Samsung Galaxy S21 gets August 2024 security update

Samsung Galaxy S21 series started getting an August 2024 security update. The initial rollout is taking place in Vietnam with the PDA version number ending with GXGC. The update will likely be expanded to more markets.

While Galaxy owners are eager for Android 15, Samsung keeps expanding the latest security patch. This time for the Galaxy S21 series, upgrading the system security and privacy through the August 2024 security update.

Users can identify the update through PDA version numbers G998BXXUCGXGC, G996BXXUCGXGC, or G991BXXUCGXGC for the Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21, respectively.

Samsung Semiconductor patches are also included in this Security Maintenance Release with the following CVE item: [High: CVE-2024-3196]

How to update:

[Settings > Software update > Download and install.]

Android 15-based One UI 7 Beta could launch later this month. Google’s delay in the Android 15 debut apparently delayed Galaxy’s Beta Program. However, the Galaxy S21 series would get access to the new OS later this year only.

Back in 2021, Samsung launched the Galaxy S21 series flagships. The handsets came pre-installed with the Android 11 operating system. This year, the lineup will receive its last major upgrade, with another Feature Drop in Q1 next year.

So, 2025 would be a great year to upgrade to a new Galaxy device. The Galaxy S22 Ultra, S23 Ultra, and S24 Ultra experimented with a boxy design. However, Samsung is said to be going back to rounded corners with the Galaxy S25 Ultra next year.