An more and more necessary buying criterion, the replace coverage of Android smartphones is nonetheless one of many areas the place producers stay essentially the most obscure. Happily, issues are beginning to enhance, and it is changing into simpler to inform whether or not your smartphone will obtain Android 14 or Android 15.
Samsung has proven the way in which by bettering its replace coverage, and since then producers like Xiaomi and extra just lately Google have been making efforts to reassure prospects. These manufacturers make agency commitments as to the variety of Android variations and the length of safety updates they assure for his or her smartphones.
Now we have requested the principle Android manufacturers in the marketplace how lengthy can we count on to obtain software program updates for his or her completely different product traces, each for Android upgrades and safety updates. The primary model of this text was revealed in 2021 and since then we up to date a few instances to mirror the enhancements made by the manufacturers.
All time frames beneath begin counting from the date the fashions had been launched, except famous in any other case.
What number of Android and safety updates does Google promise
As of July 2024, Google is the producer with one of the best Android replace coverage. This may occasionally appear logical, however for a short while in 2023, Samsung was main the way in which. The Mountain View agency has made a comeback with its Pixel 8 vary and is now promising seven years of Android updates and safety patches.
Google clearly states how lengthy and the way usually its Pixel smartphones will probably be up to date instantly on its official web site.
However since not everyone seems to be conscious of this, as is just pure, I will rapidly remind you that the Pixel 4 and Pixel 5 ranges profit from three years of updates. This will increase to 5 years for the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold ranges. As talked about above, you will stand up to seven years of updates together with your Pixel 8 or 8 Professional.
- Pixel 8 household: 7 years of system upgrades and safety patches.
- Pixel 6, 7, and Fold fashions: 3 years of system upgrades, 5 years of safety updates.
- Pixel 4, and 5 households: 3 years of system upgrades and safety patches. (Unsupported, aside from the Pixel 5a 5G which is able to obtain updates till August 2024)
What number of Android and safety updates does Samsung promise
Samsung briefly misplaced its title because the Android model with the longer software program help to Google in 2023, however simply as 2024 began, the corporate matched the seven years of software program help, for now, just for the flagship Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z fashions launched in 2024.
Samsung’s official dedication
“Samsung permits all Galaxy smartphones to obtain no less than two Android system updates and common safety updates for as much as 4 years after being launched within the international market,” a Samsung Germany consultant knowledgeable us.
Samsung smartphone replace cycles
Samsung Galaxy S:
- Android variations: Seven, if launched in 2024 or later.
- 4, if launched in 2021 or later.
- Three, if launched in 2019 or 2020. (Unsupported)
- Safety updates: Seven years, if launched in 2024 or later.
- 5 years, if launched in 2021 or later.
- 4 years for 2019 and 2020 fashions: month-to-month patches for 2 years adopted by quarterly patches.
Samsung Galaxy Z:
- Android variations: 4, if launched in 2021 or later, in any other case three.
- Safety updates: 5 years (4 if launched in 2020 or earlier than), month-to-month patches for 2 years adopted by quarterly patches.
Samsung Galaxy A:
- Android variations: Two minimal, 4 for some high-end and 2024 fashions.
- Safety updates: 4 years, month-to-month patches for some flagships for one 12 months, then quarterly or half-yearly in the final 12 months.
- 5 years for “choose units”.
Samsung Galaxy M:
- Android variations: Two minimal.
- Safety updates: 4 years, quarterly, and even half-yearly within the final 12 months.
Samsung Galaxy Word:
- Android variations: Three if launched in 2019 or later.
- Safety updates: 4 years, month-to-month patch for 2 years adopted by quarterly patches.
Is that this data publicly accessible to the buyer?
Samsung distinguishes itself from different Android producers by presenting a transparent record of fashions saved updated. This record is accessible on-line and you may verify simply how usually your smartphone will obtain safety updates.
Then again, Samsung does not make it clear simply how lengthy your smartphone will obtain month-to-month updates or what sort of standards are taken under consideration when deciding on the frequency of replace releases over time. “The timing of month-to-month, quarterly, and half-yearly safety updates is dependent upon the launch date of the machine and is re-evaluated at common intervals,” Samsung stated.
This may result in contradictions. As an illustration, as of July 2024, the Galaxy Word 20 remains to be receiving month-to-month safety patches, whereas the Galaxy Z Fold 2 launched on the identical day with roughly the identical {hardware} is getting quarterly updates.
What number of Android and safety updates does OnePlus promise
OnePlus (and dad or mum firm Oppo) briefly tried to match Samsung’s help insurance policies over 2023, however hasn’t joined the South Koreans (and Google) in promising seven years of characteristic updates and safety patches.
The replace cycle for OnePlus smartphones
OnePlus numbered (flagship)
- Android variations: 4 for 2023 fashions and later;
- Three for the OnePlus 8/8 Professional/8T/9/9 Professional; and two for earlier fashions.
- Safety updates: 5 years for 2023 fashions and later;
- 4 years, bi-monthly safety patches for OnePlus 8/8 Professional/8T/9/9 Professional,
- Three years of bi-monthly safety patches for earlier fashions.
OnePlus Nord/CE
- Android variations: 4 for the Nord 4.
- Safety updates: Six for the Nord 4.
- For earlier fashions: Three years, bi-monthly safety patches.
OnePlus Nord N/Lite
- Android variations: Two for the Nord CE 4 Lite.
- Safety updates: Three, bi-monthly safety patches.
Is that this data publicly accessible to the buyer?
At present, OnePlus does not have a devoted safety replace and patch schedule web page on its official web site. The corporate used to replace a discussion board put up and a help web page with each their insurance policies and newest software program updates for its fashions, however these pages have not been up to date since 2023 and 2022, respectively.
What number of Android and safety updates does Motorola promise
Motorola was one of many first firms to launch updates proper after Google. Both due to its proximity to the Mountain View large or as a result of its software program options are very near “pure” Android. Nevertheless, this has modified a bit since Lenovo purchased the corporate in 2014.
Motorola’s smartphone replace cycle
Involved with Motorola, the corporate knowledgeable that the help size rely upon the mannequin and prospects can verify for particular fashions in its help web page.
Motorola’s Extremely variants
- Android variations: Three years.
- Safety updates: 4 years, bi-monthly safety patches.
Motorola’s Edge and Razr collection
- Android variations: Three years for 2023 fashions and later.
- Two years for earlier fashions.
- Safety updates: 4 years for 2023 fashions and later.
- Three years for earlier fashions, bi-monthly safety patches.
Motorola’s G-models
- Android variations: Two years.
- Safety updates: Three years, bi-monthly safety patches.
Motorola’s E-models
- Android variations: One 12 months.
- Safety updates: Two years, bi-monthly safety patches.
Is that this data publicly accessible to the buyer?
Motorola gives an official web page for checking Android replace information for its units, in addition to one other one particularly for safety updates and the associated bug reviews.
What number of Android and safety updates does Xiaomi promise
Xiaomi has gone from being one of many worst circumstances of software program updates to one of the crucial exemplary. The producer introduced in 2023 that it now gives 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of safety updates.
This resolution was introduced on the event of the launch of the Xiaomi 13T and 13T Professional, and subsequently most likely issues the model’s flagships. Anticipate not more than 3 Android variations for the remainder of the catalog.
The Chinese language firm improved rather a lot its replace promise for some mid-range Redmi Word fashions, however since a lot of them are rebranded Poco telephones, it’s a little troublesome to know which fashions will obtain safety updates for 3 or 4 years, as is the case for the 2024 Word 13 household.
As for safety patches, this obscure Xiaomi web page talked about that the producer gives no less than two years of month-to-month or quarterly safety updates after the preliminary launch of the smartphone. For many fashions that had been launched in 2020/2021, the producer even prolonged this promise to a few years with a safety patch as soon as each 90 days.
Xiaomi’s official remark
“Xiaomi has considerably improved its replace coverage in recent times, particularly for flagship fashions. Right here is an outline of the replace guarantees for numerous Xiaomi product traces:”, Xiaomi replied when questioned by nextpit.
Xiaomi’s smartphone replace cycle
Xiaomi flagships
- Android variations: 4, for fashions launched after the Xiaomi 13T vary.
- Three for earlier fashions.
- Safety updates: 5 years, for fashions launched after the 13T vary.
- With patches each 90 days.
- 4 years for earlier fashions.
Xiaomi Mi A
- Android variations: Two (Android One).
Redmi Word
- Android variations: Two or three years for the Redmi Word 13 collection, relying on the mannequin.
- One or two for earlier fashions.
- Safety updates: Three or 4 years for the Redmi Word 13 collection, relying on the mannequin.
- Patches each 90 days.
- Two or three years for earlier fashions.
Redmi
- Android variations: One.
- Safety updates: Two years, patches each 90 days.
Poco F/X
- Android variations: Two or three years, relying on the mannequin.
- Safety updates: Three or 4 years, relying on the mannequin, patches each 90 days.
Poco M
- Android variations: One to a few years, relying on the mannequin.
- Safety updates: Three years, patches each 90 days.
Poco C
- Android variations: One.
- Safety updates: Two years, patches each 90 days.
Is that this data publicly accessible to the buyer?
No, nonetheless, for an excellent a part of its line-up beneath the AER (Android Enterprise Advisable) program, it’s doable to search out the replace frequency, EOL (finish of life), and future working system promised on the firm’s help web page.
Exterior of these fashions, it’s at present not possible to know for certain simply how usually and for a way lengthy your Xiaomi, Redmi, or Poco smartphone will obtain updates. Nevertheless, Xiaomi does enable customers to obtain the newest ROM model for its smartphones from its official web site.
What number of Android and safety updates does Nothing promise
Nothing arrived to the scene with model, with its eye-catching Nothing Telephones providing good bang-for-the-buck and the novel Glyph interface. In terms of software program updates, the corporate gives insurance policies aggressive with rival fashions in the identical value vary.
Nothing’s smartphone replace cycles
Nothing Telephone:
- Android variations: Three.
- Safety updates: 4 years.
CMF Telephone:
- Android variations: Two.
- Safety updates: Three years.
Is that this data publicly accessible to the buyer?
The present fashions (as of July 2024) have the data on their on-line product pages. The corporate knowledgeable nextpit {that a} separate web site is at present being deliberate.
What number of Android and safety updates does Asus promise
With a streamlined product vary, Asus gives an easy software program replace coverage for its Zenfone and ROG Telephones households.
Asus’ smartphone replace cycles
- Android variations: No less than two years.
- Safety updates: No less than 4 years.
Is that this data publicly accessible to the buyer?
No.
What number of Android and safety updates does Oppo promise
Lengthy lagging behind when it comes to software program monitoring, Oppo has began to improve and since early 2023 has assured 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of safety patches for its high-end smartphones just like the Oppo Discover X or Discover N.
Mid-range smartphones within the Oppo Reno or A ranges obtain three Android updates and 4 years of safety patches. Extra reasonably priced fashions obtain one Android replace and three years of safety updates.
Whereas not essentially the most intensive, Oppo’s replace coverage has no less than the advantage of being crystal clear. We all know simply how lengthy and the way usually every mannequin within the catalog will obtain updates.
Oppo’s official dedication
“Immediately, we are able to assure three years of safety updates for all our smartphones. For the Discover X vary, we offer them month-to-month, for the Reno vary in addition to the A variety, on a quarterly foundation.
For the Discover X3 Professional and Discover X2 Professional, there are three OS updates every, for the opposite smartphones within the Discover X collection in addition to the Reno collection and a part of the A collection, we’ll distribute two OS updates,” an Oppo Germany consultant assured us.
The replace cycle of Oppo smartphones
Oppo Discover X
- Android variations: 4 for fashions from the Discover X6 upwards.
- Three for Discover X5 Professional, Discover X3 Professional, and Discover X2 Professional, in any other case two.
- Safety updates: 5 years for fashions from the Discover X6 and newer.
- 4 years for earlier fashions, with month-to-month patches.
Oppo Reno/F/Ok/Discover Lite/Discover Neo
- Android variations: Two.
- Safety updates: 4 years, quarterly patches.
Oppo A
- Android variations: One.
- Safety updates: Three years, quarterly patches.
Is that this data publicly accessible to the buyer?
Oppo shows on its official web site the record of fashions in response to their replace frequency. This fashion, you’ll be able to see how usually your smartphone will obtain safety updates.
Not like Samsung, Oppo does not present any variation or lower within the frequency of safety updates over time. It additionally doesn’t let you manually obtain up to date ROMs for its fashions by way of its official web site.
What number of Android and safety updates does Realme promise?
Realme does not have essentially the most intensive replace coverage in the marketplace. You will must make do with a single main Android model and two years of safety updates on common. And with the obvious scale-down in operations outdoors China, enhancements on software program help introduced in 2023 do not apply to different markets.
Realme’s official dedication
“We purpose to offer no less than two years of bi-monthly safety updates. This will probably be finished month-to-month for the primary six months after launch with no less than one main Android replace.
We additionally purpose to offer Android safety patch updates for all Realme smartphones, together with entry-level units such because the Realme C collection smartphones,” stated Realme France in February.
Originally of December, we contacted the European Realme group, who confirmed that this identical replace coverage will probably be maintained for the just lately launched Realme 10 (hands-on).
The replace cycle for Realme smartphones
Realme GT
- Android variations: Two.
- Safety updates: Three years, month-to-month patches for six months adopted by bi-monthly.
Realme numbered
- Android variations: One.
- Safety updates: Two years, bi-monthly patches.
Realme X
- Android variations: One.
- Safety updates: Two years, bi-monthly patches.
Realme C
- Android variations: One.
- Safety updates: Three years, bi-monthly patches.
Is that this data publicly accessible to the buyer?
Realme doesn’t have a devoted web page on its official web site permitting that gives the length and frequency of updates for its smartphones.
Nevertheless, the producer listed on this web page up to date ROMs for its fashions whereas permitting customers to obtain the newest model. The web page additionally gives a logbook to verify whether or not the ROM has acquired the newest safety patch or not.
However this web page doesn’t appear to be up to date usually and doesn’t record the newest fashions just like the Realme GT or the Realme 8 and eight Professional.
What number of Android and safety updates does Vivo promise
Vivo is taking part in it secure in Europe, however the producer chalks up one of many highest figures in the case of smartphone gross sales worldwide. We have seen the model in all places since its Euro 2020 and 2024 sponsorships, so I feel it is fascinating to incorporate it right here.
The producer does not decide to the variety of Android variations, though Vivo France confirmed with me that the Vivo X60 Professional 5G, would obtain three variations of Android and three years of safety patches. This implies we’re not that removed from the commitments made by Samsung and OnePlus.
Vivo’s official dedication
“We’re one of many quickest producers when it comes to rolling out safety updates due to our devoted R&D groups (the Vivo X51 has acquired all month-to-month patches since its launch).
In 2020, we up to date our whole European line-up to Android 11 only some months after their launch—even the entry-level smartphones. We observe Google’s suggestions to supply no less than three years of safety updates,” a Vivo France consultant confirmed to us.
Vivo’s smartphone replace cycle
Vivo X (flagship)
- Android variations: Three for the Vivo X60 Professional and later, no assure for the remainder.
- Safety updates: Three years, quarterly patches on a minimal foundation.
Vivo Y (mid-range/entry-level)
- Android variations: No dedication.
- Safety updates: Three years, minimal quarterly patches.
Is that this data publicly accessible to the buyer?
No, Vivo did verify in a press launch final June its replace commitments for the Vivo X60 Professional 5G, i.e. three Android variations and three years of safety patches. However the producer didn’t present some other official and publicly accessible details about the remainder of its smartphone catalog.
A devoted web page is there that permits you to obtain the newest model of your ROM but it surely doesn’t present any details about the content material of the replace or whether or not it contains an Android safety patch.
What number of Android and safety updates does Sony promise
Sony gives a really goal replace coverage: there are three years for safety updates, and two years for system updates. Assist for the latest variations of the Android working system fluctuate by area, and if we think about that Android 13 for Sony’s smartphones is scheduled to reach in December 2022, we are able to say that the corporate is anxious about maintaining its units software program updated.
Sony’s official dedication
“Sony’s warranties for safety and system updates are three years for safety updates, and two years for system updates,” a Sony consultant in Germany confirmed to us.
Sony’s smartphone replace cycle
- Android variations: Two years.
- Safety updates: Three years, the frequency of the patches wasn’t confirmed.
Is that this data publicly accessible to the buyer?
For years Sony has dealt with software program help for its units on a person foundation. So be ready for a fragmented expertise with the official help web page for software program updates. Sony Electronics additionally publishes information about software program updates and companies instantly on the press web page.
Conclusion
That is it for this prolonged article that gives a clearer image of the replace insurance policies of the principle Android smartphone producers. It stays to be seen that the length and frequency of safety updates as promised by Samsung, OnePlus, and others shouldn’t be taken at face worth.
The timeliness of updates is one other challenge that will surely deserve an article of its personal. A few of our rivals have monitoring lists for that, and you may see for your self simply how uncommon is it for producers to maintain to their software program replace insurance policies.
I additionally assume that such guarantees in addition to the authorized framework of replace insurance policies might be fascinating topics to debate. Can we file a criticism in opposition to a producer if it doesn’t preserve its guarantees? Are there any legal guidelines that impose a minimal variety of software program updates throughout time? Share with me within the feedback part if you’re .
This text was up to date in July 2024 with updates to Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, Asus, and Nothing insurance policies.
