Samsung's much-adored Galaxy S2 and Note smart phones are about to hit the end of the update trail, if one report citing insider info is to be believed.
Updates to 2011's Galaxy S2 and 5.3-inch Galaxy Note will stop with Android 4.2.2, SamMobile reports, meaning those two popular mobiles may not be enjoying all the treats found within Google's next version of Android, rumoured to be called 5.0 Key Lime Pie.
Reportedly in line for that new edition are the Galaxy S3, S3 LTE and the brand-new Galaxy S4, as well as the Note 2, Note 8 and Note 10.1.
It's good news that those fresher phones are in line for spangly new updates, but -- if these rumours turn out to be true -- it would be sad to see the Galaxy S2 stop receiving new software, and bad news for the millions of people who own the once-mighty 4.3-inch smart phone.
It's common for phone makers to stop updating their devices after a while, as it takes time and effort to wrap a new version of Android around manufacturer-specific interfaces like Samsung's TouchWiz, or HTC's Sense.
Usually older, slower components are blamed for a lack of new software, though a video from last August showing Android Jelly Bean running on the first ever Android phone demonstrates that older mobiles can often handle new updates with aplomb.
Key Lime Pie is expected to make its arrival on a new Nexus phone -- potentially one built by Motorola, though recent leaked snaps hint at another LG-built device.
Is it time to retire the Galaxy S2? Or should Samsung treat its famous phone to another round of Android updates? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.
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Comments 11
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anonymous 18 March, 2013 15:28
It hasn't even got jellybean yet.
anonymous 18 March, 2013 15:50
My S2 updated to Jellybean over Wifi, a few days ago - its like having a new phone.
Simon Cave 18 March, 2013 15:51
And.....anyone with half a brain will nip over to XDA and put it on anyway ;)
aidey68 18 March, 2013 16:55
At least Samsung released a Jelly Bean update for the S2, That's two major firmware updates it has had since release. Not many other similar aged dual core Android handsets (outside of modding) can say the same. HTC Sensation will most likely remain on ICS. Xperia S (released after the S2) still waiting for JB
anonymous 18 March, 2013 19:33
@Simon Cave have you only got half a brain? Lol
ecps 18 March, 2013 22:44
Jelly Bean on a T-Mobile (EE) S2 - no sign of it yet!
anonymous 19 March, 2013 10:13
Samsung should provide updates beyond 4.2 for S2 and Note1. They can take some charges if required, but updates shoulddd be provided, that way they will more customer loyality...
el_perro_con_gas 19 March, 2013 12:53
@anonymous 18 March, 2013 15:50
Yes, I got mine last week on a Vodafone issued S2 and am very impressed. As you say, it's like having a new phone. Am loving finding out, usually accidentally, all of the new features.
Solaris-- 19 March, 2013 13:29
Phones have very short life cycles nowadays. I got my S2 just one single year ago and it must work at least another two years before I spend another 600€ on a phone, right?
tennytack 23 March, 2013 10:08
As a new convert to a samsung phone a year ago with a Note 1 i expected the company to push out software updates providing the hardware was still capable so it is very disappointing to be forced to buy a new phone to obtain incremental gains from android developments it will probably drive me back to Apple for a better update service. I believe 3 years would be a minimum time span to guarantee software upgrades rather than having to buy a new product.
anonymous 26 March, 2013 00:13
When I went to get the iPhone 5 the day it was released I came out of the shop with the galaxy note as I preferred it, however I don't like the way samsung are so slow in updating. Apple treated there customers better now hearing that samsung are going to stop updating so quickly I will definetly get the next iPhone when it comes out and will never be tempted by samsung again I have learnt my lesson