It’s the first Monday of the month, which means it’s time for a new 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 aren’t the only devices getting the update today, as Samsung followed Google’s announcement by updating the Snapdragon Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Note 20 series devices.
Android security bulletin of February 2021
In the latest Android security bulletin, Google revealed multiple security vulnerabilities affecting the Android runtime, framework, system, and media framework. These vulnerabilities have been patched with the 2021-02-01 security patch level. Meanwhile, Google also revealed multiple vulnerabilities in closed-source components and the Linux kernel. These vulnerabilities are addressed with the 2021-02-05 security patch level. Patches for these vulnerabilities have been in the works for a few weeks or months and are only now being revealed. If you want to learn more about the monthly Android security update process, check out our walkthrough here.
Pixel Update Bulletin / Functional update
Separately, Google has released the February 2021 security update specific to its Pixel devices. In the February 2021 Pixel Update Bulletin, Google disclosed a weak vulnerability affecting a closed-source Qualcomm component.
For users, the February 2021 security update also brings a number of functional changes. The company says it has fixed the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5’s touch experience. As reported by The edge Last month, touchscreen issues were most prominent on the Pixel 4a 5G. Another tweak addresses a sensor detection issue at startup affecting all Pixel devices. It’s unclear whether the Pixel 2 is also affected by this problem, as Android 11 is also running, but Google stopped providing security updates in December.
Source: Google
The update is now rolling out for Pixel devices with the following build numbers:
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Global:
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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 do the update because your phone is rooted), 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 February 20, 2021 Security update
Late last week, we reported that Samsung had started rolling out a new update with the February 2021 security patch level for Galaxy S20 series devices in Europe. The same update is also being rolled out 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 for his US-unlocked Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (SM-N986U1). The speed at which Samsung delivers updates to 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