How badly Vodafone UK delays Galaxy security updates?

[the_bart123]

Hallo there.

I am new in Android world - I've read Samsung let Network Providers (Carriers) for branding which are nasty spyware apps installation (in my case Vodafone UK - I had to scroll through 4 pages unticking some dodgy apps installations durning my new S23 Ultra setup).

And I've read Carriers do other nasty things with delaying important Security Updates - my question is - how bad is it and why is this happening on MY £1250 smartphone?

[BandOfBrothers]

As far as I'm aware in the UK Vodafone have a firmware statement where they can ask Samsung to hold off sending updates to their branded phone's to ensure nothing clashes with their network apps and features @the_bart123 

If a phone is bought from Samsung but then a Vodafone sim is used then Vodafone can't hold the update up. 

https://forum.vodafone.co.uk/t5/About-the-Community/Firmware-Explained. 

[keith30]

It's down to Vodafone as they install they own firmware like most Network Providers do. If you don't want to run that risk buy your device direct from Samsung and not though a network provider.

[Piper123]

Hey there

Network Carriers offer a range of apps, some their own, others from 3rd parties which they believe will add to the user experience.

The apps will have been verified safe to use. You also have the option to install / not install or in the future uninstall.

Android is about choice. You choose not to accept these apps? That's cool, that's your choice. It doesn't make them nasty. Other users will want some / all of them.

As for delaying security updates, again this shows a lack of understanding. Security updates for unlocked devices come from Samsung. For carrier devices, because they have other software, apps, security features etc, the networks need to test them before releasing the security update to the public. It is not in a carriers interest to delay them.

Surely you would rather have fully tested security updates and OS updates instead of buggy ones that fail left right and centre?

Welcome to the Android world, where choice matters 🤗

[the_bart123]

So why iPhone and have no bloatware from Carriers at all? No slow Security Updates.

[Piper123]

I've already answered your question here.

[the_bart123]

So Carriers terrorising Samsung devises with dodgy apps so they can delay important Security Updates?
Apologies for frustration- I was far too long on iPhone (since 3G model) and I unable to understand those simple things 😞

[Piper123]

If you want to be locked in to an ecosystem with limited / no choice then Apple 🍏 is for you.

Android is much more open source and offers much more choice.

[the_bart123]

I made mistake and I purchased it from Vodafone - nobody warned me about this problem 😞
And sadly your link is not working

[BandOfBrothers]

@the_bart123 because Apple create iOS and thus don't allow the networks access to it.