An increasingly important purchase criterion for many, software update schedules of Android smartphones continues to remain cloudy among manufacturers. Do you want to know whether your smartphone will receive Android 12 or Android 13? Well, good luck!
With the exception of Google, Samsung or OnePlus, few manufacturers make concrete and, especially, written commitments about the number of Android versions and the number of years that their smartphones are guaranteed for when it comes to security updates.
All too often, we had to make do with vague informal promises or even having to "guess" just how many updates a smartphone will receive based on the software updates of previous models (such as Xiaomi). Hence, we contacted some of the most represented Android manufacturers in terms of units sold and market share by August 2022.
In the first version of this article, released in February 2022, we asked them to inform us officially, for each device in their current catalog, just how many Android versions and security updates will the concerned models will receive. For this updated version, our team has checked if there have been any changes in the update policies of the manufacturers mentioned in this article.
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How many Android and security updates does Google promise
Yes, the interest of mentioning Google in this article is rather limited in its scope since the question of transparency and clarity of its update policy does not arise.
Google clearly indicates just how long and how often its Pixel smartphones will be updated. You can find all this information on its official website.
But since not everyone is aware of this (which is natural), I'll quickly remind you that Google's Pixels currently benefit from at least three versions of Android and at least three years of monthly security patches after their release.
After those three years are over, smartphones will continue to receive security patches for 18 months after the end of the said model's shelf life on the official Google store.
With the Pixel 6 release, Google extended the security updates policy to five years, counting from the device's release date in the US. The same goes for the Pixel 7 series.
How many Android and security updates does Samsung promise
Samsung has recently become the best example when it comes to security and software updates among third-party Android manufacturers. Concerning its latest flagships, Samsung has committed to offering four major Android update versions and five years of security updates for its high-end models.
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 being launched in the global market," a Samsung Germany representative informed us.
Samsung smartphone update cycles
Samsung Galaxy S:
- Android versions: four, if released in 2021 or later.
- Three, if released in 2019 or 2020.
- Security updates: five years, if released in 2021 or later.
- For 2019 and 2020 models: four years, 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 before), monthly patches for two years followed by quarterly patches.
Samsung Galaxy A:
- Android versions: two minimum, three for some high-end models.
- Security updates: four years, monthly patches for some flagships for one year, then quarterly or half-yearly in the last year.
- Five years for "select devices".
Samsung Galaxy M:
- Android versions: two minimum.
- Security updates: four years, quarterly, or even half-yearly in the last year.
Samsung Galaxy Note:
- Android versions: three if released in 2019 or later.
- Security updates: four years, monthly patch for two years followed by quarterly patches.
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
Samsung distinguishes itself from other Android manufacturers by presenting a clear list of models kept up to date. This list is available online and you can check just how often your smartphone will receive security updates.
On the other hand, Samsung doesn't make it clear just how long your smartphone will receive monthly updates or what kind of criteria are taken into account when deciding on the frequency of update releases over time. "The timing of monthly, quarterly, and half-yearly security updates depends on the launch date of the device and is re-evaluated at regular intervals," Samsung said.
This can lead to contradictions. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy A72 that was released this year will receive quarterly security patches while the cheaper and less capable Galaxy A52 which was released at the same time receives monthly patches.
How many Android and security updates does OnePlus promise
OnePlus has definitely seen better days, but it would be unbecoming to conveniently forget that the manufacturer happens to be among the best examples when it comes to software updates. Yes, OxygenOS 11 divided fans and the Android 11 rollout was more complicated than it should have been, but OnePlus remains the only manufacturer to match Samsung's commitment to updates.
OnePlus' official commitment
"For all flagships, Nord and Nord CE OnePlus offers two years of major Android updates and three years of bi-monthly security patches. And for Nord N10 5G and Nord N100, those will receive one year of major Android updates and two years of bi-monthly patches," OnePlus France confirmed with us.
Since I contacted OnePlus on June 22, the manufacturer has slightly altered its update policy for its most recent flagships. Thus, all flagships numbered from the OnePlus 8 onwards will benefit from three major Android versions and four years of security patches.
Since then, the company matched Samsung's policy and promised "four generations of OxygenOS and five years of security updates on selected devices", without specifying phone models or product lines, but considering the previous changes, should only apply to flagship models.
OnePlus Nord N from N10 5G and N100 onwards will also continue to receive three years of security patches as opposed to two previously.
The update cycle of OnePlus smartphones
OnePlus numbered (flagship)
- Android versions: four for 2023 models; three for the OnePlus 8/8 Pro/8T/9/9 Pro; two for previous models
- Security updates: five years for 2023 models; four years, bi-monthly security patches for OnePlus 8/8 Pro/8T/9/9 Pro, three years bi-monthly security patches for previous models
OnePlus Nord/ CE
- Android versions: two
- Security updates: three years, bi-monthly security patches
OnePlus Nord N
- Android versions: one
- Security updates: three, bi-monthly security patches
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
Currently, OnePlus doesn't have a dedicated security update and patch schedule page on its official website.
However, the manufacturer has detailed its new update policy on its forum. So in this forum post, you can check out the update policy that applies to your OnePlus model. Like Oppo, OnePlus has clearly specified the duration as well as the frequency of its updates over time.
OnePlus also groups all its updated ROMs for its models on a dedicated page. You can download them and check their contents to see if they include a security patch or not.
How many Android and security updates does Motorola promise
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, this has changed a bit since Lenovo bought the company.
Motorola's smartphone update cycle
In contact with Motorola via phone in Germany, we were told that "the updates occur according to the device line and are specific for the region". That said, Android version updates can range from three to one year, while security patch releases range from four to two years depending on the series.
Motorola's Ultra variants
- Android versions: three years
- Security updates: four years, bi-monthly security patches
Motorola's Razr variants
- Android versions: two years
- Security updates: three years, bi-monthly security patches
Motorola's Edge variants
- Android versions: two years
- Security updates: three years, bi-monthly security patches
Motorola's G-models
- Android versions: two years
- Security updates: three years, bi-monthly security patches
Motorola's 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 for checking Android update files for its devices, as well as another one specifically for security updates. As the company offers different models around the world, you will have to search by region: Motorola US.
How many Android and security updates does Xiaomi promise
Xiaomi isn't the worst example around when it comes to software updates. But it's one of the only major manufacturers who refuse to be transparent and provide any kind of guarantee. It is still possible to "guess" the unofficial update policy for its Xiaomi smartphone based on previous models, although we have seen an improvement in recent times.
On average, we should not expect more than two Android versions for flagships and one version for the rest of the devices. Mi fans will scream in my face that it's the MIUI versions that count above all else, as these do indeed extend the software update cycle of Xiaomi smartphones.
As for security patches, this obscure Xiaomi page mentioned that the manufacturer offers at least two years of monthly and quarterly security updates after the initial release of the smartphone. For most models that were released in 2020/2021, the manufacturer even extended this promise to three years with a security patch once every 90 days.
Xiaomi's official comment
"We do not give any official guarantees for our ranges at the moment, but many past examples show that we have regularly provided updates to older devices," Xiaomi of Germany mentioned.
Xiaomi's smartphone update cycle
Xiaomi flagships
- Android versions: Three, for models released after the 11T line, 2 otherwise
- MIUI versions: four
- Security updates: four years, for models released after the 11T line, otherwise 3 years, with patches every 90 days
Xiaomi Note/Max/Mix
- Android versions: two
- MIUI versions: four
- Security updates: three years, patches every 90 days
Xiaomi Mi A
- Android versions: two (Android One)
Redmi Note
- Android versions: one
- MIUI versions: three
- Security updates: three years, patches every 90 days
Redmi
- Android versions: one
- MIUI versions: two
- Security updates: three years, patches every 90 days
Poco F/X
- Android versions: two
- MIUI versions: four
- Security updates: three years, patches every 90 days
Poco M
- Android versions: one
- MIUI versions: three
- Security updates: three years, patches every 90 days
Poco C
- Android versions: one
- MIUI versions: two
- Security updates: three years, patches every 90 days
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
No, as explained above, Xiaomi does not provide any guarantees or make any official commitments when it comes to Android versions and security updates.
The information I've listed above was compiled from unofficial sources based on updates that were released for models rolled out in previous years.
For a selected number of phones listed as AER (Android Enterprise Recommended), Xiaomi publishes a clear table of software support, including the update frequency, EOL (end of life), and future operating system promised.
Outside of those models, it is currently impossible to know for sure just how often and for how long your Xiaomi, Redmi, or Poco smartphone will receive updates. However, Xiaomi does allow users to download the latest ROM version for its smartphones from its official website.
How many Android and security updates does Oppo promise
In terms of software updates, Oppo falls in line with the average Android manufacturer, which is no mean feat at all. Sure, it announced in 2021 that it would offer three years of security updates for its Find X, Reno, and A lines as opposed to two previously, but that's just catching up with the likes of Samsung or OnePlus.
While not the most extensive, Oppo's update policy has at least the merit of being crystal clear. We know just 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, for the Reno range as well as the A range, on a quarterly basis.
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," an Oppo Germany representative assured us.
The update cycle of Oppo smartphones
Oppo Find X
- Android versions: three for the Find X2 Pro and Find X3 Pro, otherwise two
- Security updates: four years, 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 does not allow you to manually download updated ROMs for its models via its official website.
How many Android and security updates does Realme promise?
Still an emerging brand on the scale of giants like Samsung, Realme doesn't have the most extensive update policy on the market. You'll have to make do with a single major Android version and two years of security updates on average.
Realme's official commitment
"We aim to provide at least two years of bi-monthly security updates. This will be done monthly for the first six months after launch with at least one major Android update.
We also aim to provide Android security patch updates for all Realme smartphones, including entry-level devices such as the Realme C series smartphones," said Realme France in February.
At the beginning of December, we contacted the European Realme team, who confirmed that this same update policy will be maintained for the recently released Realme 10 (hands-on).
The update cycle for Realme smartphones
Realme GT
- Android versions: two
- Security updates: three years, monthly patches for 6 months followed by bi-monthly
Realme numbered
- Android versions: one
- Security updates: two years, bi-monthly patches
Realme X
- Android versions: one
- Security updates: two years, bi-monthly patches
Realme C
- Android versions: one
- Security updates: three years, bi-monthly patches
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
Realme does not have a dedicated page on its official website allowing that provides the duration and frequency of updates for its smartphones.
However, the manufacturer listed on this page updated ROMs for its models while allowing users to download the latest version. The page also offers a logbook to check whether the ROM has received the latest security patch or not.
But this page does not seem to be updated regularly and does not 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 chalks up one of the highest figures when it comes to smartphone sales worldwide. We've seen the brand everywhere since its Euro 2020 ad campaign, so I think it's interesting to include it here.
The manufacturer doesn't commit to the number of Android versions, although Vivo France confirmed with me a few weeks ago that the latest flagship, the Vivo X60 Pro 5G, would receive three versions of Android and three years of security patches. This means we're not that far from the commitments made by Samsung and OnePlus.
Vivo's official commitment
"We are one of the fastest manufacturers in terms of rolling out security updates thanks to our dedicated R&D teams (the Vivo X51 has received all monthly patches since its release).
In 2020, we updated our entire European line-up to Android 11 only a few months after their release—even the entry-level smartphones. We follow Google's recommendations to offer at least three years of security updates," a Vivo France representative confirmed to us.
Vivo's smartphone update cycle
Vivo X (flagship)
- Android versions: three for the Vivo X60 Pro and later, no guarantee for the rest
- Security updates: three years, quarterly patches on a minimum basis
Vivo Y (mid-range/entry-level)
- Android versions: No commitment
- Security updates: three years, minimum quarterly patches
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
No, Vivo did confirm in a press release last June its update commitments for the Vivo X60 Pro 5G, i.e. three Android versions 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.
A dedicated page is there that allows you to download the latest version of your ROM but it does not provide any information about the content of the update or whether it includes an Android security patch.
How many Android and security updates does Sony promise
Sony offers a very objective update policy: there are three years for security updates, and two years for system updates. Support for the newest versions of the Android operating system vary by region, and if we consider that Android 13 for Sony's smartphones is scheduled to arrive in December 2022, we can say that the company is concerned 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 to us.
Sony's smartphone update cycle
- Android versions: two years
- Security updates: three years, the frequency of the patches wasn't confirmed
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
For years Sony has handled software support for its devices on an individual basis. So be prepared for a fragmented experience with the official support page for software updates. Sony Electronics also publishes news about software updates and services directly on the press page.
Conclusion
That's it for this lengthy article that provides a clearer picture of the update policies of the main Android smartphone manufacturers. It remains to be seen that the duration and frequency of security updates as promised by Samsung, OnePlus, and others should not be taken at face value.
The timeliness of updates is another issue that would certainly deserve an article of its own. Some of our competitors have tracking lists for that, and you can see for yourself just how rare is it for manufacturers to keep to their software update policies.
I also think that such promises as well as the legal framework of update policies could be interesting subjects to discuss. Can we file a complaint against a manufacturer if it does not keep its promises? Are there any laws that impose a minimum number of software updates across time? Share with me in the comments section if you are interested.
Note: This article was updated in December 2022. All information has been rechecked and the update policies of the manufacturers Motorola and Sony have been added.
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