Software updates decide how soon your new smartphone gets old. So, software support is an important factor to consider when buying your smartphone. You must know how many years of updates your smartphone will get. And, It completely depends on the device and the brands you select. Let’s explore more facts about it.

Android manufacturers commonly offer a limited number of system updates for their users, which is not the case for Apple iOS. Usually, Android manufacturers offer two Android versions. The Indian smartphone market is dominated by many brands. Each brand has a different plan for offering software support to its users.

Top Smartphone brands and their Android updates

OnePlus

OnePlus is a popular brand, offering glamorous features with a very satisfying user experience. In 2018, the brand announced that it would improve software support for devices.

OnePlus confirms that their all phones will get two major Android updates and three years of security updates. However, it is still one year lesser than Samsung and Google. It simply means that if you buy a OnePlus phone with Android 12, your phone software will also get Android 13 and 14 when they will be available.

For its flagship phones, they offer three Android updates. So, with the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, you will get three years of updates. However, the brand remains inconsistent for low-tier devices like OnePlus 9R and Nord Series.

The availability of security is not very clear from the brand side because they introduce more models every year instead of one or two flagship models.

Samsung

Samsung is the most reliable brand for offering software support to its users. For most devices, the brand offers three years of Android updates and four years of security updates.

For select galaxy devices, Samsung even extends the duration and offers up to four generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades.

Eligible Galaxy Devices that receive four generations of one UI and five years of security updates are:

Lower M-series also get two years of system updates and four years of security patches. Since new phones are getting into the market fast, the security updates for older Samsung versions are not the quickest.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi confirms that it releases security patches monthly and quarterly for two years after the product listing. Xiaomi reveals all software and security updates on their official webpage.

Oppo

Oppo reveals that for its flagship model, the software support will be updated every two years. Flagship models get three years of system updates and four years of security patches. For other devices, including reno, F-series, and K-series, the brand has not confirmed the security updates.

Realme

Like Oppo, Realme also offers three years of system updates and four years of security updates. It is applicable for all GT 2 series. However, the GT Neo Series is eligible for two years of system updates and three years of security patches.

Vivo

Vivo introduces the three years of system updates and four years of security updates for its Flagship X-series phone. However, the other series including T-series, V-series, and U-series do not have any confirmed software update policy.

Google

Google is quick when it comes to Android updates for its Pixel phones. Pixel phones come up with an update cycle of three years. It means that your Pixel phone with Android 12 is eligible for up to the Android 15 update. Google also releases security patches once a month, making their phones one the safest for use.

Other brands

The other popular brands in the Indian smartphone market, including Motorola, Micromax, and Infinix, have no concrete software update cycle. However, you will receive a max of one or two Android OS updates.

Remember that the brands can change their update policy anytime for their devices. Having said that, you must always check the software support before purchasing a phone.