Samsung Android 10 Update Shocks Galaxy Note 9 Users In USA

Today we're taking a peek at the latest update from Samsung on the Android 10 front – appearing here for the Galaxy Note 9 at long last. This isn't the first time we've seen this software on this hardware in a more general sense – it's been here for a Euro version or two – but here in the USA, it's relatively new. In its final, ready to roll, release form anyway.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was released in August 2018, launched with the software called Android 8.1 Oreo. At that time, Samsung suggested that the Note 9 would echo the release schedule of the Note 8. That meant a September release with one big Android version, then an upgrade the following March. It actually beat that prediction, earning Android Pie in February.

Whoa there – what's it got inside?

Now, the update schedule for the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 aside, the Galaxy Note 9 wasn't necessarily going to get Android 10 in any kind of super timely way – not if precedent had anything to say about it. But lo! And behold! The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is indeed getting an update to Android 10 right this minute!

Per SamMobile's tip earlier today on software version N960U1UEU3DTA5, we've confirmed the appearance on our own hardware here (too) that we're now rolling with Android 10 and the latest One UI 2.0 update for the Galaxy Note 9.

The version of the hardware we're getting this update on is SM-N960U – if you've got that device here in the USA, you're probably in luck. This is the unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 10 – the one you likely purchased from a store like Best Buy, Amazon, or B&H Photo Video – or direct from Samsung online.

This shouldn't be a shock – it should make sense that a major Android update would be delivered to an off-carrier version of a phone before the carrier-specific models here in the USA. That's how it's been in the past, certainly. Carriers traditionally need more time to deliver updates as they've got to "optimize" (read: make sure their carrier apps work with) the software before they deliver it to the phones they sell at their stores.

But the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S10 got an update to Android 10 in the USA after carrier versions. And carrier versions of the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10 Plus ALSO got their latest update before their carrier iterations. Further, generally we see the Samsung Galaxy S line get a new version of Android before the Galaxy Note line – especially when they're both a year or two old. Now it's the Galaxy S that's left waiting.

It's been strange. Now it might just be that we're getting back to the way things use to be – though it's far more likely this has all been a series of flukes or happenings that won't be replicated. But we shall see!