This is the first Monday of the month, which means it’s time for another security update. Google today released the February 2021 Android Security Bulletin, and with it the February 2021 Security Update for Pixel Phones. However, Google’s Pixel phones are not the only devices being updated today, as Samsung followed Google’s announcement by printing an update to its Snapdragon Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Note 20 series devices.
February 2021 Android Security Bulletin
In the latest Android security bulletin, Google has several security issues affecting the Android runtime, framework, system, and media framework. These vulnerabilities have been adapted to the level of security level 2021-02-01. Meanwhile, Google has also revealed several vulnerabilities in components of closed resources and the Linux kernel. These vulnerabilities are addressed at security level 2021-02-05. Patches for these vulnerabilities have been going on for several weeks or months now and are only now being announced. If you are interested in learning more about the monthly Android update process, you can see our layout here
Pixel Update Bulletin / Functional Update
Separately, Google announced the February 2021 security update specifically for its Pixel devices. In the Pixel Update Bulletin for February 2021, Google revealed a moderate severity vulnerability affecting a closed source Qualcomm component.
For users, the February 2021 security update also brings some functional changes. The company says it has solved the touch experience of the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5. The edge last month, touchscreen issues were the most prominent on the Pixel 4a 5G. Another adjustment addresses an issue with sensor detection at startup that affects all Pixel devices. It’s unclear if the Pixel 2 will also be affected by this issue, as it also uses Android 11, but Google stopped providing security updates for it in December.
Source: Google
The update now starts for Pixel devices with the following builds:
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Worldwide:
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Pixel 3 (XL): RQ1A.210205.004
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Pixel 3a (XL): RQ1A.210205.004
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Pixel 4 (XL): RQ1A.210205.004
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Pixel 4a: RQ1A.210205.004
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Pixel 4a (5G): RQ1A.210205.004
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Pixel 5: RQ1A.210205.004
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Verizon:
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T-Mobile:
If you’d rather not wait for the update (or can’t take the update since your phone is rooted), you can download the factory image or full OTA image from the links below.
Pixel Factory Images ||| Pixel OTA images
Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note 20 February 2021 Security Update
Late last week we reported that Samsung has launched a new update with the February 2021 security level for devices in the Galaxy S20 series in Europe. The same update is also being implemented for Snapdragon S20 devices, but Samsung is also pushing the update to the Snapdragon Galaxy Note 20 series. A user on our forums reported receiving the February 2021 security update on their US unlocked Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N986U1). The speed with which Samsung delivers updates to its flagship devices is impressive, which is why many people now consider the company to be one of the best software updates.
Credits: XDA Senior Member rjohnstone