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Android 13 Has Arrived: All Samsung Phones May Not Get It

A guide to which Samsung phones will get four years of Android OS updates, and the older devices receiving fewer upgrades.

Lisa Eadicicco Senior Editor
Lisa Eadicicco is a senior editor for CNET covering mobile devices. She has been writing about technology for almost a decade. Prior to joining CNET, Lisa served as a senior tech correspondent at Insider covering Apple and the broader consumer tech industry. She was also previously a tech columnist for Time Magazine and got her start as a staff writer for Laptop Mag and Tom's Guide.
Expertise Apple, Samsung, Google, smartphones, smartwatches, wearables, fitness trackers
Lisa Eadicicco
2 min read
Samsung S22 and S22 Plus and S22 Ultra fanned out in a stack

The Samsung Galaxy S22 lineup.

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

If you have a recent Samsung phone, like the Galaxy S22 Ultra or Galaxy A53 5G, you don't have to worry about its software feeling outdated anytime soon. That's because Samsung has committed to offering four generations of Android operating system upgrades for the Galaxy S21 and later models. Samsung is even ahead of Google in this regard when it comes to software support.

Android OS updates are important because they bring new features and functionality to your phone. Android 13, which launched on Aug. 15, will roll out to Samsung devices in the fall. The software introduces changes like updates to Google Wallet and end-to-end encryption for group chats. (Here's every new Android 13 feature we know of so far.) Those who want to try the software now can check out the beta version of Android 13

But there's another reason why software upgrades are so critical: security. Updates typically include bug fixes and security patches, so it's a good idea to install them soon after they become available. In addition to offering four years of Android OS upgrades, Samsung will also provide five years of security updates for the Galaxy S21 and later. The company also rolls out periodic security updates for older devices, including those that are no longer upgradable to new Android versions.

Samsung also customizes Google's Android software with its own interface known as One UI. Phones that are eligible for Android operating system upgrades also typically get the latest version of this software. Check out the list of Samsung devices that support the newest iteration of One UI. 

Check out the tables below to see how long Samsung will provide Android OS updates to your phone. 

Read more: Pixel 6A vs. iPhone SE: How Google's Cheaper Phone Compares with Apple's

Samsung Galaxy S and Note phones

Samsung S22 Ultra with CNET written on the screen with a stylus

The Galaxy S22 Ultra.

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

Software updates for Samsung Galaxy S and Note phones

Phone Software supportAndroid version at launch
Galaxy S22 series Four years of Android OS upgrades, five years of security updatesAndroid 12
Galaxy S21 series Four years of Android OS upgrades, five years of security updates Android 11
Galaxy S20 series Three years of Android OS upgrades, four years of security updatesAndroid 10
Galaxy S10 series Three years of Android OS upgrades, four years of security updatesAndroid 9 (S10 Lite launched with Android 10)
Galaxy Note 20 series Three years of Android OS upgrades, four years of security updatesAndroid 10
Galaxy Note 10 series Three years of Android OS upgrades, four years of security updatesAndroid 9 (Note 10 Lite launched with Android 10)

Samsung Galaxy Z and Fold phones

Samsung Z Flip 3 in closed position

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Software updates for Samsung foldables

Phone Software supportAndroid version at launch
Galaxy Z Flip 3 Four years of Android OS upgrades, five years of security updatesAndroid 11
Galaxy Z Flip/Flip 5G Three years of Android OS upgrades, four years of security updatesAndroid 10
Galaxy Z Fold 3 Four years of Android OS upgrades, five years of security updatesAndroid 11
Galaxy Z Fold 2 Three years of Android OS upgrades, four years of security updatesAndroid 10
Galaxy Fold Three years of Android OS upgrades, four years of security updatesAndroid 9

Samsung Galaxy A phones 

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G.

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

Software updates for Samsung Galaxy A phones

Phone Software supportAndroid version at launch
Galaxy A53 5G Four years of Android OS upgrades, five years of security updatesAndroid 12
Galaxy A33 5G Four years of Android OS upgrades, five years of security updatesAndroid 12
Galaxy A71/A71 5G Three years of Android OS upgrades, four years of security updatesAndroid 10
Galaxy A52/52 5G Three years of Android OS upgrades, four years of security updatesAndroid 11
Galaxy A51/51 5G Two years of Android OS upgrades, four years of security updatesAndroid 10
Galaxy A13/A13 5G Two years of Android OS upgrades, four years of security updatesAndroid 11 (A13 5G); Android 12 (A13)
Galaxy A12 Two years of Android OS upgrades, four years of security updatesAndroid 11