In 2017, the Samsung Galaxy S8 was a massive step in the evolution of Samsung's flagship S line-up, removing the home button and igniting the war on display bezels in the process.

After four years since its release, it is still a great-looking phone that functions perfectly, but unfortunately it has reached the end of the line when it comes to updates as Samsung announced it has ended software support for both the S8 and the S8+.

Samsung Cuts Software Support for Galaxy S8 and S8+

In 2019, the Galaxy S8 stopped receiving monthly security patches, only getting them quarterly from that point forward. As noted by WCCFTech, the device has now been removed from the list of supported device altogether.

The S8 Active is still getting quarterly updates, and the S8 Lite will continue to get them biannually for a little while longer as they were released later than the regular models, according to Android Police. 

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Starts Revamping Its Features With a Software Update; What's New?

If you are still using the Galaxy S8 as your primary phone, it is best to upgrade it to another model. Security updates are critical in keeping users safe and secure against online threats and attacks, especially if they are using the device for banking, or for online shopping.

That then leaves the questions of where to go next. People are encouraged to get Samsung's latest phones in the S-line up, the S21 and the S21+, as they are perfect upgrades to the Galaxy S8.

One UI 3.1 may have received a lot of new features and refinements compared to One U1 1.0 on the S8, but everything is where it should be, and you will feel right at home.

If you wish something that is more bleeding-edge, the S21 Ultra is also a great choice. Taking everything great about the smaller models and dialing it up, while fixing most of the issues that were found on last year's model.

These phones are frequently available at a discounted price too, so it should not be too difficult to get a deal on your upgrade.

Also, an S21 will be easier to live with for four years than the S8 was. Some Galaxy devices from 2019 onward are now guaranteed four years of regular security updates, making them better long-term phones.

Phone Longevity

If you have decided that it is time to invest in a new smartphone, the you want to make sure that you are getting the best bang for your buck.

One of the leading smartphone manufacturers is Samsung. Samsung phones were tested for its longevity and researchers who conducted the study, published it in the Journal of Industrial Ecology and cited by Science Daily.

The researchers found that brand is more important than repairability or memory size in extending the life of a product.

The researchers discovered that Samsung phones last for four to five years, but it does have incredible device quality and innovation.

After assessing depreciation rates based on a range of factors, including repairability, battery size, data capacity, and screen size, the researchers found that Samsung smartphones lose their value faster that Apple products and reach the end of their life after four to five years.

However, it is best to point out that looking after your phone is the best way to extend its life.

Related Article: Finally! Samsung Gear S2 Smartwatch is Upgrading

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Sophie Webster