Updates are a big thing in the Android world. Apple controls the iPhone update process, but Google does not have that power over Android. How do you know how long your Android phone is getting updates? We help you.
It’s about the manufacturer
When it comes to Android devices and updates, you can not see the whole of Android as a whole. The question is not “when will my Android phone be supported?” It is “when will min [manufacturer] is the phone supported? ”
There used to be a lot of manufacturers pumping out Android devices, but it has mostly been narrowed down to Samsung, Google and a few smaller players – at least in the US we will focus on these companies.
Android OS upgrade vs. security update
Before we dive in, there is one difference that needs to be made. There are two types of Android updates. Security updates are minor and come more often. They typically do not include major changes, but they are very important.
Android upgrades or “major OS updates” are annual. This is when Android 12 upgrades to Android 13, or One UI 3 to One UI 4, and so on. Typically, devices will receive one more year of security updates after receiving their last OS upgrade.
Note: Update timelines begin at the time of publication. If a device was launched in October 2021 and it receives five years of security updates, the last update will be in October 2026, regardless of when you purchased it.
RELATED: What are Android security updates and why are they important?
How long will my Samsung phone be supported?
Samsung releases many Android devices and they do not all receive the same amount of updates. Fortunately, the company maintains a detailed “Security Updates Scope” website with information on specific devices.
Updates are released on a monthly, quarterly, and biannual schedule. Newer Samsung devices receive updates more often. Devices launched in 2019 or later receive four years of security updates, while newer devices receive up to five years.
In addition to these security updates, Samsung offers four Android upgrades for most of its devices. The list of these devices can be found on Samsung’s website, and it also includes newer models from these series.
The short answer for most Samsung devices is that you get four Android upgrades and five years of security updates.
How long will my Google Pixel phone be supported?
Google does not have nearly as many devices to worry about as Samsung, but they are still not all treated the same. Pixel device timelines can be found here on the Google website.
Newer devices – starting with the Pixel 6 series – receive three years of Android upgrades and five years of security updates. Pixel 5a to Pixel 3a receives three years of Android upgrades and security updates. Pixel 3 and older Pixels are no longer supported.
If you own a Google Pixel, look at three to five years of support.
RELATED: How to manually update your Google Pixel by page loading OTA
How long are other phones supported?
In addition to the big hitters, there are a few other Android manufacturers to know about.
OnePlus
OnePlus 8 and newer devices receive three years of Android upgrades and four years of security updates. Older devices receive two-year upgrades and three-year security updates. The Nord series gets one year of upgrades and three years of security updates
Motorola
Motorola has one of the most flawed updating strategies among Android manufacturers. It varies a lot depending on what device you have. Newer devices receive two Android upgrades and two years of security updates. You can look up your model on Motorola’s website.
Sony
Most Sony phones receive two years of Android upgrades and security updates. Sony does not provide much information about its update timelines.
LG
LG closed its smartphone business in 2021, but phones released in 2019 or later are expected to receive three years of Android updates.
Samsung and Google are the most reliable
At the time of writing in April 2022, Samsung and Google are head and shoulders above the rest of the Android world when it comes to updates.
These are the devices you should consider if you want long-term support. You do not want to use a phone without updated software. Having a supported phone is crucial to security.