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The Galaxy S20 series was the first to receive Samsung‘s December security update. The company began the rollout early this month in international markets. The carrier-locked versions in the US picked up the new release last week. The latest security update has now reached unlocked units as well.
Samsung is rolling out the December SMR (Security Maintenance Release) to unlocked versions of the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra in the US with firmware version G98*U1UES3FVK4 (via). The rollout is widely available across all major networks, including AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity Mobile, Sprint, Comcast, and Bluegrass Cellular. The remaining few operators should also join the party soon.
Unfortunately, unlocked Galaxy S20 units still aren’t getting Android 13 in the US. Yes, these phones have yet to pick up the new Android version. Samsung has already updated the devices in pretty much every market. Even the carrier-locked versions in the US received the big Android update more than a month ago. It’s unclear what’s causing the delay, but the wait for Android 13 for unlocked Galaxy S20 users continues.
Amidst this wait, they have something to cheer about. The December SMR is pretty big with as many as 80 vulnerability fixes. These include 13 Galaxy-specific fixes, which are for flaws that only exist on Galaxy devices. They aren’t found in Android products from other brands. But the remaining 67 fixes are for vulnerabilities that affect the entire Android ecosystem. Some flaws were discovered in partner components and only affect devices that use those components.
According to Google’s latest ASB (Android Security Bulletin) at least five Android OS patches this month concern critical vulnerabilities. If a bad actor exploited those in the wild, they could cause severe damage to compromised devices. The company says some of these flaws could lead to remote code execution, which essentially allows the bad actor to remotely take control of your device. If you’re using a Galaxy S20 phone in the US, check for the latest update and install it as soon as you can.
Your Galaxy S20 should soon get Samsung’s Maintenance Mode
Shortly after rolling out the December SMR, Samsung released another update for the Galaxy S20 series in international markets. The latest release brings its Maintenance Mode to the device. This feature lets you hide your apps, files, and other data when handing over the phone to someone else, like a technician for repair or service. Samsung should soon seed this feature to the Galaxy S20 trio in the US as well. Maybe it will come with the January 2023 security patch. We will keep you posted.