If you’ve lost track of the offerings from different manufacturers, we’ve gathered the latest information on the duration of updates promised by each, along with the details and conditions associated with these commitments.
Android Update Promises by Phone Brands
If prioritizing prompt Android updates is a key consideration for you in selecting a phone, few options surpass the efficiency of choosing a Google Pixel. Notably, these updates arrive sooner than those on any other phone, eliminating the waiting period. Additionally, Google Pixels are launched with the latest Android version pre-installed.
With the introduction of the Google Pixel 8, Google has claimed the title of Android update champion by committing to providing seven years of both system and security updates. For preceding models, users can expect three years of new Android versions and five years of security updates.
Summary of Android Updates:
- Google Pixel 8: Seven years
- Previous Models: Three years
Summary of Security Updates:
- Google Pixel 8: Seven years
- Google Pixel 6: Five years
- Previous Models: Three years
Samsung
Samsung has been at the forefront, breaking away from the traditional two-year update window for Android. Initially committing to three years of updates, the company later elevated its promise to four years for its latest high-end models, extending beyond the norm. You can find the complete list here.
Given Samsung’s extensive mobile catalog, a general guideline is that high-end smartphones will enjoy four years of updates, while others may receive three or two. Basic terminals typically get one, and sometimes none at all.
Regarding security updates, Samsung is pushing the boundaries by offering five years of support for its cutting-edge handsets and select business phones:
Android Updates:
- Up to four years for high-end devices (Galaxy S, Galaxy Z, Galaxy Tab S, and certain Galaxy A models).
- Three years for other high-end and medium-high phones.
- Two years for the mid-range.
- One or none for the rest.
Security Updates:
- Up to five years for high-end or enterprise models.
- Four years for others, with a reduced duration for lower-range devices.
OnePlus
OnePlus recently took a commendable step by extending its update support by an additional year. Consequently, the company now ensures four years of Android updates for its most powerful smartphones, with this policy taking effect from 2023 onward. However, the mid-range devices will maintain a two-year update cycle.
The approach to Android updates at OnePlus is diversified across three tiers. Specific high-end models will enjoy four years of updates, while others in the high-end category will receive updates for three years. The mid-range OnePlus Nord will have a two-year update cycle, and entry-level models like the OnePlus N10 and N100 will receive updates for a single year. Security updates are similarly extended, lasting for three or four years in high-end devices and three years for the rest.
Summary of Android Updates:
- Four years for selected high-end phones.
- Three years for other high-end phones.
- Two years for the mid-range.
- One year for the entry-level range.
Summary of Security Updates:
- Five years for the next high-end phones.
- Four years for other high-end phones.
- Three years for the rest.
Oppo
OPPO has recently joined the trend of enhanced Android update support. High-end phones released in 2023 from OPPO will benefit from four years of Android updates, accompanied by an impressive five-year duration for security updates.
For other OPPO devices, a general guideline applies, with no fixed rules. The more powerful devices are expected to receive two years of updates, gradually reducing to one or none as you move down to the mid-range and entry-level segments.
Summary of Android Updates:
- Four years for “select high-end phones” from 2023.
- Three or fewer years for the rest.
Summary of Security Updates:
- Up to five years for select high-end phones in 2023.
- Information about other models is currently unavailable.
Vivo
Vivo has made a noteworthy departure from the standard two-year update cycle by announcing extended support for its most robust models, the X series. These flagship models will now receive up to three years of both Android and security updates, starting with new models launched this year.
However, for the remaining series, no rigid rules have been established, and the update duration will vary case by case. It is reasonable to anticipate that mid-to-high range devices may receive updates for two years, while more budget-friendly models could have a one or none update policy.
Summary of Android Updates:
- Three years for the latest Vivo X models.
- Two or fewer years for other series.
Summary of Security Updates:
- Three years for the new Vivo X models.
- Information about update durations for other series is currently unavailable.
Nokia
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