Fresh Aesthetics and Final Warnings: The Lifecycle of Samsung Devices

As the technology world braces for the arrival of the Galaxy S25 series, it is worth looking back at the devices that defined 2024. The Samsung Galaxy S24 range established itself as one of the most popular smartphone lineups of the year, offering hardware that many admired but perhaps could not justify purchasing. However, one does not necessarily need to acquire the handset to appreciate its aesthetic. Wallpapers are universal, and for those wishing to give their current device a facelift, the official Galaxy S24 backgrounds are now widely available for download, offering a glimpse of that flagship experience on any screen.

Distinctive Visual Styles

The collection is divided into two distinct visual themes, reflecting the hardware differences within the series. For the standard Galaxy S24 and the S24 Plus, the design language focuses on circular motifs, offering a softer, rounded look. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra wallpapers feature crystalline structures with sharper edges and angular shapes, mimicking the device’s industrial design. Alongside these static images, the set includes DeX backgrounds and live wallpapers for those who prefer a more dynamic home screen.

It is crucial, however, to source these images correctly. Simply saving the preview images displayed on websites will result in poor quality, as these are often heavily compressed to ensure faster page loading times. For the best visual fidelity, users should ensure they locate the direct download links to acquire the full-resolution files.

Installation and Setup

Once the files are acquired, getting them onto a handset is a straightforward affair, regardless of whether one is using an Android device or an iPhone. If downloaded on a desktop or laptop, files can be transferred via Bluetooth, USB, or cloud solutions such as Google Drive. It is advisable to avoid sending them via messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, as these services aggressively compress images, ruining the high-definition effect.

For Android users, the process involves navigating to the ‘Wallpaper & style’ section within the Settings app, selecting ‘More wallpapers,’ and choosing the downloaded image. iPhone users follow a similar path via their Settings menu, tapping ‘Add New Wallpaper’ to customise their lock and home screens.

The Inevitable End of Support

Whilst a fresh wallpaper can breathe new life into an aging device, software aesthetics cannot mask hardware obsolescence forever. For many, a smartphone is a loyal companion, a repository of cherished holiday snaps and contact numbers of old school friends one hasn’t spoken to in years. Manufacturers like Samsung have made migrating data easier with tools like Smart Switch and cloud storage, yet the emotional attachment to a specific handset often remains. Nevertheless, the reality of cybersecurity dictates that every device has an expiration date.

Once a manufacturer ceases security updates—typically after four to seven years—the device becomes a liability. If hackers discover a vulnerability in the operating system after support has ended, that gap will remain permanently open. This exposes users to significant risks, particularly if the device is used for mobile banking or accessing sensitive emails.

Devices Facing the Axe in 2026

According to official documentation from Samsung, a significant number of popular devices are scheduled to lose security support in 2026. Unless the South Korean tech giant spontaneously revises its plans, ten specific models will become vulnerable. These handsets, released largely between 2021 and 2022, have already ceased receiving major Android operating system updates and are now approaching the end of their security patch lifecycle.

The list includes the entire flagship Galaxy S21 series—the S21 5G, S21+ 5G, and the S21 Ultra 5G—all of which are set to lose support on 29 January 2026. Also included are the foldable innovators of their time, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G and Z Flip 3 5G. Budget and mid-range models are not exempt, with the Galaxy A13, A23 (including the 5G variant), and the Galaxy M13 also slated for retirement. For owners of these devices, whilst a new wallpaper might provide a temporary refresh, the prudent move would be to start planning an upgrade to a newer flagship generation before the security net is removed entirely.