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Samsung Galaxy S21 Series

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White smartphone on top of black smartphone

Every month, Google rolls out a fresh update for Pixel phones with security patches and bug fixes. Typically, the update drops on the first Monday of the month, but the situation is a bit different for the third month of 2023. Although March 2023's Android Security Bulletin went live earlier this week and the second Developer Preview of Android 14 comes with the latest SPL, Google has yet to deliver the update via stable channel.

Samsung One UI -- Feature Image_3

Samsung has rolled out its Android 13 update to many phones and tablets, branded as One UI 5.0, but the Korean OEM introduced a minor revision with the Galaxy S23 series. The One UI 5.1 update was hinted to arrive on select phones and tablets, but the company didn't specify any official roadmap. Nonetheless, the rollout has already started in full swing, as the Galaxy S22, S21, S20, as well as the foldables have picked up the new release.

Samsung Galaxy S21
A new update arrives on unlocked US Galaxy S21 models, but the latest security patch is missing

A new update is rolling out to unlocked Samsung Galaxy S21 series devices, but it doesn't contain the December security patch.

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Last month, Samsung rolled out its Android 13 update for Galaxy S21 series handsets. The One UI 5 update featured stackable widgets, a deeper use of Material You throughout the OS, revamped privacy and security settings, and a whole lot more. Unfortunately, one thing that it didn't include at the time was the latest security update. For some reason, Samsung wasn't able to get the security update included with its One UI 5 update. Now, a month later, Samsung is releasing a new update to Galaxy S21 owners in the US, and while many thought the update would include the December 2022 security update, it's nowhere to found.

Galaxy S21 FE display
You can now get $100 off the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE during this early Black Friday deal

An early Black Friday deal knocks $100 off the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE for a limited time.

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Samsung's had some enticing deals during its early Black Friday sale. We've seen discounts on the Galaxy S22 line, as well as its Galaxy Tab S8 tablets and even the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Now, the company is offering a discount on its Galaxy S21 FE, knocking $100 off for a limited time.

Google Pixel 6a vs Samsung Galaxy S21: Which smartphone should you consider purchasing?

The Google Pixel 6a and Samsung Galaxy S21 are both pretty good options when it comes to phones, but which one is better?

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There's a balancing act when producing an affordable smartphone that's hard to accomplish. Buyers are more educated than ever, so hitting the sweet spot by choosing the right compromises is becoming increasingly more challenging. But, with careful planning, it's possible. There are choices that need to be made, but if done correctly, a company can execute something reliable, beautiful, and at a reasonable price. Google and Samsung walk the tightrope with the Pixel 6a and Galaxy S21, but can they produce handsets that check all the boxes and still provide a premium experience?