I have a question!

Hey,

I am not sure what I should put as title and I am not sure where I should post this.

My parents both are "dumb" if it comes to smartphones and they both have an Samsung and don't want to get a new phone every two years but Samsung mostly gives updates for two years which puts them at risk for security issues.

Now do I try to get them to an iPhone since it's easier and gives longer support but how do I get them so far?

Edited by hamluis, 21 February 2024 - 04:41 PM.
Moved from Gen Chat to Phones - Hamluis.

I don't know if it varies by MODEL (and I presume that it might), but Samsung supports their Galaxy "flagship" phones with 4 years of OS updates, not 2. (I have a Galaxy S21 Ultra and was updated to OS 14 several weeks ago.)

And the Galaxy S24 owners will get 7 years of Android, OneUI and security updates:

https://www.sammobile.com/news/samsung-starts-clock-galaxy-s24-seven-years-of-updates/

Having said that, YMMV, especially with other models.

I have no experience with anything fruit-flavored, but it seems that 5-6 years is the norm:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252455935

Another strategy: get them "dumb" flip phones, rather than "smart" phones....

EDIT: PS Generally a more descriptive topic title will get you more/better help. AND the mod team will likely move this thread to "Cell Phones" or another, more suitable section.

Edited to correct typo

Edited by MoxieMomma, 21 February 2024 - 04:41 PM.

As I said, I didn't know a good title and they got a A50 and A51.

They're too smart for a dumb phone. ;P

Leave them be, if are happy with what they have.

Get them a VPN and software that will scan the system.

If they do not install Apps then there is even less chance.

It is public WiFi that is the issue.

Here most everyone has unlimited plans so there is no need to be logging into store or restaurant WiFi connections which would be the most dangerous thing to be doing.

(Have a S21 (plain jane) myself and only on UI #6 & Androind # 14 so see some weirdness with updates re Post # 2)

Edited by Pkshadow, 21 February 2024 - 04:48 PM.

Hmm true, but if they get an iPhone we can facetime.

Everything digital balances convenience vs. safety/security.

Example: "safest" would be a dumb phone, but that is not "convenient" for FaceTime.

And the phone itself is only one piece of the security picture IF, as has been pointed out, they are unfamiliar with basic online/digital safety.

With cell phones - as with computers - the weak link in the  safety/security chain is the user.

You'll need to weigh the advantages/disadvantages of different options & choose the best you can.

Perhaps they have a nearby Senior Center that offers classes in online safety?

Not that I am aware of, they mostly ask me if there is something.

You're parents are not dumb. They may be ignorant about technology advances but ignorance has nothing to do with measuring one's level of dumbness or smartness.
 
I just updated my Samsung Galaxy A20 which I purchased in 2019 to a Samsung Galaxy A50 after 5 years of use. The only reason I did was because I changed carriers and the A20 was not compatible.
 
I see no reason to update any phone every two years. In most cases, just as with a computer, it depends on how you use or what you want to do with it. I use these types of phones as a phone and to occasionally take a picture. There is no need in purchasing a new phone just for the sake of updating, if it is in good working order and you are content with using what you have.
 
There are numerous folks who still use Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7/8...support for these operating systems ended years ago. It has been proven time and again that the user is a more substantial factor (weakest link in the security chain) than the architecture of the operating system or installed protection software.