The latest Android security update for February 2023 has begun rolling out to these Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets.
Even though Samsung has just launched the Galaxy S23 series, the Korean company has not forgotten about its predecessors. A growing number of Samsung Galaxy devices are getting the February 2023 Android security update – here’s the full list.
Samsung February 2023 security update – here’s what’s new
Every single month, Google releases a generic or generalized Android security bulletin. This is publically available and indicates any software fixes for potential security issues that affect Android and core portions of the mobile operating system.
Patch notes are also provided by Samsung, as the updates for its own devices include a number of Galaxy-specific fixes. The Korean tech giant has now revealed the details of the February 2023 security update that is now slowly rolling out to a multitude of Galaxy devices. The February patch notes direct from Samsung list 5 “Critical” severity vulnerability fixes, 43 “High,” and no “Moderate” resolutions.
Resolutions within the OTA include fixes for WindowManagerService vulnerabilities. This can allow attackers to take a screenshot without user notice. This security update patches another issue that could allow hackers to access the Secure Folder and capture app previews without consent.
One UI 5.1 hands-on: What’s new for existing Samsung Galaxy devices? [Video]
With the launch of the Galaxy S23, the new One UI 5.1 build is part and parcel of the package. If you have an older device, then you can grab the OTA with a number of tweaks and functions included. It’s a sizeable update at almost 2GB in size. Previously confirmed by Samsung, One UI 5.1 is available for the following handsets over the coming weeks: Galaxy S20, S21, and Galaxy S22, as well as Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, Z Flip 3, Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3, and Galaxy Z Fold 4.Devices with the Samsung February 2023 security update
The exact sequence in which Samsung updates phones seems to vary from month to month, but generally speaking, there’s a loose pattern that the company often follows. Typically, each month’s new security patch will arrive for premium devices like the Galaxy S flagships or Galaxy Z foldable hardware.
This is followed by a roll out of the patch affordable handsets, including the Galaxy A series, M series, and F series, although this depends heavily upon global markets and availability. Similarly, Samsung tends to release updates to newer devices before older ones. However, despite this often being the roadmap, this is a fairly loose guideline that doesn’t always hold true, so be sure to check the full list below for your own device(s).
This list will include a note on where the update first debuted and if it is also available in the United States. As usual, the latest additions will be marked in bold.Galaxy S series
Signifying the best of the best when it comes to Samsung phones, the Galaxy S-series is often seen as the pinnacle of Android. The sales figures also back that up. Being at the top of the Samsung totem pole means that Galaxy S-series phones are likely to make up the bulk of the February 2023 security patch list in the opening weeks.
What’s interesting is that the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G was the first such handset to get the February 2023 security update this month. Rolling out from February 7, the early-2022 handset is technically a cheaper version of the 2021 flagship Galaxy S21. It comes in a few flavors, as the Exynos 2100 variant is the first to be updated in selected regions including Brazil. It’s not clear when the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 version will be updated at this stage.
While 5G has been around for almost 5 years at this stage, not every single global region has access to superfast network connections through wireless carriers. In those cases, Samsung often offers 4G LTE-only handsets and separates the S series.
A great example is the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. This trio ordinarily ships with 5G as standard, but in some region, there are 4G-only options to purchase. Because of that, the rollout is often a little confusing as from February 9, both variants of the S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra have started to receive the February 2023 patch in South America.
A massive rollout of One UI 5.1 is now underway for a number of Samsung Galaxy devices with the patch also bundling in the February 2023 security patch as standard. For many in Europe, One UI 5.1 is now available for Galaxy S20, S21, and S22 units after being spotted across Reddit.
Because of the differences between the Exynos global models and the North American Snapdragon equivalents, there was a minor delay in the rollout for unlocked US Galaxy S22 devices.
