Galaxy A5 (2016) October 2018 security patch update released

Another Galaxy smartphone is being updated with the October 2018 security patch this week. The Galaxy A5 (2016) is now receiving an update in various European markets. The new software version is A510FXXS7CRJ5 for some markets and A510FXXS7CRJ6 for others, but both include the latest security patch.

Galaxy A5 (2016) October security patch available in many countries

The October 2018 security patch fixes a dozen critical Android OS vulnerabilities and 11 vulnerabilities discovered in Samsung’s software. Samsung already has the November 2018 security patch out for two devices, for those who missed it, and it may be because the company is stringently following Google’s new rules for security updates for popular devices. In any case, updates have been flowing in thick and fast for various Galaxy devices in all segments. If you own the 2016 variant of the Galaxy A5, you should check to see if an update is available for your phone.

To do that, open the Settings app, go into the Software update menu, then tap the Download updates manually option. As always, you can update by downloading the relevant firmware for your country from our database. Do let us know if you notice anything new or different other than a newer security patch once you have installed the update.

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Is this why the frequency of Samsung’s security updates has gone up recently?

In the last couple of months, Samsung has been doing better at releasing regular security updates for many of its devices, especially flagship phones. And part of the reason for that might be Google’s stricter contract with manufacturers. Google now mandates regular updates for devices that have been activated by more than 100,000 users (referred to as popular devices henceforth).

Google’s rules for security updates got stricter in 2018

Google had revealed earlier this year that it would be making new agreements with its partners to ensure that they roll out regular updates. Google hadn’t revealed terms of those agreements publicly, but The Verge has been able to access confidential information that sheds some light on the matter. Apparently, any device launched after January 2018 has to get regular security patches. As long as the device has more 100,000 users, it must receive regular security updates for a period of two years. And for Samsung, that’s a lot of devices

Monthly updates aren’t necessary, but every popular device must be updated with security fixes at least four times in a year. That means that every eligible device has to be protected against “vulnerabilities identified more than 90 days ago.” This rule has apparently been applied to 75 percent of each manufacturer’s popular devices in July this year. Starting January 2019, the rule will expand to cover 100 percent of popular devices in a manufacturer’s lineup.

Samsung seems to have started following the law already

And if you look at the recent uptick in how frequently Samsung updates its devices, things did start getting better around August. That suggests Samsung is already following the law for 75 percent of popular devices. That may be why 2017 flagships and budget devices have also been getting more frequent updates recently. Samsung’s flagship phones have benefited in particular, which many of you may have noticed.

However, things still aren’t great in all countries. While Samsung has been releasing monthly updates for flagships in recent months, it’s not happening everywhere. But if Google’s new contract is indeed the reason for the increased frequency of security updates, we can expect to see Samsung updating every popular device once at least every three months. The company already does that for plenty of smartphones, but starting January 2019, the update scene for Galaxy devices should get even better.

Too bad none of this extends to major OS upgrades.

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Verizon Galaxy S8, Note 8, and Note 9 getting October security update

North American carrier Verizon is updating a number of Samsung flagships with the October 2018 security patch. The Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9, and Galaxy Tab S3 are all receiving updates on Verizon at the moment. None of the updates offer anything but the newer security patch.

October 2018 security update for Samsung flagships on Verizon released

The build numbers for the S8, S8+, Note 8, Note 9, and Tab S3 are R16NW.G950USQU5CRIB, R16NW.G955USQU5CRIB, R16NW.N950USQS5CRID, M1AJQ.N960USQU1ARJ5, and R16NW.T827VVRS2BRJ1. All of these should be available for download over the air on your device. Just go into the Settings app, tap the Software update option, then hit the Download updates manually option. The latest firmware for these devices are also available in our firmware section.

Galaxy S8 (US Unlocked)

• Model: SM-G950U
• Dimensions: 148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0mm
• Display: 5.8” (146.5mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
• Camera: 12 MP, Dual Pixel F1.7 OIS

More specifications

Galaxy S8+ (US)

• Model: SM-G955U
• Dimensions: 159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1 mm
• Display: 6.2” (158.1mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
• Camera: 12 MP, Dual Pixel F1.7 OIS

More specifications

Galaxy Note 8 (US)

• Model: SM-N950U
• Dimensions: 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6mm
• Display: 6.3" (160.02mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
• Camera: 12 MP, 2x, 1 telephoto F2.4 and 1 wide angle F1.7 OIS

More specifications

Galaxy Note 9 (US)

• Model: SM-N960U
• Dimensions: 161.9 x 76.4 x 8.8mm
• Display: 6.4" (162.5mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
• Camera: 12 CMOS Dual OIS (F1.5/F2.4) & Telephoto: 12MP AF F2.4)

More specifications

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Galaxy S10 headphone jack could be ditched, 5G model to arrive on Verizon

Many Samsung fans have a fear which could be realized next year. The Galaxy S10 headphone jack could reportedly be ditched. Samsung has a prototype of its next flagship without the 3.5mm headphone jack.

The report also reiterates claims that the Galaxy S10 will come with an in-display fingerprint sensor. Samsung is said to launch three models of its next flagship one of which will be a more affordable version.

Galaxy S10 headphone jack removal is still a possibility

The entry-level model will not have a dual-edge curved 5.8-inch display, reports Bloomberg. Cost considerations may also leave it without the in-display fingerprint sensor.

There will be a curved 5.8-inch display on the standard Galaxy S10. It’s said that there will be almost no bezel at the top and bottom. A triple-camera system will be present at the back while the front camera would be under tbe screen. Samsung has already teased this implementation of the front camera and we may see it on the upcoming Galaxy A8s first. The Galaxy S10+ will be bigger, possibly with a 6.44-inch display and a grand total of five cameras. All models will come with Android 9 Pie out of the box.

A 5G model of the Galaxy S10+ is already expected. Samsung is reportedly in discussions with Verizon to launch this model on its network. It aims to get support for the technology from the largest mobile carrier in the US. This will help popularize 5G in the country. Verizon will launch its commercial 5G network next year.

As far as the Galaxy S10 headphone jack is concerned, the company reportedly has a prototype of the device without the jack. It’s still said to be thinking about removing the jack. This could go either way. Many other manufacturers have ditched it already and have faced criticism from their fans. Samsung will have to ascertain if its userbase is ready to make the switch. It will obviously have to take flak for this decision too if this happens.

Do you think the time is right for the Galaxy S10 headphone jack to be ditched? Would that prevent you from buying the phone? Let us know in the comments below.

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Galaxy J7 Pro updated to Android 8.1 Oreo in India

Galaxy J7 Pro owners in India should now be able to download the Android 8.1 Oreo update. India was one of the first markets where the Galaxy J7 Pro was released, with the phone offering full Samsung Pay support, something that’s missing on the Galaxy J7 (2017). At this moment, India is also one of the few markets where the Galaxy J7 Pro Oreo update has been released.

Galaxy J7 Pro Oreo update for India comes with September security patch

As expected, the Galaxy J7 Pro gets Android 8.1, similar to the Galaxy J5 (2017) and Galaxy J7 (2017). The included security patch is from September 2018 and the build number is J730GMDXU5BRJ2. Oreo brings a number of big and small changes, many of which we have discussed in detail in our What’s New With Android 8.0 Oreo series. You get picture-in-picture multitasking, autofill support, updated Samsung keyboard with new emojis and high-contrast themes, advanced app shortcuts, and more.

To download the Oreo update over the air, open the phone’s Settings app, tap Software update, then tap Download updates manually. If that doesn’t work, you can download the Android 8.1 firmware for India from our database and manually upgrade by connecting your phone to your PC.

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Samsung to finalize foldable phone design soon, unique UI being developed

Samsung is due to provide a sneak peek of its foldable smartphone next month at SDC 2018. A new report has revealed additional details about the design. It also mentions that this device may feature a unique user interface.

Earlier reports had suggested that perhaps the device may be shown off at SDC 2018. The development is reportedly ongoing. This would prevent Samsung from showing off a final version of the device. A team of engineers is said to accompany Samsung’s mobile boss DJ Koh to SDC 2018 next month. They will help present a “detailed conceptual image” of the device and highlight its features/UI.

One of two prototypes will become the final foldable phone design

Bloomberg reports that Samsung is debating on two prototypes to finalize the design. One that’s longer horizontally when unfolded and the other vertically. Designers are said to favor the portrait type design more as it would be easier to hold with one hand. That’s despite the possibility that the display may feel narrower when folded out.

It won’t have an in-display fingerprint sensor like the Galaxy S10 as flexible displays present technical challenges which prevent that. There will be a 4-inch external display so users can access notifications, emails, messages, etc without folding out the display.

The screens reportedly open with a snap like the popular Motorola Razr flip phone did but it would feel smoother. They are coated with a film similar to ones used in photography instead of glass. Some within Samsung are concerned that it may not be as glossy as many users prefer.

The foldable phone prototype reportedly weighs 200 grams due to the bigger displays. Samsung may have to put a smaller battery in to make the device lighter. The hinge for the screens has passed internal tests of folding more than 200,000 times and meets the threshold for durability.

The report doesn’t just reveal details about the foldable phone design. It mentions that Samsung and Google are working on a special version of Android for this device. Its final user interface will depend on one of the two designs that’s finalized.

Samsung is not expected to be able to launch the foldable smartphone before the second quarter of next year.

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