Numerous Android manufacturers and Smartphone Brands exist, but not all prioritize software updates.
Although the situation has improved over the past decade, some smartphone makers still fall short in providing outstanding software support. Here are those that excel in this aspect.
Samsung Brands
Samsung is among the top smartphone brands when it comes to software updates.
While their device update speed isn’t quite as rapid as Google’s, Samsung excels by offering extended software support. Remarkably, in this regard, they stand on par with Google.
Samsung promises seven major Android updates and security patches over seven years for its high-end 2024 models, such as the Galaxy S24, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6 series.
Sadly, this impressive update policy does not extend to all of its smartphones, particularly those in the mid-range and budget categories like the Galaxy A series.
Motorola Brands
Although Motorola ranks among the largest smartphone manufacturers in the US, its performance regarding software updates is less impressive.
Firstly, the company doesn’t excel at distributing these updates promptly. Furthermore, Motorola’s update policy remains basic and uniform across all devices.
At present, Motorola offers its devices three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates.
This policy extends to high-end models like the Razr+ (2024). However, this level of software support falls short when compared to other manufacturers.
Different smartphones Brands
Different smartphone manufacturers have varying update policies. Take Sony, for example; it isn’t known for having the most reliable track record when it comes to updates.
Generally, Sony provides up to two major Android updates along with two years of security patches.
However, certain devices are exceptions and receive three years of security patches in addition to the standard two major Android updates.
Lastly, TCL commits to providing two major Android updates along with the standard two years of security updates for certain devices. Other devices will receive only security updates.
Google Brands
Google, the owner of Android, is naturally one of the leading brands when it comes to smartphone software updates.
They release updates on day one and maintain support for longer periods than many other manufacturers.
Prior to the Pixel 6 series, Google promised just three years of operating system upgrades and security patches.
With the 2023 launch of the Pixel 8 series, Google commits to providing seven years of major Android updates and security patches for all models.
This support policy is among the best currently available on the market.
OnePlus Brands
OnePlus’ OxygenOS has long been recognized as one of the top Android ROMs available.
Despite the contentious merger between OnePlus and Oppo, which resulted in integrating OxygenOS with Oppo’s ColorOS code base, OnePlus still maintains a strong reputation for delivering software updates efficiently.
The company offers its most extensive software update policy with the OnePlus Nord 4, providing four years of major Android updates and six years of security patches.
In contrast, the OnePlus 12 will receive an equivalent number of major Android updates but is limited to five years for security updates.
In the past, all OnePlus flagship phones from 2018 onward (including T and R models) were entitled to three major Android OS updates along with four years of security updates.
Conclusion
Samsung, Motorola, Sony, Google, and OnePlus are some of the top Android manufacturers in terms of software updates.
Samsung offers seven major updates and security patches for its high-end 2024 models, while Motorola offers three years of major updates and four years of security updates.
Sony provides up to two major updates and two years of security patches, while Google provides seven years of major updates and security patches.
OnePlus maintains a strong reputation for delivering software updates efficiently.
