Help Is it safe to use a device that no longer receives updates?

[spman]

Q1. I might want to buy a used SM-P615 S6 lite tablet, my understanding is SM-P615 is released in 2020, and I think no more android and security updates, is it ok to use it?

Q2. After no more android and security updates, can the apps installed still continue to have app updates?

Q3. After no more android and security updates, am I safe to use the apps as long as the apps can be updated?

Q4. What does United Arab Emirates mean? see screenshot

https://imgur.com/fK66hBz

Thanks

 

[Milo Williamson]

It is really safe for you using the device without any more patches.
I had my moto edge for years without having it upgrade, those android geeks are either lazy or fly over to the pop cults.

Yes you can with the second question and third question.

 

[Milo Williamson]

What does it mean by occuring on a Samsung Phone?

When something is "occurring" on a Samsung phone, it typically refers to an event or action taking place on the device. This could be anything from receiving a notification, an app update, a system alert, or even a specific function being activated. For example, you might see various icons and symbols on your Samsung phone's status bar that indicate different activities or statuses, such as network connectivity, battery level, or app notifications.



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United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country located on the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman. It is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Each emirate is governed by its own monarch, and together they form the Federal Supreme Council, with Abu Dhabi serving as the capital.

The UAE is known for its modern cities, luxurious lifestyle, and significant oil and natural gas reserves. It has rapidly developed into a global hub for business, tourism, and culture, attracting millions of visitors each year.



The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been exploring significant collaborations with Samsung, particularly in the semiconductor industry. Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) have been considering building large semiconductor factories in the UAE to meet the rising demand for AI technologies2. These projects could involve investments worth over $100 billion2.

The UAE aims to become a regional hub for advanced technologies, including AI and semiconductor manufacturing. This collaboration could help the UAE diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on petrochemicals2.


If

 

[Hadron]

Q1. I might want to buy a used SM-P615 S6 lite tablet, my understanding is SM-P615 is released in 2020, and I think no more android and security updates, is it ok to use it?

Pretty much, yes. If some Android vulnerability (or a vulnerability in Samsung's modifications) is uncovered then your device will remain vulnerable to exploits using it (occasionally, where something is severe enough, updates are issued after the end of the official support period, but you can't count on it). Whether that is an issue depends on (a) whether any malware is written which uses the vulnerability and (b) whether your device comes into contact with it. In most cases the usual rules will apply: if you are sensible about what apps you install and from where it's unlikely you will have any problems (and since you don't know what vulnerabilities exist that haven't been identified and patched yet you should always apply those rules anyway).

I used my Pixel 2 for about a year after it ceased getting updates, and only stopped when the device died. My earlier devices were all rooted and modded anyway, so I was never on the official update path before that.

Q2. After no more android and security updates, can the apps installed still continue to have app updates?

Yes

Q3. After no more android and security updates, am I safe to use the apps as long as the apps can be updated?

I have apps installed which haven't been updated for many years. Unless the app itself communicates with something that might infect it that isn't an issue (so a browser that's not been updated for 5 years might have risks, an offline game not at all).

Q4. What does United Arab Emirates mean? see screenshot

It looks like "TRA" is the UAE's Telecom Regulatory Authority, so this is probably an additional identifier for devices sold in the UAE (in addition to the IMEI and device serial number). So I guess that this means that the device was originally manufactured for sale in the UAE, probably nothing more.

 

[spman]

Pretty much, yes. If some Android vulnerability (or a vulnerability in Samsung's modifications) is uncovered then your device will remain vulnerable to exploits using it (occasionally, where something is severe enough, updates are issued after the end of the official support period, but you can't count on it). Whether that is an issue depends on (a) whether any malware is written which uses the vulnerability and (b) whether your device comes into contact with it. In most cases the usual rules will apply: if you are sensible about what apps you install and from where it's unlikely you will have any problems (and since you don't know what vulnerabilities exist that haven't been identified and patched yet you should always apply those rules anyway).

I used my Pixel 2 for about a year after it ceased getting updates, and only stopped when the device died. My earlier devices were all rooted and modded anyway, so I was never on the official update path before that.

After no more android and security updates, does it mean usually I can just continue to use the device with my apps as long as the apps work correctly?

Does rooting means the device will have android and security updates forever?

What guide do you recommend for rooting? Maybe in the future if the device no longer works I will try rooting before I throw it away, I am a noob about rooting and I heard it may cause the device to become useless if rooted wrongly.

Thanks

 

[Milo Williamson]

After no more android and security updates, does it mean usually I can just continue to use the device with my apps as long as the apps work correctly?

Does rooting means the device will have android and security updates forever?

What guide do you recommend for rooting? Maybe in the future if the device no longer works I will try rooting before I throw it away, I am a noob about rooting and I heard it may cause the device to become useless if rooted wrongly.

Thanks

I just attempted mine the really easy way:
Pretty much we can guide you right through.

 

[Fox Mulder]

I used my S9 for over 2 years past its last update, I could still be using it right now but after 6 years I decided it was time for something new so I now have a PIxel 8 Pro.

As long as the device runs well and your apps still work you can use it, eventually some apps may no longer be supported on older Android versions although that can take a long time to happen. CPU and memory limitations may also come into play at some point especially if you try to install newer apps meant for current devices.

While there may be some risk with no longer getting security updates it's probably minimal for the average user, this is more a matter of avoiding shady apps and scams that come through malicious ads, texts and emails and this has nothing to do with the age of your device. Using an ad blocker will help keep things clean and running well, I use Blokada on all my phones and it's great for getting rid of ads and trackers.

As for rooting, probably not the best idea especially if you have no prior experience with it. In any case it would only be possible if there was ever any development done for your particular device, you can check over on XDA forums. If there isn't you're SOL, but even if there is it's not something you necessarily want to jump into as it carries its own set of risks and caveats. Some apps (notably banking apps) will no longer work if they detect root. And, most of the reasons why we used to root our phones and tablets really don't apply any more so it's not worth the bother.

 

[ocnbrze]

After no more android and security updates, does it mean usually I can just continue to use the device with my apps as long as the apps work correctly?

Does rooting means the device will have android and security updates forever?

What guide do you recommend for rooting? Maybe in the future if the device no longer works I will try rooting before I throw it away, I am a noob about rooting and I heard it may cause the device to become useless if rooted wrongly.

Thanks

If you are looking for security, don't root your device. Rooting also bypasses and disables the phone's security. And no rooting will not guarantee updates. It will depend on the rooting community. It will depend on the devs and if they are developing for your phone.

Like @Fox Mulder said, just forget about rooting. Depending on the device, it can be easy or hard to do. It's good to have knowledge of rooting, but not necessary any more. If you are willing and patient enough, we can point you in the right direction. But there is a lot of learning and reading involved. And yes rooting the device incorrectly, can brick it. So you really need to be careful when you root a device.

And lastly, yes you can still use your device even with no security updates. You just need to be careful on what you download and install. And the same goes for what websites you use as well.

 

[spman]

QA. Is using a antivirus app in android phone necessary? If yes, what antivirus app is recommended?

----
QB. Does ad blocker getting rid of ads means the ads (banner/full screen ads) will not appear inside free apps? or does it mean ads will not appear inside websites in browser (e.g. chrome) apps?

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QC. Do you use blokada free or paid? Is this the blokada app link? Blokada: DNS Ad Blocker + VPN Blokada: DNS Ad Blocker + VPN - Apps on Google Play
I saw these reviews
2.4 stars
Calean Sixes
October 3, 2024
A literal scam of an app. Moved to this from Blokada 4&5 as I wanted to support the development of an app I've been using for a very long time. Silly me, thought it would not have the issues of 4&5 of it randomly disconnecting your internet and things not loading but of course not. Still has random dips where your whole phone can't load but now with a luxury benefit of paying £60 a year... (Literally had to turn off Blokada to write this up...)
my AZlife
October 22, 2024
This program used to block annoying ads and I loved it, but after a couple updates it does not work. Maybe 1/4 of the time at best. I have turned it off and back on. Un-installed, re-installed and it still doesn't work like it used to. Really annoying. I even paid for a subscription. I guess it's time to try a new option.

Thanks.

 

[ocnbrze]

QA. Is using a antivirus app in android phone necessary? If yes, what antivirus app is recommended?

----
QB. Does ad blocker getting rid of ads means the ads (banner/full screen ads) will not appear inside free apps? or does it mean ads will not appear inside websites in browser (e.g. chrome) apps?

-----
QC. Do you use blokada free or paid? Is this the blokada app link? Blokada: DNS Ad Blocker + VPN Blokada: DNS Ad Blocker + VPN - Apps on Google Play
I saw these reviews
2.4 stars
Calean Sixes
October 3, 2024
A literal scam of an app. Moved to this from Blokada 4&5 as I wanted to support the development of an app I've been using for a very long time. Silly me, thought it would not have the issues of 4&5 of it randomly disconnecting your internet and things not loading but of course not. Still has random dips where your whole phone can't load but now with a luxury benefit of paying £60 a year... (Literally had to turn off Blokada to write this up...)
my AZlife
October 22, 2024
This program used to block annoying ads and I loved it, but after a couple updates it does not work. Maybe 1/4 of the time at best. I have turned it off and back on. Un-installed, re-installed and it still doesn't work like it used to. Really annoying. I even paid for a subscription. I guess it's time to try a new option.

Thanks.

QA. no it is not. apps have to be installed by you. so as long as you are careful of what apps you install, you should be fine. i have owned android phones, since the beginning and never have i once used an anitvirus apps. i have never had any malware or adware issues on any of my devices. if you want to have one for peace of mind then i recommend malwarebytes:2024 Antivirus for Android | Android Trojan Protection....but again its not really needed.

QB. it will depend on the app and which ads it will block.
here is a pretty good list:https://cybernews.com/best-ad-blockers/ad-blocker-for-android/

QC. never used that app. i do not really have any issues with ads on my phone so i do not use any ad blockers. try the ones in my link.