It’s not usual for a carrier-based device to get a monthly security update this early, but T-Mobile is making it happen with Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+.
These two phones are currently being updated to the latest version of Android security patch for the month of April, the same week as the Google Pixel, Nexus 6P, Pixel C tablet, and Android One devices. The search engine giant made the update available for its in-house devices earlier this week and so far, only Samsung Galaxy J3 2016 has been confirmed to have received the update, but this is the unlocked model.
Those using the Galaxy Note 5 can look forward to receiving an update with firmware version N920TUVU4DQC2 and those using the Galaxy S6 Edge+ will be receiving version G928TUVU4DQC2. In addition to carrying the latest security patch, this update also comes in with several bug fixes as well as improvements to the general system stability and performance.
The updates are coming in over the air and as such, it will take some time before all units of the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ receive the notification to download and install the patch. Still, you can get it manually by heading to your phone’s Settings>About phone>System updates>Check for updates. This method will grant you early access to the same update, well ahead of those waiting for the OTA notification.
If you happen to find the update ready for download on your Galaxy Note 5 or Galaxy S6 Edge+, do not proceed before checking that your phone’s battery is at least 50% full. If not, connect it to a power source during the entire time of downloading and installing the update. Also, it is recommended that you connect to the internet via Wi-Fi so as not to attract extra data charges. But if you have an unlimited data plan, you shouldn’t worry because these updates are not so heavy.
Do keep in mind that the two phones are still based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow because T-Mobile has yet to join Nougat party. So far, only the unlocked variants of the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ have been reported to be receiving the update to Android 7.0 Nougat. In short, it will take some time before carrier-based variants receive the same treat.