It’s the first Monday of the month, which means it’s time for another security update. Google today released the Android Security Bulletin for May 2022 and with it also the security update from May 2022 for qualified Pixel smartphones. However, Google’s Pixel series are not the only devices getting the update today, as Samsung also followed in Google’s footsteps by pushing new updates to its Galaxy S21, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Note 20 devices.
May 2022 Android Security Bulletin
In the latest Android Security Bulletin, Google revealed a number of security vulnerabilities that affect Android’s runtime, framework, system and media framework. These vulnerabilities have been addressed in the 2022-05-01 security patch. Meanwhile, Google also revealed several vulnerabilities in closed source vendor components and the Linux kernel. These vulnerabilities are resolved with the 2022-05-05 security patch. It is noteworthy that patches for these vulnerabilities have been underway for a few weeks or months now and are only now being released. If you are interested in learning more about the monthly Android security update process, check out our explanation linked below.
How monthly Android Security Patch updates work
Pixel Update Bulletin / Functional Update
Separately, Google unveiled the May 2022 security update specific to its Pixel devices. The Pixel Update Bulletin highlights two critical issues and a handful of high and moderate vulnerabilities that appear to be affecting Android Kernel and Qualcomm components. The company also says it has improved the haptic feedback from Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
May 2022 Google Pixel Update Changelog
- Display / graphics
- Resolve issues that occasionally cause the screen to wake up without user interaction *[1].
- Sensors
- Improvements to haptic feedback under certain conditions and applications *[2].
- User interface
- Fix for issue that caused launcher crashes after restarting the device under certain conditions *[1].
—————————————————————
The usability of the device
*[1] Included on Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 5a (5G), Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
*[2] Included on Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
The update rolls out for the Pixel 3a series, Pixel 4 series, Pixel 4a series, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a and Pixel 6 series with SP2A.220505.002 build number.
If you’d rather not wait for the update (or can not take the update since your phone is rooted), take a look at our Android 12L download article for the latest OTA files and factory photos.
Samsung May 2022 Security Update
Last week, we reported that Samsung had begun rolling out new updates with the security patch level in May 2022 for the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Tab S8 series. Now the same update also rolls out to the Exynos-powered Galaxy S21 family of devices in Germany and Italy in the form of software version G99xBXXU5CVDD.
Screenshot courtesy: XDA Senior Member MMarkkk
In addition, the US operator has unlocked variants of the Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 also downloaded the patch update from May 2022. The building numbers for the new release are N98xU1UES2FVD6, F711U1TBS2CVD4and F926U1UES1CVD4respectively.
Source: Android Security Bulletin, Pixel Update Bulletin, Google Pixel Help Community