We got the best Samsung deals! Galaxy S24 Ultra, Watch 6, Z Fold 5 or, Z Flip 5.

SamMobile has affiliate and sponsored partnerships. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn a commission.

Notifications
    News for you

    Google’s Android 13 release shines light on big issue with Samsung’s new phones

    Opinion
    By 

    Last updated: August 16th, 2022 at 17:25 UTC+02:00

    We've written before how Samsung needs to stop releasing new flagships in the second half of the year with an year-old version of Android.

    Samsung provides four major OS upgrades to all of its flagships now, and that's great, but it doesn't change the fact that you're still starting from an older version of the OS if you buy a Galaxy flagship that launches in August, which is when Samsung usually tends to launch its second batch of flagships these last couple of years.

    And with the early release of Android 13 — the official version went live for Pixel devices earlier today — shines an even bigger spotlight on what has been an issue with Samsung flagships launched in the second half of each year for a long, long time.

    Android 13 is out just before Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 go on sale

    The Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 are set to go on sale on August 26 with Android 12L and Android 12 respectively. That's just a week after Google's official worldwide release of Android 13, and that's just disappointing. Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 owners will have to wait at least a month before they can start enjoying all the new features in Android 13, which seems like a slap in the face considering Android 13 is already out.

    Yes, as we've said before, Samsung doesn't really have a choice but to launch these flagships in August because Apple tends to launch new iPhones in September each year, and iPhone sales tend to trump those of every other flagship device. Plus, Samsung has to adapt new Android OS releases with the features and UI of its custom skin, which takes time.

    But that still doesn't excuse the fact that the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is launching with Android 12, let alone the $1800 Galaxy Z Fold 4. It's one of those issues Samsung just can't seem to address no matter how much better its software policy otherwise continues to get. It's especially jarring considering how close Google and Samsung are: can't Google provide Samsung with the necessary code for the newest version of Android ahead of time so they are both in sync?

    In any case, Google's mid-August release of Android 13 for Pixel devices shines a light on how Samsung continues to launch new flagships with old versions of Android. It's a sad state of affairs, and I really, really hope Samsung can do something about it going forward, especially if it's going to ask us to part with more than $1500 for a flagship product.

    Opinion Android 13Galaxy Z Flip 4Galaxy Z Fold 4One UI 5.0

    You might also like

    Galaxy Z Flip 4 owners should really avoid the Galaxy S24 for now

    Galaxy Z Flip 4 owners should really avoid the Galaxy S24 for now

    Even though Samsung has the best trade-in program in select markets, the company evaluations are sometimes downright bizarre. Strange things happen, leaving prospective buyers scratching their heads. And Galaxy Z Flip 4 owners who may want to upgrade to the Galaxy S24 can witness some of Samsung's strangeness as we speak. Galaxy Z Flip 4 […]

    • By Mihai Matei
    • 5 days ago
    Galaxy Z Fold 4 hinge might be failing due to Samsung’s innovation

    Galaxy Z Fold 4 hinge might be failing due to Samsung’s innovation

    Samsung's foldable phones might be the best in the industry, but they're not without flaws, and some unfortunate Galaxy Z Fold 4 owners are beginning to learn this from personal experience. Their foldable phones can no longer fold open all the way, and some users are sharing on Reddit how they are being forced to […]

    • By Mihai Matei
    • 6 days ago
    You might ditch your Galaxy Z Flip 4 for the Flip 6 this year

    You might ditch your Galaxy Z Flip 4 for the Flip 6 this year

    If you held onto your Galaxy Z Flip 4 until now and skipped the Galaxy Z Flip 5, you might consider upgrading to the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 6 later this year. The 6-series foldable phone is not yet official, but a few leaks and rumors about potential improvements exist. Can it be a worthy […]

    • By Mihai Matei
    • 1 week ago
    Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 are now more secure with new update

    Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 are now more secure with new update

    Samsung has released a new software update to the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It is not the One UI 6.1 update that you might have hoped for. However, the One UI 6.1 update isn't far away, as Samsung has confirmed that the feature-rich update will start arriving at the […]

    • By Asif Iqbal Shaik
    • 2 weeks ago
    US variants of Galaxy Z Fold 4, Fold 5 get more secure with March 2024 security update

    US variants of Galaxy Z Fold 4, Fold 5 get more secure with March 2024 security update

    Samsung is expanding the reach of its new security update. After it was released to the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Flip 4, and Galaxy Z Flip 5, the South Korean firm has released the new update to the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in the USA. Galaxy Z […]

    • By Asif Iqbal Shaik
    • 2 weeks ago
    Galaxy Z Flip 4, Z Flip 5 getting new security update in the US

    Galaxy Z Flip 4, Z Flip 5 getting new security update in the US

    While we are waiting for the One UI 6.1 update, Samsung has started rolling out the March 2024 security update to its phones. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 5 have started getting the new security update in the USA. March 2024 security update rolling out to Galaxy Z Flip 4 […]

    • By Asif Iqbal Shaik
    • 2 weeks ago