing, stolen passwords, weak device passcodes, malicious apps, SIM-swap fraud, and unsafe networks can cause harm even on a fully updated phone. Keep apps current, use unique passwords and multifactor authentication, lock the device, and maintain a backup.
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
4. Update availability tells you whether the phone is still supported
If Settings says the phone is up to date but the manufacturer no longer provides security patches for that model, repeatedly checking will not bring support back. The important question is not simply how old the phone is; it is whether its exact model still receives security fixes and can run the apps you rely on.
Support policies vary by maker and model. Google says Pixel 8 and later phones receive updates for seven years from when each device first became available on the Google Store in the US; that commitment should not be assumed for all Android phones. Google’s Pixel update policy Apple lists security releases across different iPhone generations and software branches, so availability can also differ by model. Apple security releases
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
If a phone is no longer supported, consider replacing it, or use it for lower-risk tasks only while understanding the limitation. A third-party security app cannot substitute for missing operating-system or firmware fixes. Avoid unofficial firmware as a general fix; it can create new problems and is not a universally safe route. When buying a holiday phone, check the support duration for the exact model before prioritizing features such as camera or storage. Support periods and end dates are not always easy to find: in a 2024 review of 184 smart products across categories, the FTC found that many product pages did not clearly disclose update-support duration. That was not a smartphone-only survey. FTC smart-product support disclosure review
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check and install updates safely
- Back up important data. Save essential photos, contacts, and files before a major upgrade. Check recovery options for authenticator apps and encrypted messages separately: a backup may not restore every app session, token, or locally stored item.
- Use the phone’s own update screen. On iPhone, go to Settings → General → Software Update. On Pixel, try Settings → System → Software updates. On Samsung Galaxy, look under Settings → Software update or, on some devices, Settings → System updates. Menus and timing vary by Android version, model, manufacturer, and carrier.
- Check the security status too. Android users can find Android-version, security-update, and Google Play system status information in Settings; exact labels vary. Google’s instructions for checking Android update status On iPhone, review the available release information on the Software Update screen.
- Prepare the phone. Connect to trusted Wi-Fi, charge it or keep it connected to power, and make room if storage is low. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart if prompted.
- Update apps through the official store. Use the App Store or Google Play rather than an unexpected link. Review app permissions if an update or new installation prompts you to grant access.
- Confirm completion. Return to the update screen and check the reported status. Turn on automatic updates if that option is available and appropriate for your device.
For a major operating-system upgrade, consider compatibility first if the phone is managed by work or school, or if it supports a specialized app, medical-device connection, or essential accessibility setup. A security patch and a major feature upgrade are not identical in scope. Apple notes that installed iOS and other platform updates cannot be downgraded to the previous version, making a current backup and compatibility check prudent. Apple security releases and update information
If an update fails—or none is offered
- Dismiss any unexpected update pop-up or message, then open Settings directly. Legitimate updates should come through the phone’s built-in mechanism or an official manufacturer channel—not an unsolicited text, email, or website download.
- Back up important data, connect to reliable Wi-Fi and power, free storage if needed, restart, and check again.
- Look up the exact model on the manufacturer’s official support page. Android releases may also depend on carrier, region, and device model.
- If the phone repeatedly fails to update, contact the manufacturer or carrier. Do not install firmware from an unknown site.
- If the model has reached end of support, or essential apps no longer work securely, compare repair costs with replacement and choose a device with a clearly stated update-support commitment.
Updates do not replace a strong screen lock, multifactor authentication, encryption, backups, or remote-location and erase features. Taken together, those protections reduce the consequences of theft or compromise. The practical holiday rule is straightforward: install official security fixes promptly, verify that your phone is still supported, and treat suspicious messages as a separate risk that no software update can eliminate.
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