Galaxy Note 8 lack of security updates

[juggernaut]

I have the unlocked version of the Note 8 (UK version), yet it's still on the 1 August 2017 security patches.

Other regions have had the October and now November security updates, yet we're given the third class treatment for a flagship phone.

Older phones like the S6 and S7 are getting their updates sooner as well.

Even network provided phones in the US have the updates rolling out.

What's the point buying expensive phones when they're last in line for anything.

Can Samsung stop treating like like rubbish and get their act sorted out!!

[S1artyPm]

I use Giffgaff, I'm fairly certain they don't push any updates. I will check, but I don't think so. When I had my Nexus 6p all my updated came from Google.

[BandOfBrothers]

I believe some Nexus phones were the exception to the rule even if network supplied. Giffgaff being a MVNO network is owned i think by Telephónica - o2 so o2 look after testing. 

This is my understanding. 

Samsung phones purchased directly from Samsung receive the updates from Samsung and untouched by the Networks influence as they are unbranded. 

Samsung phones supplied by a Mobile Network are branded. So Samsung send the Firmware updates to them where they test it to ensure no feature etc clashes with their Network. 

Once given an all clear they authorise Samsung to push out the update to the eligible phones. 

[S1artyPm]

Copy/paste from online customer support.

57Welcome to Samsung Support. Please allow me a moment to read through your enquiry.

user.infoaboutreconnect

17:42:53user.infoaboutreconnect

Philip 

17:44:06My note 8 is on august security patch. My carrier is gaffgaff, they DO NOT push updates. They say they come direct from Samsung. When will I be getting security updates on my SIM free note 8?

Sheena

17:44:08Hi, Philip! My name is Sheena from Mobiles Live Chat Support. How are you doing today?

Philip 

17:44:22I'm fine thx

Sheena

17:44:38I'm glad to know that you're feeling fine today.

17:46:43Software updates will only be available once the update is ready to be downloaded to your device. Your phone is designed to have an automatic notification from the manufacturer once they released the update. You may also check it from your Settings from time to time, if the update is already available.

17:48:48You may follow these steps:

Philip 

17:49:04I've come from using a 3 year old Google Nexus 6p running android 8.1, December security, to this £900 marvel that's still on august. It's not your fault but it's pretty shoddy customer support.

Sheena

17:49:361. From the home screen swipe either up or down to access apps. 2. Tap Settings. 3. Scroll down and tap Software update. 4. Tap Download updates manually.

17:50:10I'm sorry if you feel that way. I will ensure that your comments are passed to the relevant team within Samsung so we can address any areas for improvement.

Philip 

17:50:54Thank you. I've been doing this everyday. Ok, I suppose it's what happens when I leave the Google side to Samsung.

17:51:17Ok. Thank you for your time.

17:51:49Good bye and thanks again.

Sheena

17:52:07I know that this may not be the resolution you were looking for, but this is how you will check if the update is available.

17:52:13Aside from this, is there anything else that I can help you with?

Didn't really tell me anything I didn't know..

[Sc19]

That's really bad. How is it their support is so clueless. Yep my notes going on eBay

[BandOfBrothers]

That's my unofficial viewpoint going on past experience with Updates. 

It's a shame your selling your Note 8 as it easily outshines even the iPhone 10. 

But I respect your viewpoint. 

[BandOfBrothers]

Online Chat is possibly from Call centre's outsourced from Overseas who probably draw their support from handbooks and support pages. 

To be fair No network and No manufacturer including Apple provide timescales for updates because if these timeframes slipped for any reason they'd be berated.

[YorkieScot]

When it comes to it there is no real incentive for the likes of Samsung to offer updates. Built in obsolescence is in fact essential for makers of devices like this. However get yourself a name for poor customer service and over time those customers will leave. I must admit having had a nexus 5 which received updates every month (including an update that killed it) then onto  BlackBerry that didn't seem to know what an update was I made the decision to go premium phone. The phone itself is superb and has a great feature set but we only need a zero day or a CVE like Blueborne and those features get turned off. We only care about updates because we know what's out there placing our trust in a manufacturer who we would expect hold our security dear also. It seems in this instance not to be the case and from it I am sadly disappointed. I am thinking now its time perhaps the press got involved. Granted, most users don't give a hoot about updates, but then when the fan sends its nasty material their way its "oh poor me". I am thinking perhaps a well researched story by the likes of maybe John Honeyball or Davy Winder of PC Pro, might just put the hoots up these providers to get their house in order. Or maybe it's just the fact its the UK, where basically everything is premium rate yet service poor.

[Stephengrnwy]

Well maybe give samsung a kick up the preverbial and they better start taking note from apple on updates this is unacceptable for samsung uk to not be able to update latest security updates to all devices at once its not rocket sience its a security update which should be on all device regardless of devices and networks 

[alal · Accepted solution]

Update with December security patch now available - https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/Smartphones-Tablets-Wearables/Galaxy-Note8-BTU-update-live-with-...