It’s 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. Google’s Pixel phones aren’t the only devices getting the update today, however, as Samsung followed Google’s announcement by pushing an update for its Snapdragon Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Note 20 series devices.
February 2021 Android Security Bulletin
In the latest Android Security Bulletin, Google disclosed several security vulnerabilities that affect Android’s runtime, structure, system and media structure. These vulnerabilities have been addressed with security patch level 2021-02-01. Meanwhile, Google has also revealed several vulnerabilities in closed source vendor components and the Linux kernel. These vulnerabilities are addressed with security patch level 2021-02-05. Patches for these vulnerabilities have been in place for a few weeks or months and are only now being released. If you’re interested in learning more about Android’s monthly security update process, check out our explainer here.
Pixel update / functional update bulletin
Separately, Google released the February 2021 security update specific to its Pixel devices. In the February 2021 Pixel Update Bulletin, Google disclosed 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 corrected the touch experience of the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5. As reported by The Verge Last month, touch screen problems were more prominent on the Pixel 4a 5G. Another setting addresses an issue with sensor detection at startup that affects all Pixel devices. It is not clear whether Pixel 2 is also affected by this problem, as it is also running Android 11, but Google stopped providing security updates for it in December.
Source: Google
The update is now being released for Pixel devices with the following build numbers:
-
Global:
-
Pixel 3 (XL): RQ1A.210205.004
-
Pixel 3a (XL): RQ1A.210205.004
-
Pixel 4 (XL): RQ1A.210205.004
-
Pixel 4a: RQ1A.210205.004
-
Pixel 4a (5G): RQ1A.210205.004
-
Pixel 5: RQ1A.210205.004
-
-
Verizon:
-
Mobile tee:
If you prefer not to wait for the update (or you cannot upgrade because your phone has root access), you can download the factory image or the 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 started releasing a new update with the February 2021 security patch level for Galaxy S20 series devices in Europe. This same update is also being released for Snapdragon S20 devices, but Samsung is also pushing the update for the Snapdragon Galaxy Note 20 series. A user on our forums reported receiving the February 2021 security update on their Galaxy Note 20 Ultra unlocked in the USA (SM-N986U1). The speed with which Samsung is providing updates for its flagship devices is impressive, which is why many now consider the company to be one of the best in software updates.
Credits: XDA Senior Member rjohnstone