With the details of the March security update, we now have the list of the newly added Samsung Galaxy smartphones that won’t get software support. Unfortunately, all the new devices that got into the list are affordable smartphones. And even though they are pretty old, there are a good number of users out there that are still using them.
Wondering which these devices are? They are the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite, S10 Lite, A02, and A71. All these phones got past their timeline to receive OS and feature updates. They were only receiving security updates that dropped from time to time. But with the release of the March security update, they are out of the list of supported devices. That means they will not receive any form of software support from now.
What are the risks of using a Samsung Galaxy phone without software support?
Using a Galaxy phone without official software support may seem like a viable option. If you only use your phone for basic tasks, it doesn’t matter if it gets updates or not, right? The case isn’t that simple. There are several significant risks involved. For example:
Security Vulnerabilities
Software updates often include patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities could be within the operating system and installed applications. Without updates, your phone becomes exposed to known exploits. Hackers can leverage vulnerabilities to steal your data, install malware, or take control of your device.
Outdated Security Features on Your Samsung Galaxy Phone
Smartphone manufacturers constantly develop new security features to address evolving threats. With no updates, you miss out on these enhancements. As a result, your Galaxy phone will be more susceptible to attacks.
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Limited App Compatibility
As applications evolve, they may need newer operating system versions. Some may even need new libraries to function. Without updates, you can encounter compatibility issues while trying to install apps on your Samsung Galaxy phones. This could render certain apps unusable or not work as they should.
Limited Functionality of Newer Features
New features introduced in newer versions of the operating system may not be available on unsupported Samsung Galaxy devices. This will limit its functionality and user experience.
No Software Optimization
Updates often include optimizations. These improve the performance and battery life of your phone. Without these updates, your Samsung Galaxy phone might experience slower performance. You can also experience decreased battery life and sluggishness.
But You Have the Option to Install Custom Android ROM on Most of These Samsung Galaxy Devices
While Samsung has officially ended the support for the four mentioned Galaxy phones, custom OS still remains a valid option. Consider the Galaxy S10 Lite, for example. These two were very popular, which made them get decent third-party community support.
For example, you can get the famous custom ROM LineageOS installed, which will bring more features and better UI. But, of course, given how old these Samsung Galaxy phones are, community support may also end pretty soon. If that happens, your only option to enjoy a secure software experience would be to upgrade.
Another thing to note is that custom Android ROM isn’t easy to install. You need to get the bootloader of the smartphone unlocked, install a custom recovery, and flash a compatible ROM. All these demands a little bit of knowledge. A wrong move can get your Samsung Galaxy phone bricked and unusable. So, for most, it’s better to avoid going through this route.
Looking for good resources where you can find information and guides on installing custom ROM? I would recommend XDA Forums. Android Central Forum is also another good place to get help with these.
