Samsung Galaxy S21 Series: Moving to Quarterly Updates – What It Means for Users

2025-02-04

In a significant shift, Samsung has announced that the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra will transition from monthly security updates to a quarterly schedule. This change impacts users who have relied on regular updates for four years since the devices’ launch in January 2021. The Galaxy S21 series will continue receiving updates every three months, beginning in 2025, while the Galaxy S21 FE will maintain its monthly update cycle due to its later release. This article explores what this means for Galaxy S21 users, how the transition affects future Android upgrades, and whether it’s time to consider upgrading to the new Galaxy S25 series.

Summary

Samsung’s decision to downgrade the Galaxy S21 series to quarterly security updates is part of its strategy to phase out support for older models, following their release in early 2021. For the next year, the S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra will no longer receive monthly updates, but will instead see updates every three months. The Galaxy S21 FE, however, continues to get monthly updates since it was released later than the standard S21 models. The first monthly update of 2025 for the S21 series was delivered in January, and users can expect one or two more before the transition to quarterly updates.

In addition to security updates, the Galaxy S21 trio will soon receive their final major Android OS upgrade, Android 15, with support ending for future Android versions. By comparison, the Galaxy S24 FE will receive its last major upgrade with Android 16, owing to its later launch with Android 12 out of the box.

For users who are still holding onto their Galaxy S21, this may be the perfect time to consider an upgrade. The newly launched Galaxy S25 series, which includes the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra, guarantees OS and security updates for up to seven years, making it a more future-proof choice for those seeking long-term software support.

What Undercode Says:

Samsung’s shift in policy regarding security updates for its older devices has far-reaching implications for both the company’s customers and the broader smartphone ecosystem. While it is common for devices to eventually see a reduction in support as they age, this transition from monthly to quarterly updates for the Galaxy S21 series stands out due to its timing and the broader context within which it occurs.

A Strategic Move for Samsung

The decision to move to quarterly updates for the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra is likely part of Samsung’s effort to streamline its update schedule and prioritize newer, more advanced devices. While the S21 series is still relatively young in terms of hardware performance, its software lifecycle has already reached a point where quarterly updates are sufficient. This ensures that Samsung can allocate resources toward supporting newer devices, such as the Galaxy S22, S23, and S24 series, which are positioned as more premium options with a longer lifespan in terms of software support.

Moreover, Samsung has long been known for offering longer software support compared to many other Android manufacturers. With the Galaxy S25 series, the company is doubling down on this promise by offering a staggering seven years of OS and security updates. For users looking for longevity in their devices, the S25 series is now the clear winner, making the Galaxy S21 feel somewhat outdated by comparison. However, for many users, a quarterly update schedule is likely still sufficient, especially if they don’t require the latest Android features right away.

Impact on User Experience

For those who have relied on regular security patches and Android updates, the reduction to quarterly updates could be seen as a step backward. Monthly updates are crucial not just for security but also for performance improvements and the of new features. While Samsung is likely to maintain the essential security fixes for the S21 series, the reduction in update frequency could signal the start of the device’s gradual decline into obsolescence. Users who prioritize having the latest and greatest in Android features and security patches might find themselves feeling left behind as the Galaxy S21 models become less of a focus for Samsung’s software teams.

On the other hand, for users who are satisfied with the performance and features of their current Galaxy S21 devices, the change may not make much of a difference. The phone will continue to receive important patches, albeit at a slower pace. The biggest concern will likely be the final OS upgrade, as Android 15 will be the last major update for the Galaxy S21 series. This may leave some users wondering if it’s worth sticking with an older phone when new models are guaranteed updates for many more years.

Is It Time to Upgrade?

For Galaxy S21 owners, the decision to upgrade might be worth considering, especially with the release of the Galaxy S25 series. The new Galaxy S25 models come with a promise of seven years of software updates, a feature that makes them a far more attractive investment for users who intend to keep their devices for several years. Additionally, the design changes in the S25 Ultra, which include more rounded corners for improved comfort, could make the transition from the S21 Ultra a more appealing upgrade.

While the Galaxy S21 Ultra has held its place as one of Samsung’s flagship devices, it’s clear that the S25 Ultra brings a more polished experience, with enhanced hardware and guaranteed long-term support. Users who are due for a phone upgrade might find that the Galaxy S25 series offers the perfect blend of performance, longevity, and cutting-edge features.

In Conclusion:

Samsung’s transition to quarterly updates for the Galaxy S21 series represents a natural progression for older devices, but it also underscores the importance of considering long-term software support when purchasing a new smartphone. While the Galaxy S21 series will still function well for the next year or so, it’s clear that the future of Android lies with newer devices like the Galaxy S25 series, which promises years of continuous updates. For users seeking the latest features and security updates, upgrading to a new device might be the best decision.

References:

Reported By: https://www.sammobile.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s21-plus-ultra-downgraded-quarterly-updates/
https://www.facebook.com
Wikipedia: https://www.wikipedia.org
Undercode AI: https://ai.undercodetesting.com