My knowledge is UK based however I assume its possibly the same in the US.
When a phone is supplied by a network its classed as branded and as such the networks want to test out updates before allowing Samsung to send them out in order to try and ensure nothing clashes with their network services.
That said as you say your both in the US using the same phone on the same network so even though updates wouldn't come through to the phone at the same time typically as updates are sent out in waves usually dependant on the phones build and serial number you should still get the updates.
I assume the same network supplied both phones and not supplied one directly and the other phone was supplied by an independent etc ?
The two safest ways to check for updates are the routes you have tried i.e Smartswitch and the phones internal update section.
Security updates and software updates are an important process to keep the phone safe and working optimal so I would have assumed Samsung would want to support that.
In the UK phones come with a 24 month a manufacturing warranty.
If this was me I'd still visit a Samsung Experience Store or Samsung Service Centre and ask. If they try to charge a fee then you can just walk away if you want.
Other options are Custom Roms.
There is some good advice and tutorials on xdadevelopers site.
Disclaimer.......
Please carry out some extensive research before thinking about attempting this route as issues such as stability issues and a non working phone can be the result if this is performed incorrectly.
I wish you all the best with this situation.
Daily Driver > Samsung Galaxy s²⁴ Ultra 512Gb ~ Titanium Black.
The advice I offer is my own and does not represent Samsung’s position.
I'm here to help. " This is the way. "
