topic Re: Samsung Security Updates - End Date in Galaxy A Series

Samsung Security Updates - End Date

Nightflame — Tue, 23 May 2023 05:48:41 GMT

I have a Samsung Galaxy A40 (SM-A405FN/DS). Its a great phone, last of the true small phones. It was released April 2019, and I am trying to find out if its end of support, or if Samsung will issue any more security updates.

Apparently:

"At Samsung, we take security and privacy issues very seriously and we are doing our best to respond as quickly as possible. Securing your device and maintaining the trust you place in us is our top priority."

But I am struggling to find any definitive information if my phone is still supported. If not I need to be looking for a new phone.

On Samsung website:

https://security.samsungmobile.com/workScope.smsb

"Select devices launched in 2019 or later will be supported with firmware security updates for a minimum of four (4) years following their global launch, while select newer devices will receive up to five (5) years of security updates." [1]

Note the use of the word "minimum". Hmmm, "selected models", what does this mean? Following the link for more information it tells me:

[1] Availability of security update support may vary by device and market.
For more information visit: https://security.samsungmobile.com/securityPost.smsb

"- Galaxy A Series: upcoming select A series devices"

Not very useful!

Last update for my Samsung Galaxy A40 (SM-A405FN/DS):

https://doc.samsungmobile.com/SM-A405FN/BTU/doc.html

Build Number : A405FNXXU4CWC3
Release Date : 2023-04-28
Security patch level : 2023-03-01

Google Play System Update: 2023-04-01

So pretty good, 4 years and still an update. But is this the final update?

Some vendors let you enter a model number and it tells you when support ends. Does Samsung have anything like this? Or is there a definitive list of end of support dates for each model anywhere?

Re: Samsung Security Updates - End Date

Glenntech — Tue, 23 May 2023 09:18:19 GMT

I don't think there is a definitive list.
Select devices are ones that could be special editions. Top of the range devices. Supplied by a carrier that may want continued support, ie business support etc
Generally though, support will only extend for most manufacturers for 3 to 4 years.

After that you can still get security patch updates for upto 5 years. This is where Google normally finish support.

It's not bad really as quite a few other manufacturers only do about 2 years. If that.

Just keep checking every now and again and just continue to enjoy your phone

Re: Samsung Security Updates - End Date

Pugs1957 — Tue, 23 May 2023 09:52:59 GMT

Seems support has recently ended. https://r1.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-a/samsung-ends-software-support-to-galaxy-a40-galaxy-a20-and/td-p/21945458

Re: Samsung Security Updates - End Date

Nightflame — Tue, 23 May 2023 10:38:58 GMT

Pugs1957 thanks for the info and links.

I had missed that the A40 had been quietly dropped from the listed current update models on:

https://security.samsungmobile.com/workScope.smsb

Time to buy a new phone.

Though not sure how good a reference this is because only the new A54 Enterprise Edition gets Monthly updates. The Consumer Retail version of the A54 gets no updates! Or am I misunderstanding this?

Re: Re: Samsung Security Updates - End Date

Pugs1957 — Tue, 23 May 2023 11:45:22 GMT

Yes, you are right. The enterprise versions are different ie they have a larger screen, better battery life and Knox. Seems to be almost a different model so perhaps that was taken into account when determining end of life support.

Re: Samsung Security Updates - End Date

MNas04 — Tue, 23 May 2023 22:46:49 GMT

The A40 was a good phone when it was released in 2019. The phone has however enjoyed its 4 years worth of support. As it released in 2019, it isn't eligible for samsung 5 years worth of updates. I guess its worth a upgrade. If you don't want to spend to much. A34 will be good option to choose 4 OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates.