Question about updating Android.

venom0706

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Aug 18, 2012
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I just bought Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini.It has Android 4.2.2.However, I know that in the future newer versions of Android will be released.My question is:Is it necessary to always update my phone with the newest version, or I can use the current one for the next 2-3 years until I buy a new phone?I am asking, because I really like this phone, but I don't want to brick it , since I have no idea of how to flash a phone or update the firmware.Thank you.
 
Solution
Official updates still do flash your phone. Files have to replaced on the phone and a flash is the only way to do that. The chance of breaking your phone or bricking it though from an official update are very small.

jinayhvora

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May 28, 2013
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you do not have to do any flashing and stuff for updating stock firmware, unless u're trying to install a custom ROM, official updates come from Samsung and u can download and install them
 

jinayhvora

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May 28, 2013
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yeah, true, my bad, that's what i meant to say
 

venom0706

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Aug 18, 2012
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Hm, thanks for the information.I just noticed that I have "Software update" option from the phone.Is a newer version of Android supposed to appear from that option when it is released?If yes, how do I install it?I simply install by following instructions from the phone or it is something else?And if such update appears, is it completely necessarry and innevitably to install it, or I can ignore the update?Thank you.