Monthly, quarterly and biannual describe an expected update rhythm for a device that remains on a manufacturer's current scope list. They do not by themselves publish the last supported month, prove that every known flaw is fixed, or guarantee that every regional build arrives together.
Cadence is frequency, not a final support date
Monthly, quarterly and biannual describe an expected update rhythm for a device that remains on a manufacturer's current scope list. They do not by themselves publish the last supported month, prove that every known flaw is fixed, or guarantee that every regional build arrives together.
What monthly updates actually mean
A monthly listing means the manufacturer currently plans recurring security releases for the named model family. It does not promise a patch on the same calendar day each month. Samsung says timing can vary by market, network provider and model, and notes that some carriers may use a quarterly schedule even for devices on its monthly list.
Quarterly does not mean support has ended
A phone can move from monthly to quarterly updates while it is still supported. The slower cadence changes how often packages are expected, not automatically the stated security-support end date. Confirm both facts separately and do not copy a cadence change into the lifecycle field.
A bulletin is not proof of delivery
Android security bulletins describe platform fixes and patch levels available to device makers. A bulletin publication does not prove that an exact phone, carrier build or regional firmware received those fixes. Verify the installed build and the manufacturer's model-scoped release record.
Check three separate Android fields
Google's Android Help tells users to check the Android version, Android security update and Google Play system update separately in Settings. Record the displayed security patch level and build number; a newer Google Play system update does not establish that the manufacturer's firmware patch is equally current.
Galaxy S24 example checked 8 September 2026
Samsung's current security-update scope lists Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra and S24 FE in the monthly group. That is a dated cadence observation, not a lifetime guarantee: Samsung says the list can change, carriers may differ, and delivery timing varies by market, network provider and model.
How to record cadence responsibly
Save the exact marketed model, hardware identifier, sales market or carrier, official scope URL and check date. If the model is absent or the source covers only a family, leave cadence undocumented instead of transferring a schedule from a similar device.
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Putting this guide into practice?
Use the relevant support records below if you are already considering a purchase.
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Google Pixel 11
Security support expected to August 2033
- Model
- GPQQ7
- Record scope
- United States mmWave
- Evidence grade
- B
vivo X300
Minimum commitment through November 2032 · Model: X300 · Android Enterprise Recommended devices; global scope stated where present in table
- Model
- vivo X300
- Record scope
- vivo global security-update list (availability varies by country)
- Evidence grade
- A
vivo X300 Pro
Minimum commitment through November 2032 · Model: X300 Pro · Android Enterprise Recommended devices; global scope stated where present in table
- Model
- vivo X300 Pro
- Record scope
- vivo global security-update list (availability varies by country)
- Evidence grade
- A
Selected from this page’s catalog by recorded security-support date. Dates may cover a specific region or model; this is not a product review or a guarantee of future updates.
Worked examples from the catalog
Use the model identifier and jurisdiction together; a marketed name alone is not enough. These records show how the method is applied to real evidence.
How this guide was produced
DevLifeCheck separates manufacturer commitments, regulator notices and editorial interpretation. The editor checks the linked primary sources, records the applicable model and region, and avoids turning a missing date into an estimate.
Primary sources
Related guidance
Device support and safety information can change. Recheck the linked manufacturer and regulator evidence before making a purchase or safety decision.