A quiet shift occurred in the smartphone world recently, one that impacts millions of users. Samsung, following Google’s lead, began offering seven years of software support for its newest Galaxy phones. This felt like a genuine step forward – a move towards sustainability, allowing people to hold onto devices longer and reduce the growing mountain of electronic waste.
But this promise, while progressive, came with a stark realization for owners of older models. The Galaxy S21 series – the S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra – have now reached their end of support. The February 2026 security update arrived, and their names were absent from the list, signaling a critical turning point.
It’s not entirely unexpected. Samsung initially pledged five years of support for the S21 line, and four years of Android updates. Yet, the phones themselves remain capable. The Snapdragon 888 chip still delivers a smooth experience for everyday tasks, raising a valid question: do you *need* to replace a perfectly functional device?
The core issue isn’t performance, but security. Regular updates are vital, patching vulnerabilities that increasingly sophisticated hackers exploit. These aren’t just about avoiding suspicious websites anymore. Modern attacks can leverage vulnerabilities with no user interaction – simply having Bluetooth enabled, or even knowing your phone number, can be enough.
Think of it like a seatbelt. You might drive for years without an accident, but the protection is invaluable when the unexpected happens. While a hack might seem improbable, the potential consequences – compromised data, stolen accounts – are too significant to ignore. Upgrading to a currently supported phone is the safest course of action.
However, all isn’t lost for S21 owners. Google’s Project Mainline, introduced with Android 10, offers a lifeline. This initiative delivers partial security updates through Google Play System Updates, patching vulnerabilities in key components like media codecs and permissions, even on phones no longer receiving official manufacturer support.
Project Mainline won’t solve everything, particularly device-specific issues. But it’s a crucial layer of defense. Regularly checking for and installing these updates – typically found under Settings > System > Software updates – can significantly enhance your security until you’re able to upgrade.
Ultimately, the end of software support should be viewed as a signal. Even if your phone *feels* fast, the lack of security updates creates a growing risk. This is a difficult truth, especially considering the rapid pace of technological change. A five-year upgrade cycle already felt wasteful; seven years is a welcome improvement.
But for now, owners of Samsung phones released before 2024 must face the reality of approaching end-of-life. The seven-year promise doesn’t extend backward. Galaxy S22 owners, take note: it’s time to begin planning for the future, before the same quiet shift impacts your devices.
