Samsung Ends Updates for Galaxy Z Flip 5G and Other Devices

Samsung has recently announced the end of software support for several Galaxy devices, including some notable models that have been in the market since 2020. The company shared the news through a security updates page, signaling the end of an era for certain devices in its lineup. The most prominent among them is the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, which was introduced in 2020 as an upgrade to the original Galaxy Z Flip. Samsung had initially committed to providing four years of security updates for this foldable device, but that period has now come to an end, leaving owners with the option to upgrade or continue using their phones without further software patches.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5G stood out as a unique entry into the foldable phone market. It represented Samsung’s push into foldable technology and targeted users looking for innovation combined with compact design. However, despite the phone’s novelty, its time in the spotlight appears to be over, as the promised security support has now concluded. This means that users will no longer receive important updates designed to protect their phones from vulnerabilities, and this could prompt many to consider upgrading to newer devices.

Alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Samsung has also decided to end updates for other key devices such as the Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, which were released in August 2020. These tablets offered users powerful performance and features tailored for productivity and media consumption, making them popular among professionals and entertainment enthusiasts. Nevertheless, their software update cycle is now officially over, which could push users toward considering newer models with continued support.

It is interesting to note that while the Galaxy Z Flip 5G and the Galaxy Tab S7 series are being phased out in terms of updates, other devices released in the same year, 2020, have been spared for now. Samsung has given some models a longer lease on life by extending their support periods. For instance, the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, also launched in 2020, have been granted an additional year of software updates. In April of this year, Samsung announced that these models would continue receiving security patches through 2025, although the frequency of updates has shifted from monthly to quarterly. This decision aligns with Samsung’s overall strategy of gradually tapering off support for older devices while ensuring that the most popular models remain protected for as long as possible.

The extension of support for the Galaxy S20 series helps explain some of the relatively high trade-in prices that Samsung is currently offering for these devices. At present, users can trade in their Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G for a value of $400, which is quite high for a phone that was released four years ago. Similarly, the company is offering $300 for the Note 20 Ultra, another flagship from 2020. These trade-in values are notable given that the resale price for a used Note 20 Ultra 5G on the secondary market is often less than $200. This discrepancy highlights Samsung’s efforts to incentivize upgrades and retain users within its ecosystem by offering generous trade-in deals for phones that are still receiving updates.

In contrast, the trade-in value for the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, despite being a more unique and innovative device, is substantially lower. Samsung is only offering $100 for this model, which places it in the same category as older and less premium devices such as the Note 10, certain A-series smartphones, and even budget wearables. This lower trade-in value suggests that the Galaxy Z Flip 5G did not achieve the long-term popularity or user base that Samsung had perhaps hoped for. Had the phone maintained a larger following or higher sales figures, it might have been granted another year of software updates and a more favorable trade-in value. But as it stands, the phone’s lifecycle is effectively over in terms of official support.

For users who are considering an upgrade, this might be a good time to explore options. Both Samsung and Google have been actively slashing prices on their flagship devices in recent months, making it easier for users to upgrade without breaking the bank. Samsung’s current trade-in offers are some of the highest available in the market, making it a viable option for those looking to swap their older devices for newer models. However, Apple has also been competitive in terms of pricing, depending on the device users are trading in. As Apple prepares to launch its iPhone 16, many users may want to wait to see what pre-order offers and trade-in deals the tech giant unveils in the coming weeks.

Ultimately, Samsung’s decision to end updates for certain devices is a reflection of the company’s broader approach to software support and its focus on encouraging users to transition to newer models. While it may be disappointing for some users to see their devices lose official support, Samsung has at least provided a clear and transparent update cycle for its phones and tablets, allowing users to plan ahead and make informed decisions about when to upgrade. For those still using the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, the Galaxy Tab S7, or similar devices, now may be the time to evaluate the benefits of upgrading, especially with attractive trade-in offers and discounts on new devices from Samsung and other manufacturers.

As the technology landscape continues to evolve, staying up-to-date with the latest software is increasingly important for security and performance. Samsung’s strategy reflects this reality, as the company balances maintaining older devices with the need to push users toward newer, more capable hardware.