Smartphones are always getting better, with new models out every year. People also keep their phones for longer than before. Because of this, what happens after you buy a phone is super important. We’re talking about software updates. They bring new features, keep your phone running smooth, and most importantly, keep it safe.
Table of Contents
Major Smartphone Brands: Update Policy Breakdown
1. Samsung (Android)
Flagship series (Galaxy S, Z series)
Samsung has really stepped up its game. For many of its newer phones, especially flagships like the Galaxy S series and Z Fold/Flip, Samsung offers 7+7 update support , 7 major Android OS upgrades and also 7 Years of security update
- Android upgrades : 7 Years of os upgrades
- security patched : 7 years of security patches
Mid range series (A series)
In samsung midrange series brand provide 6+6 update policy, 6 android os upgrades and aslo 6 years of security patches ,
recently launched samsung A16 5g comes with 6+6 android support.
- Android upgrades : 6 Years of os upgrades
- security updates : 6 years of security updates
Budget series (M and F series)
Even in budget phone series it offers 4-6 android update. and 5-6 years security updates.
In M series samsung provide 6+6 update policy, recently launched galaxy M36 5g M series phones receive 6 android updates and 6 years of security updates. get good update support.
This makes Samsung one of the best Android options for long-term software support.
- Android upgrades : 6 Years of os upgrades
- security updates : 6 years of security updates
2. Google (Pixel – Android)
Google’s Pixel phones are the first to get new Android versions. They often set the standard for Android updates. Google promises 7 android updates OS and security updates for its newest Pixel phones, like the Pixel 9 series. This commitment ensures Pixel owners get the latest features and security fixes right away, and for a very long time. If timely updates are your top priority, Pixel is often a strong choice.
We’re expanding #Pixel support to ✨7 years✨ of OS upgrades, security updates, Feature Drops, and AI innovations¹ 🎉
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) October 4, 2023
Your #Pixel8 and #Pixel8 Pro will be supported all the way through 2030!#MadeByGoogle pic.twitter.com/tjcBJRVmXi
- Android upgrades : 7 Years of os upgrades
- security updates : 7 years of security updates
Google is one of the best update provider with stable update.
3. iphone (ios)
Apple has a strong name for long-term software support. iPhones often get major iOS updates for many years. This commitment helps iPhones hold their value well. Users expect consistent, timely updates from Apple.
Apple provides 5-7 iOS upgrades and security updates and also provide update on time to time, and older devices receive updates simultaneously with the latest models.
apple provide high quality update with all apple devices getting more similar features through updates.
Previous iPhone 16 series (2024) likely to get support of major ios updates at least 2031.
- ios upgrades: 5-7 years of update support
4. OnePlus
Flagship (11,12,13) number series
OnePlus generally offers a solid update policy, especially for its flagship devices. For recent flagship models like the OnePlus 13, they guarantee four major Android OS upgrades and six years of security updates. they provide 4+6, they provide 4 android os updates and 6 years of security updates,
- Android upgrades: 4 android os upgrade
- security updates: 6 years of security update
Mid-range (Nord series)
Budget series like Nord series OnePlus provides generally 3-4 android OS updates and 5-6 security updates
oneplus improving thire update policy and they announces new nord phones are get support of 4+6 update policy.
- Android upgrades: 4 android os upgrade
- security updates: 6 years of security update
recently launched oneplus Nord 4 receiving four Android OS updates and six years of security patches.
5. Nothing Phone
Nothing provide generally receive 3 android updates and 4 years of security updates. Nothing phone 3 will be receive more updates, Nothing announces phone 3 will be receive 5+7,
5 android updates and 7 years of security updates.
- Android upgrades: 5 android os upgrade.
- security updates: 6 years of security update.
CMF Phone By Nothing (budget series)
Nothing announces nothing cmf phone 2 pro will receive 3+4 update policy. nothing provide early updates.
- Android upgrades: 3 android os upgrade.
- security updates: 4 years of security update.
6. Xiaomi
Flagship Series(K Series )
Xiaomi improved update policy they also changed thire MIUI to Hyperos, in flagship models they Provides 4 years of android updates and 6 years of security updates 4+6 policy.
- Android upgrades: 4 android os upgrade.
- security updates: 6 years of security update.
Mid-range Series(note series)
xiaomi also increased thire update policy in mid-range series they announced 4+6 policy, provides 4 os upgrades and 6 years of security updates.
- Android upgrades: 4 android os upgrade.
- security updates: 6 years of security update.
Budget Series (number series)
In Budget series xiaomi provide 2 years of android updates and 3 years of security updates, in budget phone xiaomi provide minimum 2 years of updates from launching.
- Android upgrades: 2 android os upgrade.
- security updates: 3 years of security update.
7. Oppo
Flagship Series (Find X / high-end Reno)
oppo announces they provide 4+5 smartphone update policy for theire flagship phones. they provide updates for flagship upto 4 android updates and 5 years of security updates.
Mid-range (F Series)
In Mid-range f series oppo provide support of 2-3 os upgrade support and 3-4 years of security support it depends on models.
Budget (A, K series)
Oppo provides 2 os upgrades and 3 years of security updates that means in budget opo provides 2+3 update support.
- Android upgrades: 2 years of android os upgrade.
- security updates: 3 years of security update.
8. Vivo
Flagship (X-Series)
Vivo provide updates for flagship 3+4, Vivo provide 3 android updates and 4 years of security patches.
Mid-range (T Series)
vivo provide 2 os upgrades and 3years of security updates.
- Android upgrades: 2 years of android os upgrade.
- security updates: 3 years of security update.
Budget (Y,U Series)
In budget segment vivo provide only 1-2 os upgrades and 2 years of security patches.
- Android upgrades: 1-2 android os upgrade.
- security updates: 2 years of security update.
9. Realme
Flagship Series (Number series, GT Series)
In flagship Realme provide 3+4 updates , it provide 3 android updates and 4 years of security updates.
- Android upgrades: 3 years of android os upgrade.
- security updates: 4 years of security update.
Mid-range Series
Realme provides 2 os Upgrades and 3 years of security updates.
- Android upgrades: 2 android os upgrade.
- security updates: 3 years of security update.
budget (C Series)
Realme provides only 1-2 os upgrades updates, it provide 2 years of security updates. c series is budget series from realme.
- Android upgrades: 2 years of android os upgrade.
- security updates: 3 years of security update.
10. Motorola
Flagship (Edge series high end, Razr foldables, Series)
In flagship series Motorola provides 3+4 update policy, it provide 3 android updates and 4 years of security updates.
- Android upgrades: 3 years of android os upgrade.
- security updates: 4 years of security update.
Mid-range (mid Edge, higher Moto G)
Motorola provide typically 2-3 major android os upgrade and 3 years of security updates, motorola’s update frequency is slow, they need to improve.
- Android upgrades: 2-3 years of android os upgrade.
- security updates: 3 years of security update.
Budget Series (Moto G)
In budget phones will receive fewer updates, sometimes only 1 or 2. and they provide 2-3 years of security updates.
- Android upgrades: 1-2 years of android os upgrade.
- security updates: 3 years of security update.
11. Other brands
Asus
Asus provides only 2 major os upgrades and 2-3 years of security updates.
Infinix
infinix provides 2+3 updates, it provide 2 android updates and 3 years security updates from launch date.
Nokia
nokia provide 2+3 updates, it provide 2 android updates and 3 years of security updates.
Lava
in flagship Lava provides upto 3 android updates and 4 years of security updates. it provides 3+3 updates in flagship
In budget it provides 2+3 update policy, it provide 2 android updates and 3 years of security updates.
Why Update Policies Matter
Software update policies directly impact you. They offer many real benefits for phone users. These benefits stretch from daily use to long-term device value.
Enhanced Security: Regular updates protect against threats. They close security holes hackers might use. This keeps your personal data safe from theft. Your phone becomes a stronger fortress.
Improved Performance: Updates often fix bugs. They also fine-tune the system. This can make your phone run faster. Apps might open quicker, and your battery could last longer.
New Features & Functionality: Major updates bring fresh tools. You get access to the latest tech advances. This keeps your phone feeling new. You can enjoy modern app experiences.
Device Longevity: Good update support extends a phone’s life. Your device stays usable and safe for more years. This reduces how often you need to buy a new phone. It helps the environment, too.
App Compatibility: Apps often need the latest OS versions. Updates ensure your apps run well. Without updates, some apps might stop working right. This keeps your phone ready for new software.
Conclusion
Software updates are key for your smartphone. They ensure security, boost performance, and extend device life. Ignoring update policies means risking your data and your device’s future. Apple still leads with long, consistent support. Yet, brands like Samsung and Google now offer much stronger Android update promises. This is a win for consumers. Always research update policies before buying your next phone. This knowledge helps you make a smarter, more future-proof investment. Your phone will stay safe and useful for many years.
FAQs
Why are software updates so important for my phone?
Software updates provide five key benefits:
Security: They patch vulnerabilities that hackers could use to access your personal data.
Performance: They fix bugs and can optimize your phone to run smoother and improve battery life.
New Features: Major updates bring new functionalities, designs, and access to the latest technology.
Longevity: Regular updates extend the useful life of your phone, meaning you can keep it longer before needing to upgrade.
App Compatibility: Newer apps often require the latest OS version; updates ensure your apps continue to work correctly.
What’s the difference between an OS update and a security update?
OS (Operating System) Update: A major upgrade that brings a new version of the software (e.g., from Android 13 to Android 14 or iOS 16 to iOS 17). These updates include new features, significant design changes, and major performance improvements.
Security Update: A smaller, more frequent patch that focuses solely on fixing security vulnerabilities. It does not add new features but is essential for protecting your device.
How long should I expect my phone to get updates?
The answer varies greatly by brand and the price tier of your phone. Generally, flagship phones from major brands receive support for longer. Based on current policies, you should expect a minimum of 2-3 years of OS updates, with leading brands now offering up to 7 years for their top-tier models.
Which brands offer the longest software support?
Apple (iPhone): Consistently provides 5-7 years of major iOS updates and security patches for all its models, making it a leader in long-term support.
Samsung (Android): Has become an Android leader, offering 7 years of both OS and security updates for its recent flagship Galaxy S series and Z Fold/Flip models. Its budget and mid-range phones also receive excellent support (4-6 years).
Google Pixel (Android): Promises 7 years of OS and security updates for its latest phones (Pixel 9 series). Pixels are always the first to receive the newest Android versions.
What do other Android brands offer?
OnePlus: Flagship models (e.g., OnePlus 13) get 4 OS updates and 6 years of security patches. Their Nord (budget) series typically gets 3-4 OS updates.
Nothing: The newest policy for the Nothing Phone (3) promises 5 OS updates and 7 years of security patches, a significant improvement. Older models get less.
Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo: These brands generally offer 3-4 years of OS updates and 4-5 years of security patches for their flagships, with support decreasing for mid-range and budget devices.
Realme & Motorola: Typically provide 3 years of OS updates for flagships, with budget models sometimes receiving only 1 or 2. Motorola’s support is often cited as being less consistent.
Infinix, Nokia, Lava: Generally offer a baseline of 2 OS updates and 3 years of security patches, with Lava promising more for its flagship devices.
I want to keep my phone for 5+ years. What should I buy?
An iPhone
A flagship Samsung Galaxy S series or Z Fold/Flip phone
A Google Pixel (latest models like the Pixel 9 series)
These brands have committed to the long-term support needed to keep a phone secure and functional for over half a decade.
Why do some brands offer longer support than others?
Longer support requires dedicated teams and resources from the manufacturer. Brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google see it as a key part of their product value, helping devices retain resale value and customer trust. Other brands have traditionally competed more on hardware specs and price.
Where can I find the exact update policy for a specific phone model?
Always check the manufacturer’s official website for the most accurate and detailed information. Their product pages or support sections should list the guaranteed update policy for each device.