Can I not update Android

[KenClover]

Just switched to Verizon so bought a New note 8 with the hopes of not upgrading to android 9, but when I moved my settings using the smart switch app it updated (I know I should have known better) my question is... Is there a way not to have android update to 9 Pie if I buy another new note 8. Can I still get security updates if I don't update android. I have someone that would take this one. I would rather do that then root.
This is a Unlocked phone on Verizon
Or maybe I should just get a Note 5.

 

[GDany]

You will only get the security updates released for Android 8 and that's it until you'll upgrade to 9.

 

[KenClover]

thanks GDany,
So I can shut off automatic updates for android but I'll still be able to get security updates up to 8.0?

 

[GDany]

No, if you turn off the auto system updates, you won't get anything, but a notification that there is an update. You can choose to install it or not. As an indication, an update smaller than about 1000MB is not a major version update, but a security or an actual's system version update. Anyways, best is to first read the detailed description of the update, before choosing to update.
You also should disable Auto update system, in Developer settings, as explained here https://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/67554/how-to-turn-off-software-updates-on-android-samsung/.