Advanced Security Gandalf_The_Grey's Mobile Config 2024

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Any reason to switch over?

Yes, my kids also got Samsung phones an A53 and an A14.
I wanted to see if I could live with One UI and I could
A bonus is that the phone is more responsive with One UI (the stock launcher).

 

[MuzzMelbourne]

Gandalf,

I'm confused about Android stuff, but I read your config as having your latest OS security update on 1 Oct 2022?

Surely not... sometimes I get two a week from Apple.

This must be a typo...

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Gandalf,

I'm confused about Android stuff, but I read your config as having your latest OS security update on 1 Oct 2022?

Surely not... sometimes I get two a week from Apple.

This must be a typo...

Unfortunately it is not a typo.
The Samsung Galaxy A02s (from my employer) is on Biannual Security Updates:

Samsung Mobile Security

security.samsungmobile.com

 

[MuzzMelbourne]

Well, cutoff me legs and call me shorty! That is the dumbest company security policy I have ever heard.

Your employer doesn't 'Dept...' in its name does it? OMG.

 

[Ink]

Well, cutoff me legs and call me shorty! That is the dumbest company security policy I have ever heard.

Your employer doesn't 'Dept...' in its name does it? OMG.

Unlike Apple, only unlocked Pixels and Flagships less than 3 years old are guaranteed to have the latest updates for the OS, security patches and Google (Play) system updates.

Example: If an unlocked Android phone launches with Android 13 - users will receive all remaining updates for 13, Android 14, and finally Android 15 with updates. But no Android 16, unless the phone manufacturer says so. Carrier-locked phones may get less frequent updates due to longer testing.

• Android version (Check & update your Android version - Android Help)
• Android security patch level (Android security bulletin)
• Google Play system update (latest May 2023)

It’s why you see a cutoff point on security patch levels for older Android devices.

 

[Trident]

Example: If an unlocked Android phone launches with Android 13 - users will receive all remaining updates for 13, Android 14, and finally Android 15 with updates. But no Android 16, unless the phone manufacturer says so. Carrier-locked phones may get less frequent updates due to longer testing.

Yep, not too long ago Samsung promised 4 major updates and one year of biannual security updates.
That’s only for the latest flagships, for budget phones every update is a gift and a reason to be happy.

The situation has still improved a lot from years ago when even flagships would barely get any updates. If you are using flagship device Apple has no edge (hence they rushed to announce the Security Response updates) over Android.

 

[Moonhorse]

Well, cutoff me legs and call me shorty! That is the dumbest company security policy I have ever heard.

Your employer doesn't 'Dept...' in its name does it? OMG.

Samsung a series got monthly security updates lately and samsung having longest update policy 5+4 years is more than most other vendors offer...its not dumb that they are getting better little by little

 

[Trident]

Samsung a series got monthly security updates lately and samsung having longest update policy 5+4 years is more than most other vendors offer...its not dumb that they are getting better little by little

Samsung also pushes a lot of new features and changes with every update. They are amongst the first to release new Androids circa October-November (previous gen flagship) whereas others wait to January-February or even longer. Samsung offers 1 major update around the time I mentioned above and few months later, around the release of foldables, it offers one more OneUI update.

 

[MuzzMelbourne]

...If you are using flagship device Apple has no edge (hence they rushed to announce the Security Response updates) over Android...

Apple don't discriminate flagship and non devices. If its Apple you get it! From my original 3Gs til now, security updates are provided ASAP for all devices, automatically, not by some manufacturer/telco/provider lottery.

Samsung's update schedule may well be improving, but, in today's scumbag dense environment, its not a patch on Apple's.

 

[MuzzMelbourne]

...its not dumb that they are getting better little by little...

No, you're right, but biennial security updates is.

 

[MuzzMelbourne]

Samsung a series got monthly security updates lately and samsung having longest update policy 5+4 years is more than most other vendors offer...its not dumb that they are getting better little by little

Policy vs reality would be an interesting project. But, even with a 9 year policy, its only 18 updates based on a schedule. I've probably had that many this year alone based on need.

 

[Trident]

Apple don't discriminate flagship and non devices. If its Apple you get it! From my original 3Gs til now, security updates are provided ASAP for all devices, automatically, not by some manufacturer/telco/provider lottery.

Samsung's update schedule may well be improving, but, in today's scumbag dense environment, its not a patch on Apple's.

Yeah, you are right. Telcos here in the UK at least (I cannot comment other countries) delay updates as follows:
EE - ~1 day
Vodafone, O2 - ~2 days
Three - ~3 days
Samsung so far does a good job pushing the monthly updates even on non-flagships. Apart from Pixel (obviously), I don’t think anybody else delivers them so quick. On Apple also updates are released in a phased manner if user doesn’t check for them manually. It may be a week or 2 before an update is installed everywhere. I am excluding Security Response from that, so far they’ve pushed only one.
Samsung also has their proprietary Knox platform that provides additional security even when OS is not really up-to-date. All in all, until Fuchsia (if ever) is released, it won’t get better than that.

 

[MuzzMelbourne]

...It may be a week or 2 before an update is installed everywhere...

Excellent point! I have never understood why this happens and would say it is one of the only major issues I have with Apple. It just doesn't make sense...

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Bought a Samsung A34 and a SIM card.

Samsung Galaxy A34 5G smartphone review: Affordable all-rounder with an extra-bright OLED display

The 6.6-inch Samsung Galaxy A34 5G features a 2340 x 1080 pixel Super AMOLED display and is powered by the MediaTek SoC Dimensity 1080. The hardware includes 6 GB RAM, 128 GB UFS 2.2 storage, a 48 MP quad camera, IP67 certification and a 5000 mAh battery that can be charged at up to 25 watts.

www.notebookcheck.net

I have now 2 SIM cards in that phone.
1 personal and 1 from my employer.

 

[Jengo]

The long update period is also a strong selling point of the Galaxy A34 5G. Four OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates are by no means usual in this price range. If you take Samsung at its word, Android 17 should also be able run on the smartphone. The Galaxy A34 5G is also popular for its decent camera, which takes very nice pictures in daylight.

Thats why i switched from iPhone ( always the same and nothing new ) to the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
I am not missing my iPhone one second.

 

[ForgottenSeer 97327]

Samsung also pushes a lot of new features and changes with every update. They are amongst the first to release new Androids circa October-November (previous gen flagship) whereas others wait to January-February or even longer. Samsung offers 1 major update around the time I mentioned above and few months later, around the release of foldables, it offers one more OneUI update.

True with the restriction that model has to sell well. My previous A70 should have quarterly updates the first year and in the second and third-year 6 months updates. After 9 months I read that because of low sales numbers, this was reduced to bi-annual updates.

Samsung demotes four Galaxy A series phones to biannual security updates

Some older models have been removed from the list altogether

www.androidpolice.com

Most Android brands do louse in regard to security updates, Samsung is a raven with white feathers in that respect. That is why I bought an A53 when my A70 died. The A53 should get same update schedule as flagships for at least first three years (and I am getting regular updates). The last two year updates cycle depends on sales success also. (link) Samsung Mobile Security

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Refreshed my config for 2024.

Got Android 14 and activated Samsung Auto Blocker.

Samsung Galaxy gets new Auto Blocker anti-malware feature

Samsung has unveiled a new security feature called 'Auto Blocker' as part of the One UI 6 update, offering enhanced malware protection on Galaxy devices.

www.bleepingcomputer.com

 

[LennyFox]

@Gandalf_The_Grey

Is Samsung Device Care powered by McAfee paid or free?

Thx

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

@Gandalf_The_Grey

Is Samsung Device Care powered by McAfee paid or free?

Thx

Free, included with your Samsung phone.

What is Device Care and how do I use it?

FAQ for Samsung Mobile Devices. Find more about 'What is Device Care and how do I use it?' with Samsung Support.

www.samsung.com

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

No real updates, but got the April 1 Android security patch and March 1 Google Play-system update.