[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong] Some older Samsung Electronics Galaxy devices will continue to receive Android operating system updates in 2026, but support periods differ widely by product line.

According to IT outlet Engadget on Oct. 11 local time, Samsung smartphones support operating system updates for up to 7 years for flagship models, 5 to 6 years for mid-range models and about 4 years at most for entry-level models.

This year, Android 17 led software changes for smartphones, focusing on productivity-enhancing features. Samsung Electronics has already applied One UI 9 based on Android 17 to the Galaxy Fold8 series and the Flip8. Unlike the latest devices, older models run security updates and operating system updates differently. Security patches are provided for a relatively long time, but operating system updates that include feature changes often end earlier.

The gap in support periods is more pronounced in the Galaxy A series. Engadget pointed out that this tendency is stronger in Samsung’s entry-level A series. In practice, the Galaxy A34 and A54 5G receive Android updates until March 2027, but the Galaxy A73 is no longer eligible from April 2026.

Some tablet models receive longer support. The Galaxy Tab Active5 supports Android updates until January 2028. The Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro will continue to be supported through 2033. Wearable devices are also still eligible for updates this year, but the original text did not specify individual model names separately.

The article also presented it as key that users must check Samsung device support themselves. Manufacturers often do not warn in advance when software or security updates end. The article said manufacturers do not separately notify users before stopping updates, and advised users to look up their smartphone model online to confirm. Samsung Electronics provides a list of devices eligible for security updates, which can be used to check current support status.

If the last update date in the Settings app has been stuck for months or years rather than days, there is a high chance support has already ended. End of support does not stop at simply missing new features. If security patches stop, the device can become more vulnerable to new hacking threats. Engadget also warned that losing security patches can expose smartphones to various new attacks.

In the secondhand market, these support periods are also an important criterion for judgment. Even if a user finds a cheap refurbished model online, the price advantage can shrink if the device loses access to updates within that year. As operating system updates are missed cumulatively, compatibility with apps designed for the latest versions also gradually declines.

Along with this, signs of device abnormalities were cited as factors to watch in connection with the end of updates. The outlet mentioned that pop-ups appearing without warning, apps the user did not install and excessive data usage could indicate the device has been hacked. It said that if such signs appear, it may be necessary to consider when to replace the smartphone with a new one.

Ultimately, Samsung device users in 2026 should first distinguish and check whether their model receives only security updates or also Android operating system updates. In particular, when deciding whether to keep using an existing device or buy a used one, users should weigh the remaining support period first rather than the handset price.