Samsung's Next Android Upgrade—‘Better' Than Google's Pixel
There's a new twist to the Android versus iPhone narrative. The gap between the two has never been as narrow – at least where security is concerned. And Google's latest Android 16 upgrade brings a level of network security even iPhone can't match.
But the real Android 16 game-changer is Google's new Advanced Protection Mode. Despite some reports, this is not the same as Apple's Lockdown Mode for iPhone. I would recommend Android's new setting for almost all users.
Per SammyFans , 'Android 16's Advanced Protection is a big deal, probably the biggest security update Android has ever seen… Samsung isn't just going to copy-paste Google's security features. It's going to make them better with Galaxy-specific improvements."
First to the basics — what exactly is Advanced Protection Mode. Put simply, it's a one click security update that enables all the existing protections you should be using and a few news ones that Google has included in its Android 16 release. Forbes Do Not Use These Networks On Your Smartphone, Warns Google By Zak Doffman
It will protect your browsing and wireless connections, it will also stop you installing apps from dangerous sources. That means Play Store and other official sites only, which might seem restrictive and painful but is a necessary defense these days.
As Android Authority says, 'from harmful apps to insecure connections, there are all kinds of risks you're exposed to. Thankfully, Android features a range of security settings to keep your device and data protected from these threats."
Unlike Apple's Lockdown Mode, Google's setting won't make your phone difficult to use or remove everyday features you likely use. It will curtail risky behavior, as it should. Apple says Lockdown Mode is for a very small minority of users, where Google says Advanced Protection Mode is for any users who want additional phone security.
As for the Galaxy One UI 8 features that are 'better' than Android's stock offering on Pixel, SammyFans highlights the new secure folder upgrade and Knox architecture.
Secure Folder has triggered a bunch of warnings given some issues in how it was deployed, those have been addressed. It also offers a new 'kill switch' which means you can lock down your phone and hide sensnsive apps and data wirth just a tap.
The Knox architecture is Samsung's answer to Apple's hugely successful trusted device architecture that builds a walled garden around a user's devices. Not only does it reinforce protection against external threats, it also makes Samsung stickier for users. Only its own devices can be protected, and the more you have the safer you are. Forbes Google's Unbeatable Pixel Upgrade Just Left iPhone Behind By Zak Doffman
The bad news — as ever — for Galaxy users is that 'Google is rolling out Advanced Protection to Pixel phones first. Galaxy phones should get Android 16 and One UI 8 in the next few months.' It's worth the wait, which should be shorter than that for most.
Per Phone Arena's interpretation of firmware builds on company servers, 'Samsung isn't focusing only on its flagship lineup when it comes to rolling out One UI 8.0. The company is already testing Android 16 firmware for the Galaxy A56, suggesting this mid-range phone may be among the first non-flagships to receive the update.'
SammyFans says 'Android 16's security overhaul shows that mobile security is finally growing up. One UI 8 will probably show off how Samsung can take Google's security foundation and make it even better with its own innovations. This could set new standards for how secure smartphones should be.'
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