Which smartphone manufacturers are best for Android updates?

There are many Android manufacturers, but not all of them pay attention to software updates. While the situation has improved over the past decade, not all smartphone manufacturers offer excellent software support even today. Here are the ones that excel in this area.

1 Google

Google owns Android, and it only makes sense that it’s one of the best smartphone brands for software updates. The company releases updates on day one and provides updates longer than many smartphone manufacturers. Before the Pixel 6 series, Google only guaranteed three years of OS upgrades and security updates.

However, with the launch of the Pixel 8 series in 2023, Google promises to support all models with seven years of major Android updates and security updates. This is one of the best software update policies on the market today.

2 Samsung

Samsung is also one of the best smartphone brands for software updates. The company also updates its devices quickly (though not as quickly as Google) and provides longer software support. Samsung surprisingly matches Google in this area.

Samsung guarantees seven major Android updates and seven years of security updates for its 2024 high-end models, including the Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. Unfortunately, the stellar seven-year update policy doesn’t apply to all of its smartphones, especially mid-range and low-end ones , such as those in the Galaxy A series.

3 OnePlus

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OxygenOS by OnePlus is one of the best Android ROMs in the market. And despite the controversial OnePlus-Oppo merger, which saw OnePlus integrate the OxygenOS codebase with Oppo’s ColorOS, it’s still a good company on the software update front.

The company’s longest software update policy is four years of major Android updates and six years of security updates. Unfortunately, it’s only available on the OnePlus Nord 4. The OnePlus 12, on the other hand, will receive a similar number of major Android updates, but only five years of security updates.

Previously, all OnePlus flagship phones (including the T and R models) from 2018 were eligible for three major Android OS updates and four years of security updates.

4 Motorola

While Motorola is one of the biggest smartphone manufacturers in the US, it’s unfortunately not that great when it comes to software updates. First, Motorola is lackluster in rolling out software updates. Even worse, Motorola’s update policy is standard across all regions.

Currently, Motorola only promises three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates for its devices. This software support policy even extends to the flagship Razr+ (2024), leaving a lot to be desired compared to other manufacturers.

5 Other Android smartphone manufacturers

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Other smartphone manufacturers also have different update policies. Sony, for example, doesn’t have the best track record with updates. The company ships at most two major Android updates and two years of security patches. However, some select devices will receive three years of security patches for two major Android updates.

Finally, TCL promises two major Android updates and the standard two years of security updates on some devices, while others only get security updates.

While some companies may try to downplay the importance of updates, they help keep your smartphone safe. Therefore, I highly recommend considering long-term software support when purchasing a new smartphone.

Software support also ensures that your phone lasts longer and that you are confident that your data is safe. If you want a phone with longer software support, choose any of the top three manufacturers on this list – Google, Samsung, or OnePlus.