Unveiling the Future of Android Phone Updates: How Long Can You Expect Software Support?

Key Takeaways

There are two categories of Android updates: security updates and major OS upgrades. Security updates are more frequent and crucial for ensuring device security, whereas major OS upgrades typically occur once a year.

Samsung and Google are renowned for their exceptional update support. Samsung guarantees users four Android upgrades and five years of security updates, while Google extends a promise of up to seven years of OS updates and security updates for its Pixel devices.

In the realm of Android, updates hold significant importance. Unlike Apple, which exercises control over iPhone updates, Google lacks similar authority over all Android devices. Thus, determining the duration of updates for your Android phone can be challenging. However, we're here to lend a guiding hand.

It's All About the Manufacturer

When discussing Android devices and updates, it is essential to address each individual Android manufacturer separately. Instead of asking "when will my Android phone be supported?", the more pertinent question is "when will my [manufacturer] phone be supported?"

There used to be a wide range of manufacturers producing Android devices, but the market has become more concentrated in the U.S. with the dominance of Samsung, Google, and a select few smaller players. Let's dive into these companies.

Android OS Upgrade vs. Security Update

Before we begin, it is important to clarify a distinction. Android updates can be categorized into two types: security updates and OS updates. Security updates are smaller in size and are released more frequently. While they usually do not bring significant changes, they hold great significance.

On the other hand, Android upgrades, also known as "major OS updates," occur on a yearly basis. For instance, Android 12 being upgraded to Android 13, or One UI 3 to One UI 4. After receiving their final OS upgrade, devices typically continue to receive security updates for an additional year.

Update timelines start from the release date. For instance, if a device was launched in October 2021 and is eligible for five years of security updates, the final update will be released in October 2026. This applies regardless of the purchase date.

How Long Will My Samsung Phone Be Supported?

Samsung launches numerous Android devices, but not all of them receive equal updates. Fortunately, the company offers a comprehensive "Security Updates Scope" website, which provides device-specific information.

Updates are rolled out every month, quarter, and twice a year. More recent Samsung devices enjoy a higher frequency of updates. For devices launched in 2019 or later, four years of security updates are provided, while newer devices receive up to five years.

In addition to the mentioned security updates, Samsung provides up to four Android upgrades for the majority of its devices. The complete list of these devices, which also encompasses newer models from respective series, can be found on Samsung's website.

The short answer for the majority of Samsung devices is you'll get four Android upgrades and five years of security updates.

How Long Will My Google Pixel Phone Be Supported?

Justin Duino

Despite having a smaller range of devices, Google does not receive the same level of treatment as Samsung. Google's website offers support timelines for Pixel devices.

Starting with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, Google guarantees a remarkable seven years of OS updates and security updates, stretching the support for these phones until October 2030.

For slightly older devices like the Pixel 7 series, Pixel 6 series, Pixel 6A, and Pixel Fold, users can still enjoy three years of Android upgrades and five years of security updates. Similarly, the Pixel 5a through the Pixel 3a also receive three years of Android upgrades and security updates. However, it's important to note that the Pixel 3 and older Pixels have reached the end of their support period and are no longer eligible for updates.

How Long Are Other Phones Supported?

Beyond the big hitters, there are a few other Android manufacturers to know about.

OnePlus

In 2023 and beyond, OnePlus assures that its phones will be entitled to receive an impressive four-year span of Android upgrades as well as security updates. Typically, most OnePlus devices are provided with three years of Android upgrades paired with four years of security updates. However, for older devices, the duration is reduced to two years of upgrades and three years of security updates. As for the Nord series, owners can enjoy one year of upgrades along with three years of security updates.

Motorola

Motorola's update strategy for Android is considered to be one of the weakest among Android manufacturers. The extent of updates provided greatly depends on the specific device you own. For newer devices, two Android upgrades and two years of security updates are typically offered. To find out the update information for your specific model, refer to Motorola's website.

Sony

Most Sony phones receive two years of Android upgrades and security updates. Sony does not provide a lot of information about its update timelines.

LG

LG shut down its smartphone business in 2021, but phones released in 2019 or later are supposed to receive three years of Android updates.

Samsung and Google Are the Most Reliable

As of October 2023, Samsung and Google outshine their Android counterparts in terms of updates. Among them, Google stands out as the leader, especially if you choose the company's most recent and advanced devices.

Those are the devices you should consider if you want long-term support. You don't want to use a phone without up-to-date software. It's critical for security to have a supported phone.