Software updates are essential to the life of a smartphone, adding new features, optimising existing features, and improving performance and security of the device. As long as your device is getting updates, it pretty much stays up-to-date for the most part. How many years of updates that each device gets depends on the brand.
For example, if you buy an iPhone, it will receive the iOS updates up to 5 years after its release. For a long time, this was by far the best deal you could get from any smartphone maker on the planet. Android phones were known for poor software support, with Google Pixel phones being the exception.
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How Many Years Of Updates Do Pixel Phones Get?
In October 2023, Google committed to providing seven (7) years of major Android operating system updates, seven (7) years of security patches, and seven (7) years of regular Feature Drops for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Seven years is fantastic. Imagine being able to use a smartphone for seven years after it is released into the market. Absolutely fantastic.
Before this announcement, Pixel phones had a record of three (3) years of major updates and security patches. Will this 7-year new support period extend to all upcoming Pixel smartphones? That remains to be seen. I think it will, though. That said, this 7-year policy is now the best deal you will get from any smartphone brand, pushing iPhone’s software update policy to 2nd place.
How Many Years Of Updates Do Samsung Phones Get?
Samsung Mobile’s software update policy is committed to providing four (4) years of major Android operating system updates, plus five (5) years of security patches.
With Google’s new announcement, Samsung moves from the 2nd place that it held previously to 3rd. Still, Samsung has been the fastest and most consistent Android phone maker in terms of software updates. Anyway, I expect Samsung to respond to Google’s recent move with an even better update period.
How Many Years Of Updates Do Nokia Phones Get?
Nokia smartphones, made by HMD Global, get two (2) years of major Android updates and three (3) years of security patches for all their Android smartphones.
How Many Years Of Updates Do OnePlus Phones Get?
OnePlus has committed to a software update policy that provides three (3) major operating system updates and four (4) years of security patches to their flagship devices.
The more budget Nord and Nord CE series get two (2) Android version upgrades and three (3) years of security patches.
Nord N series devices get only one major Android software upgrade and two (2) years of security patches.
How Many Years Of Updates Do Xiaomi Phones Get?
Xiaomi’s software update policy guarantees 2-3 years of major updates for its premium flagship and Redmi Note devices, while Redmi smartphones get 1-2 years of Android updates.
However, in October 2023, the company announced four (4) years of Android OS updates and five (5) years of security patches to the Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro. Whether this extends to all upcoming premium flagships.
How Many Years Of Updates Do OPPO Phones Get?
OPPO keeps its smartphones updated with up to four (4) years of Android updates and up to five (5) years of security patches.
How Many Years Of Updates Do Motorola Phones Get?
Motorola is committed to providing two (2) years of major system updates and security patches. However, earlier this year, the company announced that the Motorola Edge 30 series will get up to three (3) years of updates. Whether this will be extended to all Motorola smartphones is not something we have been able to confirm yet.
For How Many Years Does Fairphone Update Their Phones?
Fairphone’s Android software update policy covers five (5) years of major updates and at least eight (8) years of security patches.
How Many Years Of Updates Do Realme Phones Get?
Realme has committed to pushing out software updates to its smartphones, apart from entry-level models, with at least two Android versions and three years of security patches.
For How Many Years Does BLU Update Their Phones?
Blu makes entry-level Android phones and has not committed to any software update policy. Blu phones hardly ever get any Android software updates.
For How Many Years Are Nothing Smartphones Updated?
Nothing has committed to providing three (3) years of Android updates and four (4) years of security patches to their phones.
Other Brands
Other Android phone brands like itel, TECNO, Infinix, Ulefone, AGM, Unihertz, Alcatel, Cubot, Coolpad, Doogee, and others, do not have a defined or publicly acknowledged software update.