Your smartphone’s security is at stake—and you might not even realize it. With over a billion Android devices no longer receiving critical updates, staying protected has never been more urgent. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Samsung has rolled out a critical November update packed with dozens of fixes, many users are left wondering if their devices are even on the list. If your Samsung Galaxy isn’t eligible, it’s time to consider an upgrade—because running an unsupported phone in today’s threat landscape is like leaving your front door unlocked.
Let’s break it down: Samsung’s November update (available at Samsung’s security page) includes 45 improvements for Galaxy devices, addressing vulnerabilities from both Google and Samsung. However, not all devices are created equal. For instance, the Galaxy S23 is eligible for 34 of these patches, excluding 11 Exynos-specific fixes. And this is the part most people miss: while the latest flagships like the Galaxy S25 series eventually received the update, it arrived later than expected—a delay that raises questions about Samsung’s update priorities.
One silver lining for Galaxy S25 users is the introduction of seamless updates, a feature that’s been standard on other Android devices for years. This allows most of the update process to run in the background, minimizing downtime. But here’s the catch: older models like the Galaxy S24 still require a full reboot, leaving users frustrated. As SamMobile’s Abhijeet Mishra puts it, “It’s not the end of the world, but it is a step backwards.”
Is Samsung falling behind in the update race? With Apple poised to overtake Samsung in shipments for the first time in 14 years, the pressure is on. Samsung’s reliance on Google’s Android OS—coupled with Google’s growing focus on its own Pixel devices—adds another layer of complexity. Unlike Apple, which controls both hardware and software, Samsung is at the mercy of Google’s priorities. And with rumors of the One UI 8.5 Beta Program launching in December, Samsung needs to step up its game.
So, what can you do? First, check if your device is eligible for the November update by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install. If not, consider upgrading to a supported model. But here’s a thought-provoking question: As Android’s fragmentation continues to grow, is it time for Samsung to take more control over its software ecosystem—or will it always play second fiddle to Google and Apple? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
