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Samsung Galaxy phones do not all receive updates for the same length of time. Samsung’s announced commitments range from up to four generations of Android and One UI upgrades plus up to five years of security updates for select older devices, to six generations and six years for specified Galaxy A models, and seven generations and seven years for the Galaxy S25 and S26 series. These are different measures: an upgrade-generation count is not the same as a number of years of security support.
Samsung update support at a glance
The figures below are examples of Samsung-announced support cohorts, not a complete list of eligible phones. “Up to” reflects Samsung’s stated commitment; it does not establish that every device receives each update on the same date.
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| Galaxy cohort | Android OS and One UI upgrades | Security updates | How the period is counted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select devices, including Galaxy S21 and S22 families, Z Fold3 and Z Flip3, and Tab S8 generation | Up to 4 generations | Up to 5 years | Samsung’s 2022 announcement does not give one shared start date for every listed model. Samsung’s 2022 policy announcement |
| Galaxy A56 5G, A36 5G and A26 5G | Up to 6 generations | 6 years | Samsung’s announcement names these models; it does not specify a universal calendar end date here. Samsung’s 2025 A-series announcement |
| Galaxy S25 series | 7 generations | 7 years | Counted from global launch. Samsung’s S25 announcement |
| Galaxy S26 series | 7 generations | 7 years | Counted from global launch. Samsung’s US S26 announcement |
What the two update promises mean
Android and One UI upgrade generations
A generation commitment describes how many major operating-system and One UI upgrade cycles Samsung says a qualifying model can receive. It should not be rewritten as the same number of years: Samsung’s 2022 announcement, for example, says up to four generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, alongside a separate security-update promise.
Security-update years
Security support is stated separately in years. The duration does not tell you exactly when a particular monthly or other security patch will arrive, and it is not a promise of a particular patch frequency. When comparing phones, look at both the OS/One UI generation count and the security-support period.
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Why your phone may get an update later than another Galaxy
A long-term support commitment does not mean every eligible device gets each release simultaneously. Samsung says update availability and timing can vary by model; for the S25 series it also identifies market and network provider as variables. The company’s September 15, 2025 One UI 8 announcement described a rollout beginning with the S25 series and then expanding to named S24, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, S24 FE and other eligible devices. That announcement documents a staged rollout at that time, not a current status calendar for every phone.
Samsung also says upgrade feasibility depends on whether the device’s hardware supports the upgrade and whether the experience can be optimized. The same policy announcement cautions that One UI upgrade and feature availability can vary by model and Android OS upgrade timing. Samsung’s One UI 8 rollout announcement
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- 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.
How to check the commitment for your exact Galaxy
- Identify the full model. Record the exact model name and model number, rather than relying only on a family label such as “Galaxy S” or “Galaxy A.”
- Check Samsung’s announcement or support information for that model. Confirm that the exact model appears in the eligible cohort and note the region or carrier variant, if specified.
- Read OS upgrades and security support as separate terms. Record both the number of upgrade generations and the stated security duration; do not infer one from the other.
- Distinguish the promised support window from rollout status. Samsung’s cohort announcements describe policy commitments, while rollout notices describe staged availability at a particular time. Check current device-specific status with Samsung or your carrier before relying on an exact next-update or end date.
The published announcements cited here do not provide a single live end-date calendar covering every regional and carrier variant. An exact end date should therefore be confirmed for the specific model and current support status rather than calculated from a broad Galaxy-family label.
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- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- 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
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- 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.
Rank #3
- 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.
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