In April 2023, Samsung finally pulled the plug to stop issuing the security update for Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e.
With 3 major Android (and One UI ) updates for Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e, Samsung did keep its word on both major OS updates and security updates.
From now on, you will not expect any official new updates (unless it is very, very critical) from Samsung for your Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e. Very likely, Samsung will also end the security update for Galaxy S10 5G this summer.
This Galaxy S10 guide explains Samsung’s promise on the software update for Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e, the update history for these 3 phones and the key features in each update, and what you should do next.
Samsung keep its word on both OS and security update for Galaxy S10, S10+ and S10e
When Galaxy S10 was released in 2019, Samsung promised 3 major software updates and 4-year security update. Obviously, Samsung kept its word.
Galaxy S10 was released with Android 9 (One UI 1.1) and was updated to Android 10 (One UI 2), Android 11 (One UI 3), and Android 12 (One UI 4) subsequently.
As promised, Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e stopped at Android 12 and was not received the Android 13 update (One UI 5) last December.
Now, after 4 years of its initial release, Galaxy S10 marches to the end of life: no more official security updates for Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e.
Please note the commitment of 4 major OS updates and 5-year security updates applies to Galaxy S21 and later Galaxy devices.
Overall, Compared to other Android vendors, Samsung did an excellent job providing Android and security updates for Galaxy S10 and later devices.
The three major updates for Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e
As mentioned, Galaxy S10 was released with Android 9 (Android Pie) and One UI 1.1. Here is the list of the top 10 new software features of the original Android 9 (One UI 1.1) and three major updates for Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e: Android 10 (One UI 2), Android 11 (One UI 3), and Android 12 (One UI 4).
We released some how-to guides showing you how to use these specific features.
Other features of Galaxy S10 (S10+ and S10e) with Android 10, Android 11, and Android12 can be found in Galaxy 20 Guides (released with Android 10), Galaxy S21 Guides (released with Android 11), and Galaxy S22 Guides (released with Android 12) sections, respectively.
What should I do with my Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e?
As you will not get any official updates for Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e, you should be aware of the potential risks. Of course, you should not overreact as well.
The first option is upgrading to Galaxy S23 or Galaxy S22, depending on your budget. Galaxy S23 will receive 4 major updates and 5-year security update from 2023.
So, if you need an Android phone with committed 5-year updates, you should choose Galaxy S23 (Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra). In terms of security updates, the only comparable option is Google Pixel phones for which Google promised 3 major updates and 5-year security updates.
With the release of Galaxy S23, the price of Galaxy S22 dropped a lot in some markets. If this happens in your region, you may consider it as well. For example, if the price of Galaxy S23 is similar to Galaxy S22 Ultra and you are comfortable with the large and curved screen, then Galaxy S22 Ultra can be a good deal for the time being.
The second option is to use it as usual and pay some attention to security-related news on Android and Samsung devices. At the same time, you may try different phones in the shop and compare the upgrading options. Also, there are always better phones on the line.
The third option is to “upgrade” the unofficial Android 13 software. This is NOT recommended because some third-party ROMs may be even less secure than the unpatched Samsung firmware. Most of the developers work in their spare time and have no time and resources to test the code.
So, unless you are very tech-savvy, and the phone is NOT critical for you (you may lose all data on the phone!), you may try different Android 13 ROMs with One UI 5 or other launchers.
How about the security update for Galaxy S10 5G and Galaxy S10 Lite?
Very likely, the security update for Galaxy S10 5G will end this summer.
Galaxy S10 Lite is the only phone in the S10 series that received Android 13 (One UI 5) update. The security update for it will very likely end in early 2024.
What do you think about the security update for Galaxy S10, S10+ and S10e?
If you want to share your thoughts on security updates for Galaxy S10, S10+ and S10e, you may let us know them in the comment box below.
The community will help you find the answer.
You can find detailed guides on using the Galaxy S10 camera on the Galaxy S10 camera guides page.
If you have questions on the new features of Samsung Galaxy S10, please check the Galaxy S10 new features guides page.
To find and use accessories for Galaxy S10, please check the Galaxy S10 accessories guides page.
For other Galaxy S10 how-to guides, please check Galaxy S10 how-to guides page.
To read and download the official Samsung Galaxy S10 user guides (in PDF format) in your local language, please check the Galaxy S10 user guides page.
You may reach us through the following:
Enjoy your Galaxy S10.
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