Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Omits Important Android Feature, Report Claims

Forbes - Jan 29th, 2025
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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Series has reportedly omitted a vital Android security feature known as the Advanced Virtualization Framework (AVF), which is becoming mandatory for devices running Android 15 and above. This omission means that Samsung's flagship devices will not support some advanced features, including the forthcoming Android Linux Terminal app, which allows users to run a full Linux operating system within a virtual machine. Despite the Galaxy S25 hardware being capable of supporting AVF, Samsung has opted not to implement it, unlike competitors using the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

The AVF feature, introduced in Android 13, enhances device security by enabling the creation of secure, isolated virtual machines. While Samsung's Knox solution offers similar protections, the lack of AVF means Galaxy S25 users might miss out on potential capabilities like running graphical Linux apps. This situation raises questions about Samsung's future support for AVF, especially with Google's push for its adoption. As the Android Linux Terminal app is expected to launch with Android 16, Samsung's response to this technological shift remains uncertain, potentially impacting its competitive edge in the flagship market.

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RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant discussion on the absence of the Advanced Virtualization Framework in Samsung's Galaxy S25 Series, a topic of interest to technology enthusiasts and consumers concerned with mobile security. It is based on credible insights from an Android expert, though it would benefit from additional sources, such as official statements from Samsung or Google, to enhance its factual accuracy and balance. The clarity of the article is generally strong, with accessible explanations of technical terms, though distractions like unrelated headlines affect readability. While the story has potential public interest and impact, its engagement and controversy levels are moderated by the lack of direct responses from the involved parties. Overall, the article is a solid exploration of a significant issue in the smartphone industry, but it could be strengthened by more comprehensive sourcing and a clearer focus on the main topic.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story accurately presents the main claim that Samsung's Galaxy S25 Series lacks the Advanced Virtualization Framework (AVF), a security feature Google aims to make mandatory. This is supported by the cited Android expert, Mishaal Rahman, who provides insights into the technical aspects of AVF and its absence in Samsung devices. However, the article could benefit from more direct evidence or statements from Samsung regarding their decision not to implement AVF. While the story mentions that the hardware is capable of supporting AVF, it lacks specific technical details or confirmations from Samsung. Additionally, the claim about Google's intention to make AVF compulsory is not backed by direct statements from Google, which would enhance the factual accuracy.

6
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective that Samsung's omission of AVF is significant due to Google's future plans and the functionality it provides. However, it does not delve deeply into Samsung's reasoning or potential benefits of their alternative security solutions like Knox. Including viewpoints from Samsung or industry experts who might support Samsung's decision could provide a more balanced perspective. The article briefly mentions that most users might not miss AVF, but this point could be expanded to offer a more nuanced view of the impact on consumers.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, explaining technical terms like AVF and Microdroid in a way that is accessible to readers who may not be familiar with Android's security features. The structure is logical, moving from the main claim to the implications and potential future developments. However, the inclusion of unrelated headlines in the middle of the article disrupts the flow and could confuse readers. Removing these distractions would improve overall clarity.

8
Source quality

The article relies on Mishaal Rahman, a known Android expert, which lends credibility to the technical claims about AVF and its implications. However, the story would benefit from additional sources, such as statements from Samsung or Google, to corroborate the claims about future plans and the technical capabilities of the Galaxy S25 Series. The reliance on a single expert source limits the depth of the analysis, though it does provide a credible starting point for the discussion.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of providing sources for some of its claims, particularly regarding Google's intentions and the technical capabilities of Samsung's devices. While the author mentions reaching out to Samsung for comment, there is no follow-up or indication of responses, leaving readers without a complete picture. Greater transparency about the methodology used to verify claims, such as citing specific documents or statements from Google or Samsung, would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.androidpolice.com/galaxy-s25-seamless-updates/
  2. https://source.android.com/docs/core/virtualization
  3. https://www.techradar.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-phones/heres-the-one-thing-that-samsung-and-google-couldnt-agree-on-for-the-samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra
  4. https://it.slashdot.org/story/24/11/11/1748241/android-15s-virtual-machine-mandate-is-aimed-at-improving-security
  5. https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-galaxy-s25-series-sets-standard-of-ai-phone-true-ai-companion-unpacked2025/