The Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra may not be eligible for the Android 14/One UI 6 update, but they are still receiving regular security updates. Recently, carrier-locked units in the US received the final security update of 2023, and now the December 2023 update is rolling out for unlocked units as well as in many other countries worldwide. This update, identified by a firmware version ending with “HWKD,” focuses solely on security fixes, addressing a total of 75 vulnerabilities found in both Android and Samsung One UI. While the Galaxy S20 lineup will remain on Android 13 and One UI 5.1 with no expectation of new features or major changes, users can check for the update in their device settings or manually download and flash the firmware file. Although not receiving major updates, the Galaxy S20 series continues to prioritize security for its users.
December 2023 Security Update for Galaxy S20 Series
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Introduction
The Galaxy S20 series, which includes the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra, may not be eligible for the upcoming Android 14/One UI 6 update. However, despite this, Samsung remains committed to providing regular security updates for these devices. In December 2023, the Galaxy S20 series received the final security update of the year. This article aims to provide comprehensive information about the December 2023 security update for the Galaxy S20 series.
Eligibility for Android 14/One UI 6 Update
Unfortunately, the Galaxy S20 series did not make it onto the eligibility list for the highly anticipated Android 14/One UI 6 update. This means that users of the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra will not be able to enjoy the latest features and enhancements that Android 14 and One UI 6 have to offer. However, despite not being eligible for the major software update, Samsung will continue to support the Galaxy S20 series with regular security updates.
The absence from the eligibility list for Android 14 does not mean that the Galaxy S20 series will be left unsecured. Samsung recognizes the importance of regular security updates and is dedicated to ensuring that Galaxy S20 users receive the necessary security patches to protect their devices and data. As a result, while Android 14 and One UI 6 may not be available for the Galaxy S20 series, users can still expect to receive security updates based on Android 13 and One UI 5.1.
Continued Security Updates
Regular security updates are crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of any smartphone. Samsung understands the importance of keeping its users protected and has made a commitment to providing continued security updates for the Galaxy S20 series. These updates aim to address any identified security vulnerabilities, ensuring that users can enjoy a safe and secure smartphone experience.
It is important to note that security updates differ from major software updates like Android OS upgrades. While major software updates bring new features, enhancements, and changes to the overall user experience, security updates primarily focus on addressing vulnerabilities and fixing any security-related issues. Therefore, even though the Galaxy S20 series may not receive the latest Android 14/One UI 6 update, Samsung will continue to prioritize the security of these devices through regular security updates.
Availability of December 2023 Update
The December 2023 security update for the Galaxy S20 series has already been made available to carrier-locked Galaxy S20 units in the United States. However, the update is not limited to carrier-locked devices and is now also accessible to users with unlocked Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra units. This ensures that all Galaxy S20 series users can benefit from the latest security patches and fixes.
Moreover, the availability of the December 2023 security update is not restricted to the United States alone. Samsung has initiated the rollout of this update in numerous countries around the world. This global rollout reflects Samsung’s commitment to providing security updates to its users on a global scale and ensuring that Galaxy S20 series users worldwide can enjoy the benefits of enhanced security.
Identification of the Update
To distinguish the December 2023 security update from other updates, users can identify it through specific characteristics. The firmware version associated with the December 2023 update for the Galaxy S20 series ends with the letters “HWKD.” This unique identifier allows users to confirm that they have successfully installed the December 2023 security update on their devices.
Additionally, the changelog for the December 2023 update is limited to security fixes. This means that the update primarily focuses on addressing security vulnerabilities and does not introduce any significant changes to the user interface or functionality of the device.
Fixes and Vulnerabilities Addressed
The December 2023 security update for the Galaxy S20 series addresses a total of 75 security holes found in both Android and Samsung One UI. These security fixes aim to safeguard the devices against potential threats by eliminating vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.
Furthermore, the update also includes fixes for vulnerabilities discovered in select Exynos chips. However, it is important to note that the Exynos 990 processor, which is used in the Galaxy S20 lineup, remains unaffected by these vulnerabilities. This reinforces the reliability and security of the Exynos 990 processor, ensuring that users of the Galaxy S20 series can have peace of mind regarding the safety of their devices.
Checking for the Update
To check for the availability of the December 2023 security update on a Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, or Galaxy S20 Ultra device, users can navigate to the “Settings” menu and access the “Software update” section. Within the “Software update” settings, users can tap on the “Download and install” option to check for any pending updates.
Alternatively, users can also choose to manually download the new firmware file from external sources and flash it onto their devices. This method allows users to bypass the traditional over-the-air update process and manually install the update using specialized tools and software.
Manual Firmware Update
For users who prefer a more hands-on approach, manually updating the firmware on a Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, or Galaxy S20 Ultra device is an option. This process involves downloading the firmware file from a reliable source and then flashing it manually onto the device.
To manually update the firmware, users can first download the firmware file from a trusted database that provides the latest firmware versions for Samsung devices. Once the firmware file has been downloaded, users can follow the step-by-step instructions provided by Samsung to flash the firmware manually onto their Galaxy S20 series device. This manual approach allows users to have more control over the update process and ensures that the latest security patches are installed on their devices.
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Limited Future Updates
While Samsung remains committed to providing regular security updates for the Galaxy S20 series, it is important to recognize that the devices in this lineup will not receive any further major software updates beyond Android 13 and One UI 5.1. This means that users will not experience any new features or significant changes in the user interface or functionality of their Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra devices beyond the current software version.
Samsung’s decision to limit future updates for the Galaxy S20 series is understandable, as the focus shifts towards supporting newer devices with the latest software versions. However, it is crucial for users to continue prioritizing security by regularly applying the provided security updates to their devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the December 2023 security update for the Galaxy S20 series ensures that users can enjoy a secure smartphone experience, despite the devices not being eligible for the Android 14/One UI 6 update. By providing regular security updates, Samsung demonstrates its commitment to the safety and protection of Galaxy S20 series users.
While the Galaxy S20 series may not receive further major software updates, users can rest assured knowing that Samsung will continue to prioritize security by addressing any identified vulnerabilities. Regularly checking for updates and applying the latest security patches remains essential to ensure the ongoing protection of the Galaxy S20 series devices.
Although the Galaxy S20 series did not make it onto the eligibility list for the Android 14/One UI 6 update, the importance of security updates should not be underestimated. Security should always remain a top priority for smartphone users, and Samsung’s commitment in providing security updates for the Galaxy S20 series showcases the brand’s dedication to customer satisfaction and device security.
