Android phone updates(how long is software update cycle?)

Lidtop2013 · 27-10-2016, 15:35

How long are Android phones normally supported for software updates, in particular Samsung? I've got an S7 at the moment and wondered how many updates it will get?

Also am I right in thinking that even when they stop updating the software they still send updates for security/speed improvements etc?

Thanks

corf · 27-10-2016, 16:03

Their flagsship seem to be ok with the s5 getting marshmallow and the monthly security updates.

The rest not so much - not sure I would expect more than 2 years of updates from samsung.

BKM · 27-10-2016, 17:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by corf

The rest not so much - not sure I would expect more than 2 years of updates from samsung.

Google themselves for their new Pixel phone only guarantee 2 years (and a 3rd for security matters)

Lidtop2013 · 27-10-2016, 18:02

Yeah I noticed the S5 is 3 years old next April and that's still on the latest software, so not bad at all!

My other question was, whenever software updates do stop, would they still send out the security updates and system updates that improve performance etc?

d123 · 27-10-2016, 18:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by corf

Their flagsship seem to be ok with the s5 getting marshmallow and the monthly security updates.

S5 hasn't had a security update since 1 July 2016, so not monthly anymore,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lidtop2013

Yeah I noticed the S5 is 3 years old next April and that's still on the latest software, so not bad at all!

Not quite true, the latest software is now Nougat, and the s5 won't be getting that.

Lidtop2013 · 27-10-2016, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

S5 hasn't had a security update since 1 July 2016, so not monthly anymore,

Not quite true, the latest software is now Nougat, and the s5 won't be getting that.

Oh I see, well there are ways of getting the new software on older phones, or so I hear.

Resonance · 27-10-2016, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

S5 hasn't had a security update since 1 July 2016, so not monthly anymore,

Not quite true, the latest software is now Nougat, and the s5 won't be getting that.

My S5's last update was September 1st. Maybe there's a difference between sim free and phones bought through the network? Mine is sim free and seems to get an update every month or two.

ETA: I just manually checked if there was a newer update and it's downloading now.

Everything Goes · 27-10-2016, 19:02

The only way to get 4 to 5 years of updates is to buy an iPhone. Google have given up on trying to fix Android fragmentation. Two years is the maximum you can expect from any Android manufacturer.

d123 · 27-10-2016, 19:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lidtop2013

Oh I see, well there are ways of getting the new software on older phones, or so I hear.

Yes, but that's completely outside the manufacturers update process (or even the manufacturer's actual firmware..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resonance

My S5's last update was September 1st. Maybe there's a difference between sim free and phones bought through the network? Mine is sim free and seems to get an update every month or two.

ETA: I just manually checked if there was a newer update and it's downloading now.

I manually checked for an update before posting and did it again after seeing your post. No new update showing for mine.

ihatemarmite · 27-10-2016, 19:24

my S5 is sim free, android 6.0.1. with no updates on security patch since 1 May.
I have set it to auto update but it seldom seems to.

Resonance · 27-10-2016, 19:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

Yes, but that's completely outside the manufacturers update process (or even the manufacturer's actual firmware..

I manually checked for an update before posting and did it again after seeing your post. No new update showing for mine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihatemarmite

my S5 is sim free, android 6.0.1. with no updates on security patch since 1 May.
I have set it to auto update but it seldom seems to.

Strange. I wonder if all S5's aren't created equal and some models are slightly different or something? Not sure why that would mean some get security updates and some don't though?

After the update if I go into settings-->about device, it now says Android security patch level 1 October 2016 (before update 1 September 2016). So looks like mine is getting monthly security updates still.

Lidtop2013 · 27-10-2016, 20:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resonance

Strange. I wonder if all S5's aren't created equal and some models are slightly different or something? Not sure why that would mean some get security updates and some don't though?

After the update if I go into settings-->about device, it now says Android security patch level 1 October 2016 (before update 1 September 2016). So looks like mine is getting monthly security updates still.

That is very strange, my S7 on 6.0.1 has security patch 1st Sept?

Everything Goes · 27-10-2016, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resonance

Strange. I wonder if all S5's aren't created equal and some models are slightly different or something? Not sure why that would mean some get security updates and some don't though?

After the update if I go into settings-->about device, it now says Android security patch level 1 October 2016 (before update 1 September 2016). So looks like mine is getting monthly security updates still.

My S5 which came from Three has Android security patch level 1st July 2016.

This is more down to diabolical to non existent network support, Samsung don't care either as they have a multitude of variants of each phone. Google issue the patches and they pretty much get ignored.

Welcome to Android

d123 · 27-10-2016, 22:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everything Goes

Welcome to Android

I think that sums up the problem quite well

.

Lidtop2013 · 27-10-2016, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everything Goes

My S5 which came from Three has Android security patch level 1st July 2016.

This is more down to diabolical to non existent network support, Samsung don't care either as they have a multitude of variants of each phone. Google issue the patches and they pretty much get ignored.

Welcome to Android

I bought my S7 as unlocked second hand, how would I know if it's brand free? When the phone starts up I don't get any network logos, just the Samsung startup screen. Would that mean it's unbranded?

Everything Goes · 28-10-2016, 00:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lidtop2013

I bought my S7 as unlocked second hand, how would I know if it's brand free? When the phone starts up I don't get any network logos, just the Samsung startup screen. Would that mean it's unbranded?

Have a look at the firmware listed here to help identify it starting with the UK versions:

http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G930F/

Everything Goes · 28-10-2016, 00:41

iOS 10 is on 60% of devices within a month. Nougat is on less than 1% of devices with last years Marshmallow on 19%.

Google's shame

http://mashable.com/2016/10/27/apple.../#QjygT9EQxOqH

Resonance · 28-10-2016, 02:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everything Goes

My S5 which came from Three has Android security patch level 1st July 2016.

This is more down to diabolical to non existent network support, Samsung don't care either as they have a multitude of variants of each phone. Google issue the patches and they pretty much get ignored.

Welcome to Android

Well my sim free is still getting monthly updates by the looks of it, so can't complain personally. Just checked the wife's S5 and it seems to be getting the same updates. Her's was bought 18 months ago, mine about 30 months ago.

The only problem is that this latest update didn't come up automatically (usually does), but had to be looked for manually on both phones.

Aye Up · 28-10-2016, 09:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everything Goes

iOS 10 is on 60% of devices within a month. Nougat is on less than 1% of devices with last years Marshmallow on 19%.

Google's shame

http://mashable.com/2016/10/27/apple.../#QjygT9EQxOqH

One of the princple reasons I will be getting an iPhone next year.

Everything Goes · 28-10-2016, 09:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aye Up

One of the princple reasons I will be getting an iPhone next year.

Even I might buy an iPhone next year and I have been using Android for 6 years as of next year. In that time I've seen Apple catch up and Google sit on their laurels.

BKM · 28-10-2016, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Everything Goes

iOS 10 is on 60% of devices within a month. Nougat is on less than 1% of devices with last years Marshmallow on 19%.

And IOS 10 is available to 100% of handsets from the iPhone 5 onwards - some people may not wish to upgrade yet for their own reasons - but the 60% would be even higher if they did

TheSloth · 28-10-2016, 17:54

Android's strength is it's variety and flexibility.
Android's weakness is it's variety and flexibility.

I'm happy to root and flash custom ROMs on my devices, so Android's update cycle doesn't bother me - and why I always buy SIM free. I change my phone every 2-3 years and typically buy a £300-£350 handset that offers good specs. Horses for coursrses depending on paranoia, geek level and boredom threshold... Apple's whole ethos and eco-system repels me despite the design being top-notch.

Sexbomb · 28-10-2016, 18:19

No update for my HTC One m8 either for nearly a year still on 6.01

d123 · 28-10-2016, 19:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSloth

I'm happy to root and flash custom ROMs on my devices, so Android's update cycle doesn't bother me - p

I presume the security issues around using firmware downloaded from the internet or the restriction on apps like online banking or rights controlled like Sky Go don't bother you either?

I'd rather have a phone that updates officially without the need of having to root or download firmware that has a chance of being compromised in some way (no matter how small you perceive that chance to be, it's still possible).

TheSloth · 28-10-2016, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

I presume the security issues around using firmware downloaded from the internet or the restriction on apps like online banking or rights controlled like Sky Go don't bother you either?

I'd rather have a phone that updates officially without the need of having to root or download firmware that has a chance of being compromised in some way (no matter how small you perceive that chance to be, it's still possible).

Hence why I cited paranoia - I use trusted ROM devs. I've got a cheap non-rooted 1080p tablet for Sky Go as I prefer a bigger screen for that anyway. I'm happy with the risk balance on my phone.

27-10-2016, 15:35	#1
Lidtop2013 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: West Midlands Posts: 2,450	Android phone updates(how long is software update cycle?) How long are Android phones normally supported for software updates, in particular Samsung? I've got an S7 at the moment and wondered how many updates it will get? Also am I right in thinking that even when they stop updating the software they still send updates for security/speed improvements etc? Thanks

27-10-2016, 16:03	#2
corf Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,458	Their flagsship seem to be ok with the s5 getting marshmallow and the monthly security updates. The rest not so much - not sure I would expect more than 2 years of updates from samsung.

27-10-2016, 17:50	#3
BKM Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,288	Quote: Originally Posted by corf The rest not so much - not sure I would expect more than 2 years of updates from samsung. Google themselves for their new Pixel phone only guarantee 2 years (and a 3rd for security matters)

27-10-2016, 18:02	#4
Lidtop2013 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: West Midlands Posts: 2,450	Yeah I noticed the S5 is 3 years old next April and that's still on the latest software, so not bad at all! My other question was, whenever software updates do stop, would they still send out the security updates and system updates that improve performance etc?

27-10-2016, 18:09	#5
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by corf Their flagsship seem to be ok with the s5 getting marshmallow and the monthly security updates. S5 hasn't had a security update since 1 July 2016, so not monthly anymore, Quote: Originally Posted by Lidtop2013 Yeah I noticed the S5 is 3 years old next April and that's still on the latest software, so not bad at all! Not quite true, the latest software is now Nougat, and the s5 won't be getting that.

27-10-2016, 18:17	#6
Lidtop2013 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: West Midlands Posts: 2,450	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 S5 hasn't had a security update since 1 July 2016, so not monthly anymore, Not quite true, the latest software is now Nougat, and the s5 won't be getting that. Oh I see, well there are ways of getting the new software on older phones, or so I hear.

27-10-2016, 18:39	#7
Resonance Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 9,212	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 S5 hasn't had a security update since 1 July 2016, so not monthly anymore, Not quite true, the latest software is now Nougat, and the s5 won't be getting that. My S5's last update was September 1st. Maybe there's a difference between sim free and phones bought through the network? Mine is sim free and seems to get an update every month or two. ETA: I just manually checked if there was a newer update and it's downloading now.

27-10-2016, 19:02	#8
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	The only way to get 4 to 5 years of updates is to buy an iPhone. Google have given up on trying to fix Android fragmentation. Two years is the maximum you can expect from any Android manufacturer.

27-10-2016, 19:17	#9
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by Lidtop2013 Oh I see, well there are ways of getting the new software on older phones, or so I hear. Yes, but that's completely outside the manufacturers update process (or even the manufacturer's actual firmware.. Quote: Originally Posted by Resonance My S5's last update was September 1st. Maybe there's a difference between sim free and phones bought through the network? Mine is sim free and seems to get an update every month or two. ETA: I just manually checked if there was a newer update and it's downloading now. I manually checked for an update before posting and did it again after seeing your post. No new update showing for mine.

27-10-2016, 19:24	#10
ihatemarmite Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 4,060	my S5 is sim free, android 6.0.1. with no updates on security patch since 1 May. I have set it to auto update but it seldom seems to.

27-10-2016, 19:33	#11
Resonance Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 9,212	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 Yes, but that's completely outside the manufacturers update process (or even the manufacturer's actual firmware.. I manually checked for an update before posting and did it again after seeing your post. No new update showing for mine. Quote: Originally Posted by ihatemarmite my S5 is sim free, android 6.0.1. with no updates on security patch since 1 May. I have set it to auto update but it seldom seems to. Strange. I wonder if all S5's aren't created equal and some models are slightly different or something? Not sure why that would mean some get security updates and some don't though? After the update if I go into settings-->about device, it now says Android security patch level 1 October 2016 (before update 1 September 2016). So looks like mine is getting monthly security updates still.

27-10-2016, 20:20	#12
Lidtop2013 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: West Midlands Posts: 2,450	Quote: Originally Posted by Resonance Strange. I wonder if all S5's aren't created equal and some models are slightly different or something? Not sure why that would mean some get security updates and some don't though? After the update if I go into settings-->about device, it now says Android security patch level 1 October 2016 (before update 1 September 2016). So looks like mine is getting monthly security updates still. That is very strange, my S7 on 6.0.1 has security patch 1st Sept?

27-10-2016, 22:19	#13
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	Quote: Originally Posted by Resonance Strange. I wonder if all S5's aren't created equal and some models are slightly different or something? Not sure why that would mean some get security updates and some don't though? After the update if I go into settings-->about device, it now says Android security patch level 1 October 2016 (before update 1 September 2016). So looks like mine is getting monthly security updates still. My S5 which came from Three has Android security patch level 1st July 2016. This is more down to diabolical to non existent network support, Samsung don't care either as they have a multitude of variants of each phone. Google issue the patches and they pretty much get ignored. Welcome to Android

27-10-2016, 22:49	#14
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by Everything Goes Welcome to Android I think that sums up the problem quite well .

27-10-2016, 22:52	#15
Lidtop2013 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: West Midlands Posts: 2,450	Quote: Originally Posted by Everything Goes My S5 which came from Three has Android security patch level 1st July 2016. This is more down to diabolical to non existent network support, Samsung don't care either as they have a multitude of variants of each phone. Google issue the patches and they pretty much get ignored. Welcome to Android I bought my S7 as unlocked second hand, how would I know if it's brand free? When the phone starts up I don't get any network logos, just the Samsung startup screen. Would that mean it's unbranded?

28-10-2016, 00:15	#16
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	Quote: Originally Posted by Lidtop2013 I bought my S7 as unlocked second hand, how would I know if it's brand free? When the phone starts up I don't get any network logos, just the Samsung startup screen. Would that mean it's unbranded? Have a look at the firmware listed here to help identify it starting with the UK versions: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G930F/

28-10-2016, 00:41	#17
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	iOS 10 is on 60% of devices within a month. Nougat is on less than 1% of devices with last years Marshmallow on 19%. Google's shame http://mashable.com/2016/10/27/apple.../#QjygT9EQxOqH

28-10-2016, 02:34	#18
Resonance Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 9,212	Quote: Originally Posted by Everything Goes My S5 which came from Three has Android security patch level 1st July 2016. This is more down to diabolical to non existent network support, Samsung don't care either as they have a multitude of variants of each phone. Google issue the patches and they pretty much get ignored. Welcome to Android Well my sim free is still getting monthly updates by the looks of it, so can't complain personally. Just checked the wife's S5 and it seems to be getting the same updates. Her's was bought 18 months ago, mine about 30 months ago. The only problem is that this latest update didn't come up automatically (usually does), but had to be looked for manually on both phones.

28-10-2016, 09:46	#19
Aye Up Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: North West Posts: 4,885	Quote: Originally Posted by Everything Goes iOS 10 is on 60% of devices within a month. Nougat is on less than 1% of devices with last years Marshmallow on 19%. Google's shame http://mashable.com/2016/10/27/apple.../#QjygT9EQxOqH One of the princple reasons I will be getting an iPhone next year.

28-10-2016, 09:59	#20
Everything Goes Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In the future.... Posts: 11,259	Quote: Originally Posted by Aye Up One of the princple reasons I will be getting an iPhone next year. Even I might buy an iPhone next year and I have been using Android for 6 years as of next year. In that time I've seen Apple catch up and Google sit on their laurels.

28-10-2016, 11:01	#21
BKM Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,288	Quote: Originally Posted by Everything Goes iOS 10 is on 60% of devices within a month. Nougat is on less than 1% of devices with last years Marshmallow on 19%. And IOS 10 is available to 100% of handsets from the iPhone 5 onwards - some people may not wish to upgrade yet for their own reasons - but the 60% would be even higher if they did

DS Forums

Android phone updates(how long is software update cycle?)

28-10-2016, 17:54	#22
TheSloth Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Under Your Bed Posts: 5,508	Android's strength is it's variety and flexibility. Android's weakness is it's variety and flexibility. I'm happy to root and flash custom ROMs on my devices, so Android's update cycle doesn't bother me - and why I always buy SIM free. I change my phone every 2-3 years and typically buy a £300-£350 handset that offers good specs. Horses for coursrses depending on paranoia, geek level and boredom threshold... Apple's whole ethos and eco-system repels me despite the design being top-notch.

28-10-2016, 18:19	#23
Sexbomb Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lancs Posts: 14,456	No update for my HTC One m8 either for nearly a year still on 6.01

28-10-2016, 19:50	#24
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by TheSloth I'm happy to root and flash custom ROMs on my devices, so Android's update cycle doesn't bother me - p I presume the security issues around using firmware downloaded from the internet or the restriction on apps like online banking or rights controlled like Sky Go don't bother you either? I'd rather have a phone that updates officially without the need of having to root or download firmware that has a chance of being compromised in some way (no matter how small you perceive that chance to be, it's still possible).

28-10-2016, 20:10	#25
TheSloth Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Under Your Bed Posts: 5,508	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 I presume the security issues around using firmware downloaded from the internet or the restriction on apps like online banking or rights controlled like Sky Go don't bother you either? I'd rather have a phone that updates officially without the need of having to root or download firmware that has a chance of being compromised in some way (no matter how small you perceive that chance to be, it's still possible). Hence why I cited paranoia - I use trusted ROM devs. I've got a cheap non-rooted 1080p tablet for Sky Go as I prefer a bigger screen for that anyway. I'm happy with the risk balance on my phone.