Even though it is an increasingly important purchasing criterion, the update policy for Android smartphones is, however, one of the areas in which manufacturers provide the most vague answers. Fortunately, things are starting to improve and it is becoming easier to know whether your smartphone will receive Android 14 or Android 15.
Samsung has shown the right path by improving its update policy, and since then, manufacturers such as Xiaomi and, more recently, Google have been working hard to reassure consumers. These brands have made firm commitments about the number of versions of Android their devices will have and the duration of the security updates they guarantee for their smartphones.
We asked the major Android brands on the market how long we can expect to receive software updates for their different product lines, both for Android and security updates. The first version of this article was published in 2021, and since then we have updated it a few times to reflect the improvements made by the companies.
All deadlines below start counting from the date the models were released, unless otherwise stated.
Android Update Policy by Brand:
How many Android and security updates does Google promise?
As of August 2024, Google is the manufacturer with the best Android update policy. That may seem obvious, but for a brief period in 2023, Samsung was leading the way. The Mountain View company is back with the Pixel 8 line and is now promising seven years of Android updates and security patches.
Google clearly states how long and how often its Pixel smartphones will be updated directly on its official website.
But since not everyone is aware of this, which is natural, I’ll quickly remind you that the Pixel 4 and Pixel 5 lines benefit from three years of updates. That increases to five years for the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold lines. As mentioned above, you’ll get up to seven years of updates with the Pixel 8 or 8 Pro.
- Pixel 8 family: 7 years of system updates and security patches.
- Pixel 6, 7, and Fold models: 3 years of system updates, 5 years of security updates.
- Pixel 4 and 5 families: 3 years of system updates and security patches. (No support except for the Pixel 5a 5G, which will receive updates until August 2024)
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How many security and Android updates does Samsung promise?
Samsung briefly lost its title as the Android brand with the longest software support to Google in 2023. But once 2024 rolled around, the company matched the company’s seven years of software support, for now only for the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z models launching in 2024.
Samsung’s Official Commitment
“Samsung allows all Galaxy smartphones to receive at least two Android system updates and regular security updates for up to four years after their global market launch,” a Samsung Germany representative said.
Samsung smartphone update cycles
Samsung Galaxy S:
- Android versions: Seven, if released in 2024 or later.
- Four, if released in 2021 or later.
- Three, if released in 2019 or 2020. (No support)
- Security updates: Seven years if released in 2024 or later.
- Five years if released in 2021 or later.
- Four years for 2019 and 2020 models: monthly patches for two years, followed by quarterly patches.
Samsung Galaxy Z:
- Android versions: Four, if released in 2021 or later; otherwise, three.
- Security updates: Five years (four if released in 2020 or earlier), monthly patches for two years, followed by quarterly patches.
Samsung Galaxy A:
- Android versions: Two, minimum four for some high-end models and 2024.
- Security updates: Four years, monthly patches for some flagships for a year, then quarterly or semi-annual for the last year.
- Five years for “select devices.”
Samsung Galaxy M:
- Android versions: Two at least.
- Security updates: Four years, quarterly, or even semi-annually for the last year.
Samsung Galaxy Note:
- Android versions: Three, if released in 2019 or later.
- Security updates: Four years, monthly patching for two years, followed by quarterly patches.
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
Samsung sets itself apart from other Android manufacturers by providing a clear list of models that are kept up to date. This list is available online and you can check how often your smartphone will receive security updates.
On the other hand, Samsung doesn’t make it clear how long its smartphone will receive monthly updates, or even what kind of criteria are considered to decide the frequency of update releases over time. “The timing of monthly, quarterly and semi-annual security updates depends on the device’s release date and is re-evaluated at regular intervals,” Samsung said.
This can lead to contradictions. For example, as of July 2024, the Galaxy Note 20 will continue to receive monthly security patches, while the Galaxy Z Fold 2, which launched on the same day with virtually the same hardware, is receiving quarterly updates.
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How many Android and security updates does OnePlus promise?
OnePlus (and parent company Oppo) briefly tried to match Samsung’s support policies throughout 2023, but didn’t join the South Koreans (and Google) in promising seven years of feature updates and security patches.
The update cycle of OnePlus smartphones
OnePlus numbered (flagships)
- Android versions: Four for 2023 and later models;
- Three for the OnePlus 8/8 Pro/8T/9/9 Pro; and two for the previous models.
- Security updates: Five years for 2023 and later models;
- Four years of bi-monthly security patches for the OnePlus 8/8 Pro/8T/9/9 Pro,
- Three years of bi-monthly security patches for previous models.
OnePlus Nord/CE
- Android versions: Four for the Nord 4.
- Two for previous models.
- Security updates: Six for the Nord 4.
- For previous models: Three years, bi-monthly security patches.
OnePlus Nord N/Lite
- Android versions: Two for the Nord CE 4 Lite.
- One for previous models.
- Security updates: Three bi-monthly security patches.
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
OnePlus currently doesn’t have a dedicated security update and patch schedule page on its official website. The company used to update a forum post and a support page with its policies and the latest software updates for its models, but they haven’t been updated since 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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How many security and Android updates Motorola promises
Motorola used to be one of the first companies to release updates right after Google. Either because of its proximity to the Mountain View giant, or because its software features are very close to “pure” Android. However, that has changed a bit since Lenovo bought the company in 2014.
The update cycle of Motorola smartphones
In contact with Motorola, the company said that the duration of support depends on the model, and customers can check specific devices on their support page.
Motorola Ultra variants
- Android versions: Three years.
- Security updates: Four years, bi-monthly security patches.
Motorola Edge and Razr series
- Android versions: Three years for 2023 and later models.
- Two years for previous models.
- Security updates: Four years for 2023 and later models.
- Three years for previous models, bi-monthly security patches.
Motorola G models
- Android versions: Two years.
- Security updates: Three years, bi-monthly security patches.
Motorola E models
- Android versions: One year.
- Security updates: Two years, bi-monthly security patches.
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
Motorola offers an official page to check for Android update files for its devices, as well as another specifically for security updates and related bug reports.
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How many Android and security updates does Xiaomi promise?
Xiaomi has gone from being one of the worst software update providers to one of the best. The manufacturer announced in 2023 that it will now offer four years of Android updates and five years of security updates.
This decision was announced alongside the launch of the Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro and therefore likely concerns the brand’s flagships. Don’t expect more than 3 versions of Android for the rest of the catalog.
The Chinese company has improved a lot on its update promise for some mid-range Redmi Note models, but since many of them are rebranded Poco smartphones, it’s a bit difficult to know which models will receive security updates for three or four years, like the Note 13 family from 2024.
As for security patches, this obscure Xiaomi page mentions that the manufacturer offers at least two years of monthly or quarterly security updates after the smartphone’s launch. For most models launched in 2020/2021, the manufacturer has even extended this promise to three years, with a security patch every 90 days.
Xiaomi Official Comment
“Xiaomi has significantly improved its update policy in recent years, especially for flagship models. Here is an overview of the update promises for various Xiaomi product lines,” the manufacturer responded when asked by nextpit.
Xiaomi smartphone update cycle
Xiaomi Flagships
- Android versions: Four for models released after the Xiaomi 13T line.
- Three for previous models.
- Security updates: Five years for models released after the 13T line.
- With patches every 90 days.
- Four years for previous models.
Xiaomi Mi A
- Android versions: Two (Android One).
Redmi Note
- Android versions: Two or three years for the Redmi Note 13 series, depending on the model.
- One or two for previous models.
- Security updates: Three or four years for the Redmi Note 13 series, depending on the model.
- Patches every 90 days.
- Two or three years for previous models.
Redmi
- Android versions: One.
- Security updates: Two years, patches every 90 days.
Little F/X
- Android versions: Two or three years, depending on the model.
- Security updates: Three or four years, depending on the model, patches every 90 days.
Little M
- Android versions: One to three years, depending on the model.
- Security updates: Three years, patches every 90 days.
Little C
- Android versions: One.
- Security updates: Two years, patches every 90 days.
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Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
No. However, for most of its lineup under the AER (Android Enterprise Recommended) program, you can find the update frequency, EOL (end of life), and promised future operating system on the company’s support page.
Outside of these models, it is currently impossible to know for sure how often and for how long your Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphone will receive updates. However, Xiaomi allows users to download the latest ROM version for their devices from its official website.
How many security and Android updates does Nothing promise?
Nothing has hit the market in style, with its attractive Nothing Phones that offer good value for money, as well as the new Glyph interface. When it comes to software updates, the company offers competitive policies with rival models in the same price range.
Nothing smartphone update cycles
Nothing Phone:
- Android versions: Three.
- Security updates: Four years.
CMF Telephone:
- Android versions: Two.
- Security updates: Three years.
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
Current models (from July 2024) have the information on their online product pages. The company told nextpit that a separate website is currently under development.
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How many Android and security updates does Asus promise?
With a streamlined product lineup, Asus offers a straightforward software update policy for its Zenfone and ROG Phones families.
Asus smartphone update cycles
- Android versions: At least two years old.
- Security updates: At least four years.
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
No.
How many security and Android updates does Oppo promise?
Long behind when it comes to software monitoring, Oppo has finally started to update itself and, since the beginning of 2023, it has guaranteed four years of Android updates and five years of security patches for its high-end smartphones, such as the Oppo Find X or Find N.
Mid-range smartphones from the Oppo Reno or A lines receive three Android updates and four years of security patches. The more affordable models receive one Android update and three years of security updates.
Although it is not the most extensive, Oppo’s update policy at least has the merit of being very clear. We know for how long and how often each model in the catalog will receive updates.
Oppo’s official commitment
“Today, we can guarantee three years of security updates for all our smartphones. For the Find X range, we provide them monthly, and for the Reno range as well as the A range, quarterly.
For the Find X3 Pro and Find X2 Pro, there are three OS updates each. For the other smartphones in the Find X series, as well as the Reno series and part of the A series, we will distribute two OS updates,” a representative of Oppo Germany assured.
The update cycle of Oppo smartphones
Oppo Find X
- Android versions: Four for models starting from Find X6.
- Three for the Find X5 Pro, Find X3 Pro, and Find X2 Pro, otherwise two.
- Security updates: Five years for models starting with Find X6 and newer.
- Four years for previous models, with monthly patches.
Oppo Reno/F/K/Find Lite/Find Neo
- Android versions: Two.
- Security updates: Four years, quarterly patches.
Oppo A
- Android versions: One.
- Security updates: Three years, quarterly patches.
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
Oppo displays on its official website the list of models according to their update frequency. This way, you can see how often your smartphone will receive security updates.
Unlike Samsung, Oppo doesn’t show any variation or decrease in the frequency of security updates over time. It also doesn’t allow you to manually download updated ROMs for its models through its official website.
How many Android and security updates does Realme promise?
Realme doesn’t have the most comprehensive update policy on the market. You’ll have to settle for a single major Android version and two years of security updates on average. And with operations outside of China apparently scaling back, the software support improvements announced for 2023 won’t extend to other markets.
Realme Official Commitment
“Our goal is to provide at least two years of bi-monthly security updates. This will be monthly for the first six months after launch, with at least one major Android update.
We also intend to provide Android security patch updates to all Realme smartphones, including entry-level devices such as the Realme C series smartphones, Realme France said in February.
In early December, we reached out to Realme’s European team, who confirmed that this same update policy will be maintained for the newly launched Realme 10.
The update cycle of Realme smartphones
Realme GT
- Android versions: Two.
- Security updates: Three years, monthly patches for 6 months, followed by bimonthly.
Realme numbered
- Android versions: One.
- Security updates: Two years, bimonthly patches.
Realme X
- Android versions: One.
- Security updates: Two years, bimonthly patches.
Realme C
- Android versions: One.
- Security updates: Three years, bimonthly patches.
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
Realme does not have a dedicated page on its official website that provides the duration and frequency of updates for its smartphones.
However, the manufacturer has listed the updated ROMs for its models on this page, allowing users to download the latest version. The site also offers a logbook with records, which is used to check whether the ROM has received the latest security patch or not.
But that page doesn’t appear to be updated regularly, and it doesn’t list the latest models like the Realme GT, or the Realme 8 and 8 Pro.
How many Android and security updates does Vivo promise?
Vivo is playing it safe in Europe, but the manufacturer has one of the highest numbers when it comes to smartphone sales worldwide. We’ve seen the brand everywhere since its sponsorships of Euro 2020 and 2024, so I thought it would be interesting to include the company here.
The manufacturer is not committing to the number of Android versions, although Vivo France confirmed to me that the Vivo X60 Pro 5G would receive three versions of Android and three years of security patches. This means that we are not far from the commitments made by Samsung and OnePlus.
Vivo’s official commitment
“We are one of the fastest manufacturers in terms of implementing security updates, thanks to our dedicated R&D teams (the Vivo X51 has received all monthly patches since its launch).
In 2020, we updated our entire European lineup to Android 11 just a few months after its launch — even entry-level smartphones. We followed Google’s recommendations to offer at least three years of security updates,” confirmed a Vivo France representative.
Vivo smartphone update cycle
Vivo X (flagship)
- Android versions: Three for Vivo X60 Pro and later, no warranty for others.
- Security updates: Three years, with quarterly patches at a minimum.
Vivo Y (mid/entry)
- Android versions: No strings attached.
- Security updates: Three years, minimum quarterly patches.
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
No, Vivo confirmed in a press release last June its update commitments for the Vivo X60 Pro 5G, namely three versions of Android and three years of security patches. But the manufacturer did not provide any other official and publicly available information about the rest of its smartphone catalog.
There’s a dedicated page that lets you download the latest version of your ROM, but it doesn’t provide any information about what’s in the update or whether it includes an Android security patch.
How many Android and security updates does Sony promise?
Sony has a very straightforward update policy: three years for security updates and two years for system updates. Support for the latest versions of the Android operating system varies by region, so it’s safe to say that the company cares about keeping its devices’ software up to date.
Sony’s official commitment
“Sony’s warranties for security and system updates are three years for security updates, and two years for system updates,” a Sony representative in Germany confirmed.
Sony Smartphone Update Cycle
- Android versions: Two years.
- Security updates: Three years, patch frequency unconfirmed.
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
For years, Sony has handled software support for its devices individually, so be prepared for a fragmented experience with the official support page for software updates. Sony Electronics also posts news about software updates and services directly on its press page.
Conclusion
That’s all for this lengthy article that provides a clearer view of the update policies of major Android smartphone manufacturers. It remains to be seen whether the duration and frequency of security updates promised by Samsung, OnePlus, and others should not be taken at face value.
The timeliness of updates is another issue that certainly deserves its own article. Some of our competitors have watchlists for this, and you can see how rarely manufacturers comply with their software update policies.
I think it would be interesting to discuss the promises of updates and their legal basis. Can we complain if a manufacturer does not comply? Is there a law that imposes minimum updates? If you are interested, comment below.