Every year, Samsung updates its support policy for its smartphones. While recent models benefit from software updates for several years, older ones inevitably end up losing support. In 2025, some Galaxy models will reach this limit: no more security updates, no more software improvements. This does not mean they become unusable, but it does expose their users to security risks and incompatibilities with certain applications.
Samsung stops support after 4 or 5 years: a predictable schedule
Samsung has been applying a clear policy for a few years:
- 4 years of major Android updates for its recent flagship models.
- 5 years of security updates (or more for some professional ranges).
Result: smartphones released in 2020 and some from 2021 are reaching the end of their cycle in 2025. They will no longer receive security patches or new Android versions.
The Galaxy S that will become obsolete in 2025
The most iconic models are in the Galaxy S series. Among them:
- Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra (launched in 2020).
- Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition released at the end of 2020).
- Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra (last generation of Note before the range was discontinued).
These models have already received Android 13 and several security patches. But from 2025, they will no longer be on the official list of supported devices.
The mid-range Galaxy models exiting the cycle
Samsung does not limit its policy to premium models. Mid-range smartphones also benefit from 4 to 5 years of updates, but often less than flagships. Among those that will become obsolete in 2025:
- Galaxy A51 and A71 (released in 2020, very popular at the time).
- Galaxy A21s, A31, A41.
- Galaxy M31, M21, M51 in certain markets.
These models, still widely used, will no longer receive patches, which can be problematic for daily use with banking or professional applications.
Foldables also affected: farewell Galaxy Z Fold 2
Samsung was a pioneer with its foldable smartphones. But the first models are already reaching the end of their support:
- Galaxy Z Fold 2 (2020) will lose its updates in 2025.
- The Galaxy Z Flip (1st generation, 2020) has already been out of updates since 2024 and remains unusable securely.
These symbolic devices will no longer receive fixes, making their use riskier.
What are the risks when a Samsung becomes obsolete?
An obsolete smartphone continues to function, but it presents significant limitations:
- Security risk: lack of patches against critical vulnerabilities.
- Incompatible applications: some apps require recent Android versions.
- Loss of functionality: banking services, mobile payments (Samsung Pay/Google Wallet) may stop working.
- Resale value drops: an unupdated device quickly loses its value on the second-hand market.
READ ALSO
What solutions to extend the life of your device?
If you own one of these models, several options are available to you:
- Install an alternative ROM (LineageOS, etc.): reserved for advanced users, allows you to continue receiving unofficial updates.
- Limit sensitive uses: no longer use the smartphone for financial transactions or professional data.
- Recycle or resell: some services still take these models for parts.
- Switch to a more recent generation: the Galaxy S21, Z Fold 3, or Galaxy A52 will continue to be supported until 2026-2027.
