Android
Big security issue: You can easily break security of any Samsung Galaxy device
Samsung always keeps security as a priority when it comes to Galaxy devices. Meanwhile, there are still some issues from the Android side, which are still compromising security. In a recent development, our team member found a YouTube video, showing that you can destroy any Samsung device’s security in just a minute, is it an issue?
A YouTube channel posted plenty of videos guiding users on how they can factory reset their Galaxy device in case of forgetting the password, pin, or pattern. Since a manual reset stops you to use your device without logging in with the same Google account the phone had before, the YouTuber even bypassed FRP.
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The video begins with a short introduction on breaking any form of security lock on all Galaxy devices. Seeing this video, we followed the same steps and found that the method is accurately working and we were able to factory reset Galaxy devices, including:
- Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy S21 and S21 FE
- Galaxy M31 and A30s
As shown in the video, you can break any Galaxy device’s lock (password, PIN or pattern) by resetting manually. To do so, just plug in the USB and connect it to a PC, and press all three physical buttons simultaneously. As soon as your device turns off, leave the volume down button, followed by the power button a few seconds later.
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Within seconds, you will be able to access the recovery mode of Android, letting you install the firmware manually, and wipe system data as well as cache. Using the Wipe data/factory reset option, you can hard reset any Galaxy device, while the FRP can also be bypassed with a handful of head-scratching steps.
I shocked seeing Samsung Knox also validated installation of a third-party root access apps!
While this method would not leave any kind of personal data or account logged in in the Galaxy device, but, you won’t be able to trace it through services like Find My Mobile. In case of misplacement or theft incidents, anyone can get access to use your Galaxy device as a first-hand user.
Users’ personal data won’t be accessible by gaining access to factory reset and FRP bypass methods. Still, we are disappointed to see that the user eventually used Samsung’s setup wizard as concluding the method of getting complete access to the Galaxy device.
Samsung should look into the matter and fix the issue/bugs that provide unauthorized access, destroying security promises. The company should also work with Google to make the FRP and factory reset more reliable as some are still compromising users’ privacy.
On May 10, 2023, Google expanded Android 14 Beta to select non-Pixel flagship devices from partner brands. Samsung, as always, is skipping the Android Beta Program, while the new OS is available for select devices launched by iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi.
According to the roadmap, Android 14 may not get the third Beta in June 2023, along with hotfix updates. By the next month, Android’s version 14 will achieve the platform stability milestone, ensuring developers and OEMs that there won’t be major changes.
With Android 14, Google focussing on integrating Generative AI capabilities to Google Workspace services such as Messages and Gmail. The company teased a number of additions scheduled for release throughout the year, and the new OS will solidify stunning experiences.
The new OS adds an AI-powered Wallpaper feature, which will allow users to create walls through emojis as well as give a 3D effect. Most of the newly showcased features are already available for Samsung phones such as Cinematic Wallpaper is just a simple clone of Samsung’s Wonderland.
Moreover, the company revealed that it’s taking customization to the next level with the arrival of Android 14 later this year. There will be more new customization capabilities such as custom shortcuts and clock styles along with a new monochrome color theme.
Apart from this, there’s a lot in Google’s pipeline for the Android OS. It’s expected that the company may see the new version of AOSP by late July, meanwhile, the One UI 6 Beta is likely to begin this year early than the One UI 5 as Samsung is already testing it on Galaxy S23 internally.
These devices are running Android 14 Beta
- Pixel 4a 5G > Pixel 7 Pro
Lenovo
- Tab Extreme
Oppo
- Find N2 Flip
OnePlus
- OnePlus 11
Xiaomi
- Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro
- Xiaomi 12T
Realme
- Realme GT 2 Pro
Vivo
- Vivo X90 Pro
iQOO
- iQOO 11
Tecno
- CAMON 20 Series
Nothing
- Phone (1)
Samsung Galaxy A54 is already testing the Android 14-based One UI 6 software internally. As spotted on the CheckFirm app, the company is already working on the development and optimization of this major update for 2023’s best mid-range device.
According to the firmware listing spotted by @tarunvats33, Samsung has an Android 14-based One UI 6 build for testing on the Galaxy A54. The build is identified with the PDA version number A546BXXU3BWE1, and considered as the first development for the smartphone.
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The Galaxy A54 launched with Android 13 out of the box and didn’t receive any major Android or One UI update. The fourth last digit of its stable firmware is “A” which will be replaced with “B” when it gets the Android 14-based One UI 6 update.
As it’s the first build that has been initiated for testing in May, CheckFirm will continue to surface new builds as the testing moves. Notably, in the firmware, the third last character “W” refers to the year (2023), while the 2nd last “E” May) refers to the month of build development.
One UI 6
Before the Galaxy A54, the software detection app spotted the Android 14 firmware for the latest Galaxy S23 series smartphones. The A54 is the first Samsung A series device, spotted running the unreleased software and cements its bid for Beta testing.
Samsung could begin One UI 6 Beta by next month, probably before the Galaxy Unpacked for foldables, tablets, and wearables. The Stable update of Android 14 will begin to rollout to Galaxy devices by October 2023, while the Beta activity would remain limited to seven markets globally.
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The Galaxy S20 FE is a famous smartphone launched by Samsung in 2020. It comes with the same hardware specifications as the Galaxy S20 flagship at an affordable price, which makes it a flagship killer. Well, if you have a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, sadly, it won’t get Android 14-based One UI 6 update.
Samsung shipped the Galaxy S20 FE with Android 10-based One UI 2.5 software out of the box. Custom variants (Snapdragon 4G) that launched later with a newer OS share the same eligibility as the initial model. This means, there’s no chance of Android 14 update even if you bought it with Android 11 pre-installed.
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One UI 5.1
Earlier, Samsung’s Galaxy S20 FE received the Android 13-based One UI 5.1 update. This new version brings select new features from the Galaxy S23 flagship. To date, One UI 5.1 is Samsung’s smoothest operating system, which delivers stunning experiences to consumers.
One UI 5 x Android 13
The S20 FE was eligible for three major OS upgrades, Android 11 was the first, Android 12 was the second, and Android 13 was the third and last. Meanwhile, your device will continue to get more new security patches on a regular basis, at least 6 months more than the S20 series.
How to get One UI 6?
The one and only official way to get the One UI 6 update is to purchase a new Samsung smartphone. You Galaxy S20 FE may be able to install Android 14 OS, unofficially using custom/modded software. However, it’s not a recommended solution as custom ROM has no privacy protection.