Own one of these Samsung Galaxy phones? You're about to lose vital Android updates FOREVER

Aaron Brown

By Aaron Brown


Published: 23/10/2025

- 10:38

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Samsung promised four years of Android security updates

If you own one of these four Android phones from Samsung, we've got bad news. Samsung has cut off critical security updates for the Galaxy A03s, Galaxy A52s, Galaxy F42 5G, and Galaxy M32 5G.

The South Korean firm hasn't released a major operating system update to these handsets in some time. At the time of the launch of Galaxy A03s, Samsung promised two major updates of its version of Android, known as One UI, meaning that One UI 6 (based on Android 14) never came to this particular handset.


Samsung One UI 4 screenshots

One UI 4 was one of the last versions of the Samsung-developed mobile operating system to roll out to these devices, which have subsequently lost security updates too

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SAMSUNG PRESS OFFICE

With no more One UI updates on the horizon, Galaxy A03s hasn't enjoyed any new software features or new AI tricks. However, Samsung delivered a total of four years of security updates and bug fixes, so these handsets remained safe to use long after the One UI upgrades trailed off.

Since the Galaxy A03s, Galaxy A52s, Galaxy F42 5G, and Galaxy M32 5G all launched between August 2021 and September 2021, Samsung is coming to the end of its promised four years of security updates.

If you have one of these devices in your pocket, you'll still be able to use it.

Nothing is about to break, but if a new vulnerability is uncovered within the Android operating system that allows cybercriminals to steal personal information or spy on what's happening on-screen, Samsung isn't coming to the rescue with a fix. That means your device — and the data stored on it — is at risk from any flaw unearthed in the mobile operating system in the coming months and years.

Upgrade to the Galaxy A05s for just £129

If you're looking for an affordable handset with years of software updates ahead of it, Samsung's Galaxy A05s is a good option. This wallet-friendly Android phone has a 6.7-inch FHD+ touchscreen display, a pixel-packed 50MP rear camera, a fingerprint scanner for speedy unlocks and authentication of contactless payments. Samsung includes 64GB of built-in storage with the base model, which is available in Light Green, Silver, or Black

Galaxy A05s
$129

With so much vital information now managed on our devices, including family photos, credit and debit cards, critical documents, digital IDs, and more, it's vital to ensure everything is secured with the latest security patches.

Samsung isn't the only major brand to pause security updates for device owners in recent days. Earlier this month, Microsoft pulled the plug on free security patches for Windows 10. Some estimates suggest 5 million PC owners could be vulnerable to hackers because of the decision.

The Galaxy A05s, Galaxy F56, and Galaxy M36 are the successors to the Galaxy A03s, Galaxy A52s, Galaxy F42 5G, and Galaxy M32 5G. These handsets will continue to receive new security updates for some time, so your data will be shielded from crooks.

If you’re weighing up these budget-to-midrange options, here’s a single, buyer-friendly run-through: the Galaxy A07 is the everyday workhorse — a roomy 6.7-inch screen with a 90Hz refresh, a 50MP main camera, a 5,000mAh battery and IP54 splash resistance, running Samsung’s One UI 7 (based on Android 15) and arriving in muted staples like black and soft violet/green at a bargain-friendly UK price around £110–£135.

Step up to the Galaxy F56 and you get a sleeker, camera-forward option: a 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED+ panel at 120Hz, Exynos 1480 performance, a 50MP OIS main sensor, Gorilla Glass Victus+ and fast 45W charging — One UI 7 out of the box, launched in Green and Violet.

Lastly, Galaxy M36 sits between them as the value pick with premium touches: a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED FHD+ screen with 120Hz and Vision Booster, Exynos 1380, a 50MP OIS triple camera, the same 5,000mAh endurance and 25–45W charging support, plus One UI 7; colourways include Velvet Black, Serene Green and Orange Haze and UK pricing typically starts in the low £200s.

In short: A07 for ultra-value and battery life, F56 for a slim, camera-led experience, and M36 for the sweet spot of display quality, optical stabilisation and midrange performance.

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