Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge Update: September Security Patch Via XXU1BPHJ Firmware Rolling Out

A new firmware update is available for Samsung’s 2016 flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, and it contains the latest Android security patch, GSM Arena reported.

The September security update from Google is highlighted in the firmware version XXU1BPHJ currently rolling out in Europe, specifically for the unlocked units of Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. This maintenance release is part of Security Maintenance Release (SMR) process, according to Samsung Mobile Security Blog. The package includes patches from Google and Samsung.

As cited by a separate report from GSM Arena, the Security Blog from Samsung provided the details of the September Security patch, listing all the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) items it contains. Out of the listed 66 CVE items from Google, nine of them are categorized as critical.

And in addition to these 66 issues being addressed by Google through the latest firmware update for Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, the Korean tech conglomerate has also included its own Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVE) items, nine in total, “in order to improve our customer’s confidence on security of Samsung Mobile devices,” the blog noted. But users should take note that not all of these SVE items may be present in the latest security update as some of them may already be installed on Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge through earlier maintenance release.

For the full changelog and list of the CVE and SVE items, visit Samsung Mobile Security Blog linked above.

GSM Arena also explained that aside from the September security patch, those who did not receive the new Galaxy features and Samsung Cloud from the previous update will get them this time. Furthermore, the English-translated report from Galaxy Club said that the latest update, with a build date of August 29, also shared that the firmware brought along Vulkan drivers to unlocked Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge.

The update should be available via OTA or Over-The-Air system. Once the firmware is ready, the compatible Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge units should receive an automatic push notification. Owners simply need to follow the on-screen prompts to push through with the download and installation of the update files.

To manually verify the availability of the firmware, head to the S7 or S7 Edge’s Settings menu, then go to About Device. Look for Software Updates and then tap Check for Software Updates. This will trigger the system to start searching for any update currently suitable for the smartphone.

An official firmware update can also be done through Samsung’s desktop tool called Smart Switch. This entails connecting the Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge to a PC. To avoid connection issues between the smartphone and the computer, make sure proper drivers are installed.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge were first unveiled by the tech giant back in February. These flag-bearers then hit the shelves a month after. In terms of specs, some of the highlights of S7 and S7 Edge include the Exynos 8890 Octa as their processor paired with 4 GB of RAM, Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and the presence of micro-SD slot with capacity for up to 256GB and 12MP lens sensor for the primary shooter. Samsung went on to further describe the camera.

“Some of our most precious memories happen after dark. And this is the first smartphone camera to have a professional-grade Dual Pixel Sensor with which you’ll now be able to take crisp, clear photos in the dark. With Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, you own the night.”

To reiterate, as of the moment, the latest firmware update is available only for unbranded or unlocked units of Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. Although release schedule has not been announced yet, the September security patch is expected to arrive on Vodafone, T-Mobile, and other carrier-specific variants of the 2016 flagship smartphones from Samsung.

The Inquisitr will continue to keep you in the loop for more firmware update news arriving for Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge.

[Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images]