Olufemi Adeyemi 

Leading smartphone manufacturers are increasingly providing extended software support, recognizing the importance of regular updates for device security. Google has been committed to delivering seven years of Android updates for some time now. In a similar vein, Samsung has announced a seven-year software support commitment for its Galaxy S24 series. Additionally, other Samsung models will receive four years of Android updates.

Samsung has announced a commitment to provide 7 years of Android updates for select Galaxy devices. The recently unveiled Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 will benefit from this extended software support, mirroring the upgrade policy introduced with the S24 series.

The South Korean technology leader is enhancing the longevity of its flagship smartphones, allowing consumers to retain their Galaxy devices for a minimum of 7 years. Samsung will ensure that device owners receive ongoing software support, including new features and security updates.

In addition, Samsung is improving the availability of hardware spare parts, ensuring that components will be accessible for years, facilitating repairs for Galaxy users. This initiative is a commendable step towards minimizing electronic waste and assisting consumers in maximizing the lifespan of their devices.

The following Samsung Galaxy devices are eligible for seven years of Android upgrades:

  • Galaxy Z Flip 6
  • Galaxy Z Fold 6
  • Galaxy S24 Ultra
  • Galaxy S24 Plus
  • Galaxy S24
  • Galaxy S24 FE
  • Galaxy Tab S10 Plus
  • Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

Eligible Samsung Galaxy devices for the 7-year Android upgrade plan will come with Android 14 pre-installed, meaning the final major update for these devices will be Android 21. Furthermore, Samsung will continue to provide regular security updates and feature enhancements until 2031.

This new software strategy does not extend to older models as it has in the past. However, the Galaxy S23 series, along with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, will receive 4 OS upgrades and 5 years of security patches. While it remains uncertain, there is a possibility that Samsung may offer an additional OS upgrade for certain devices.

Samsung's software approach draws inspiration from Google's support for its Pixel phones. The budget-friendly Pixel 8a also benefits from a 7-year update plan. As anticipated, the S24 FE and Tab S10 series have joined the ranks of 2024 flagship devices with a robust software support plan.

A notable trend in the smartphone industry is the commitment from brands such as Google, Xiaomi, and OnePlus to implement long-term support policies for various models, including the Xiaomi 13 Pro and OnePlus 11. Samsung remains at the forefront of enhancing Android update policies, having announced in early 2022 its intention to provide four generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades, along with five years of security updates, beginning with the Galaxy S21 series launched in 2021.

This updated policy positions Samsung as a provider of some of the most competitive budget Android devices. While not every affordable Android phone benefits from this level of support, we will highlight those that do later in this article. Although these updates may not be available immediately, as seen with Google Pixel devices, Samsung consistently outpaces its competitors in delivering security updates, which facilitates a quicker rollout of new One UI versions to users.

Samsung has upheld its commitment with the Galaxy S23 series, also releasing an Android 14-based One UI 6 for its compatible smartphones and tablets.

In 2021, Samsung made a promise to deliver four years of security updates and three years of software upgrades for its devices. This assurance of four years of major operating system updates, coupled with five years of security support, has inspired similar initiatives from other manufacturers.

While the four-year support period falls short of the six years of iOS updates that Apple users have come to expect, it represents a significant improvement that should enhance the longevity of Samsung devices beyond prior standards.

This commitment not only applies to select Galaxy S and Z-series smartphones and Galaxy-branded tablets but also extends to One UI Watch and Wear OS Powered by Samsung smartwatches.

Samsung smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches eligible for four significant Android upgrades as of January 2024 are listed here.

  • Samsung Galaxy S23
  • Samsung Galaxy S23+
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
  • Samsung Galaxy S22
  • Samsung Galaxy S22+
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 (Last Update: Android 15)
  • Samsung Galaxy S21+ (Last Update: Android 15)
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (Last Update: Android 15)
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Last Update: Android 15)

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (Last Update: Android 15)
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 (Last Update: Android 15)

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (last update 2025)
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (last update 2025)

  • Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A73 5G

Samsung is focusing on providing long-term updates for its devices. Ongoing software support is essential for maintaining your phone's security and safeguarding it against potential threats. Although your Samsung Galaxy phone is designed to receive software updates automatically, you also have the option to check for updates manually.