In the fast-paced world of technology, staying up-to-date is essential for both consumers and brands. Keeping this in mind, many brands are now focusing on providing longer updates for their Android devices. This move not only benefits consumers but also helps brands improve their reputation and customer satisfaction. Recently, Google has praised a number of companies that include Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi and OPPO for their commitment to longer Android updates, highlighting the importance of this trend.
List of Smartphone Brands with Longest Android Support
Samsung – Smartphone Update Policy
Samsung has been at the forefront of the push toward extended software support for Android devices. Samsung has committed to providing four major Android upgrades and five years of security updates for flagship phones. The move was started from the Galaxy S21 series, but now the company is also offering the same support to Galaxy A phones like the Galaxy A53, A73, and successors.
The Galaxy S23 series will receive security updates until 2027.
Google – Smartphone Update Policy
The Google Pixel 7 series is a shining example of the brand’s commitment to providing top-of-the-line software support to its users. With a promise of five years of software support, the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro offer an exceptional level of longevity and reliability that is hard to find in other smartphone brands. While the phones may not receive five major Android OS updates, users can still expect three generations of OS updates and five years of monthly security updates, ensuring that their devices stay secure and up to date for years to come. With the Pixel 7 series shipping with Android 13 out of the box, it should get OS updates until Android 16.
OnePlus – Smartphone Update Policy
OnePlus has also been vocal about its commitment to providing longer software support for its devices. The company has committed to providing four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for the flagship devices, starting from the OnePlus 11. While the OnePlus 11R will receive 3 major Android updates and 4 years of security updates. This means that many OnePlus users can expect to receive the latest Android updates for several years after purchasing their devices.
OPPO – Smartphone Update Policy
OPPO has also joined Samsung and OnePlus in offering longer software support for its devices. The company has committed to providing four major Color OS updates and five years of security patches for its flagship phones. This move is expected to benefit many Oppo users who want to keep their devices up-to-date with the latest Android features and security patches.
The company recently launched Find N2 Flip and Find N2 which will likely receive these major updates. The company is also set to introduce its flagship smartphone series, the Find X6 in March.
Xiaomi – Smartphone Update Policy
Xiaomi recently made a promising announcement regarding their flagship devices – the Xiaomi 13 Pro and the Xiaomi 13. The company is committing to providing its customers three generations of Android updates and five years of security patches. This move brings Xiaomi on par with Google’s Pixel promise.
It’s worth noting that this commitment is a significant improvement from Xiaomi’s previous track record. Just a year ago, the company fell short by one year with the Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro, which were only supposed to receive four years of security patches.
Honor – Smartphone Update Policy
HONOR has recently made an exciting announcement regarding their flagship device, the Magic 5 Pro. The company is committing to providing its customers with three years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches, which is a notable improvement from its previous track record. While Samsung and OPPO/OnePlus offer four years of OS upgrades, HONOR’s commitment still ensures that the Magic 5 Pro will remain up to date with the latest Android features until 2026 and receive security patches until 2028.
Realme – Smartphone Update Policy
Realme last year made a significant commitment to software support, with a focus on top-of-the-range smartphones. They announced a plan to provide up to 4 years of support for some of their flagship devices, starting with the Realme GT 2 and GT 2 Pro.
During their flagship launch event, Realme unveiled the Realme GT 2 and GT 2 Pro and announced that they would receive three major Android OS updates along with 4 years of security patches.
The devices set to benefit from this extended support include the Realme GT 2, GT 2 Pro, GT 2 Master Edition, GT Neo 2, GT Neo 3, and GT Neo 3T. These phones are expected to receive three major Android updates, starting from the version they launch with and continuing through several iterations.
The recently launched Realme 11 Pro and Realme 11 Pro Plus users can expect to receive Android 14 and Android 15 updates in the coming years. Additionally, these smartphones will benefit from three years of security patches, ensuring continued software support and security for their devices.
Motorola – Smartphone Update Policy
Motorola traditionally offers two years of support for their phones. However, for premium models like the Motorola Edge 30 series, the company has extended support to 3 years, ensuring updates from Android 12 to Android 15, anticipated in 2024.
Motorola expanded the Android 13 update list by including some older devices, doubling the initially confirmed list. After promising 2 upgrades and 3 years of security patches for the Motorola Edge 30 series in 2022, Motorola further improved its commitment in 2023. For the Motorola Edge Plus (2023), they have pledged three upgrades and 4 years of patch support.
iQOO – Smartphone Update Policy
iQOO is committing to extended software support for its recent flagship devices, promising 3 years of Android OS updates and 4 years of security patches. The brand’s newer Neo and Z series models are set to get 2 major Android updates and 3 years of monthly security patches.
The iQOO 11 5G, launched earlier this year with Android 13-based Funtouch 13, will also benefit from this policy, receiving up to 3 years of Android updates and 4 years of security patches.
In conclusion, the trend towards longer software support for Android devices is gaining momentum, with major smartphone brands like Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, and Xiaomi leading the charge. These brands have pledged to provide several years of major Android OS updates and security patches for many of their devices, starting from their recent models.
This commitment to longer software support is good news for users who want to keep their devices up-to-date with the latest features and security patches. It also reduces e-waste by extending the life of the devices and contributing to a more sustainable environment.
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