After five years, Samsung is discontinuing updates for the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra smartphones. These devices, released in January 2021, received four major Android updates and five years of security patches. Owners of these phones will no longer receive essential security updates, making it a good time to consider an upgrade.

This decision aligns with Samsung's standard software support policy, which has evolved over time. While recent flagship models get seven years of support, the S21 series followed an earlier support schedule. This means no more new features or fixes will be provided by Samsung, potentially leaving older phones vulnerable.

For consumers, this signals the end of the line for their S21 devices in terms of official support. Considering the age of the devices, battery degradation and wear and tear are likely factors as well. Those looking to replace their phones should see discounts on the newer Galaxy S25 models in the coming weeks.

Samsung's commitment to software updates has improved in recent years, but the S21 series highlights the lifecycle of Android phones. As technology advances, older devices eventually become unsupported. This end-of-life announcement underscores the importance of staying informed about support timelines when purchasing a new phone.