How Long Does Samsung Provide Updates
An increasingly important buy criterion for many, software update schedules of Android smartphones continues to remain cloudy among manufacturers. Do you desire to know whether your smartphone will receive Android 11 or Android 12? Well, adept luck!
With the exception of Google, Samsung or OnePlus, few manufacturers make physical and particularly 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 also oftentimes, we had to brand practice with vague informal promises or even having to "gauge" just how many updates a smartphone will receive based on the software updates of previous models (such as Xiaomi). Hence, I contacted some of the most represented Android manufacturers in terms of units sold and market share last twelvemonth.
I asked them to inform me officially, for each device in their electric current itemize, just how many Android versions and security updates will the concerned models will receive. While some played along and cooperated, consumers volition often remain confused as to how long and how often will their smartphone exist updated.
Jump to:
- How many Android and security updates does Google promise
- How many Android and security updates does Samsung hope
- How many Android and security updates does Xiaomi promise
- How many Android and security updates does Oppo hope
- How many Android and security updates does OnePlus hope
- How many Android and security updates does Realme promise
- How many Android and security updates does Vivo hope
- Methodology
- Conclusion
How many Android and security updates does Google promise
I know that the involvement of mentioning Google in this article is rather express 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 tin find all this data via its official website.
Only since non everyone is aware of this (which is natural), I'll quickly remind y'all that Google's Pixels currently benefit from at to the lowest degree 3 versions of Android and at least 3 years of monthly security patches after their release.
Subsequently those 3 years are over, smartphones volition continue to receive security patches for xviii months afterwards the terminate of the said model'southward shelf life on the official Google store.
With the Pixel half dozen release, Google extended the security updates policy to five years, counting from the device's release date in the US.
How many Android and security updates does Samsung promise
Samsung has recently go the best case when it comes to security and software updates among third-political 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.
- Likewise read: Which Samsung model should I purchase? Our pick of the best models to choose from in 2021
Samsung's official delivery
"Samsung allows all Galaxy smartphones to receive at least two Android organisation updates and regular security updates for up to iv years after beingness launched in the global marketplace," a Samsung Frg representative informed me.
Samsung smartphone update cycles
Samsung Galaxy S:
- Android versions: 4, if released in 2021 or afterward.
- 3, if released in 2019 or 2020.
- Security updates: five years, if released in 2021 or subsequently.
- For 2019 and 2020 models: iv years, monthly patches for ii years followed by quarterly patches.
Samsung Galaxy Z:
- Android versions: 4, if released in 2021 or later, otherwise three.
- Security updates: 5 years (four if released in 2020 or before), monthly patches for 2 years followed by quarterly patches.
Samsung Galaxy A:
- Android versions: ii minimum, iii for some high-stop models.
- Security updates: 4 years, monthly patches for some flagships for ane year, then quarterly or half-yearly in the last twelvemonth.
- five years for "select devices".
Samsung Galaxy M:
- Android versions: ii minimum.
- Security updates: iv years, quarterly, or even half-yearly in the last yr.
Samsung Galaxy Note:
- Android versions: 3 if released in 2019 or later.
- Security updates: 4 years, monthly patch for 2 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 lot tin check only how often your smartphone will receive security updates.
On the other paw, Samsung doesn't make it clear merely how long your smartphone will receive monthly updates or what kind of criteria are taken into business relationship when deciding on the frequency of update releases over time. "The timing of monthly, quarterly, and half-yearly security updates depends on the launch appointment of the device and is re-evaluated at regular intervals," Samsung said.
- Also read: Android 12: Which Samsung smartphone will receive the update?
This can atomic number 82 to contradictions. For case, the Samsung Galaxy A72 that was released this twelvemonth will receive quarterly security patches while the cheaper and less capable Galaxy A52 which was released at the same fourth dimension receives monthly patches.
How many Android and security updates does Xiaomi hope
Xiaomi isn't the worst example around when it comes to software updates. Simply information technology'southward ane of the simply major manufacturers who refuse to be transparent and provide any kind of guarantees. It is yet possible to "guess" the unofficial update policy for its Xiaomi smartphone based on previous models, although we take seen an comeback in recent times.
- Also read: Which is the near suitable Xiaomi smartphone for you lot?
On average, nosotros should not expect more than ii Android versions for flagships and 1 version for the balance of the devices. Mi fans will scream in my face that it's the MIUI versions that counts above all else, as these do indeed extend the software update bicycle of Xiaomi smartphones.
As for security patches, this obscure Xiaomi folio mentioned that the manufacturer offers at least 2 years of monthly and quarterly security updates later the initial release of the smartphone. For virtually models that were released in 2020/2021, the manufacturer fifty-fifty extended this promise to three years with a security patch once every 90 days.
Xiaomi's official comment
"We do non give whatsoever official guarantees for our ranges at the moment, but many past examples show that nosotros have regularly provided updates to older devices," Xiaomi of Germany mentioned.
Xiaomi's smartphone update bicycle
Xiaomi flagships
- Android versions: iii, for models released later on the 11T line, two otherwise
- MIUI versions: 4
- Security updates: 4 years, for models released later on the 11T line, otherwise 3 years, with patches every 90 days
Xiaomi Note/Max/Mix
- Android versions: ii
- MIUI versions: 4
- Security updates: 3 years, patches every ninety days
Xiaomi Mi A
- Android versions: 2 (Android One)
Redmi Note
- Android versions: i
- MIUI versions: 3
- Security updates: three years, patches every 90 days
Redmi
- Android versions: one
- MIUI versions: 2
- Security updates: 3 years, patches every 90 days
Poco F/Ten
- Android versions: 2
- MIUI versions: 4
- Security updates: 3 years, patches every ninety days
Poco Thou
- Android versions: one
- MIUI versions: 3
- Security updates: 3 years, patches every ninety days
Poco C
- Android versions: i
- MIUI versions: 2
- Security updates: three years, patches every 90 days
Is this information publicly bachelor to the consumer?
No, as explained to a higher place, Xiaomi does not provide any guarantees or make any official commitments when information technology 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 back up, including the update frequency, EOL (end of life), and future operating system promised.
Outside of those models, information technology is currently incommunicable to know for sure merely 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 boilerplate Android manufacturer, which is no mean feat at all. Sure, information technology announced in 2021 that it would offering iii years of security updates for its Find Ten, Reno, and A lines equally opposed to ii previously, simply that's just catching up with the likes of Samsung or OnePlus.
While not the most all-encompassing, Oppo's update policy has at least the merit of being crystal clear. We know only 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 likewise as the A range, on a quarterly basis.
For the Notice X3 Pro and Notice X2 Pro, at that place are three Os updates each, for the other smartphones in the Find 10 series as well as the Reno series and part of the A series, we will distribute two Bone updates," an Oppo Germany representative assured us.
The update bicycle of Oppo smartphones
Oppo Notice X
- Android versions: 3 for the Find X2 Pro and Find X3 Pro, otherwise 2
- Security updates: 4 years, monthly patches
Oppo Reno/F/K/Find Light/Discover Neo
- Android versions: two
- Security updates: 4 years, quarterly patches
Oppo A
- Android versions: 1
- Security updates: iii years, quarterly patches
Is this information publicly bachelor to the consumer?
Oppo displays on its official website the list of models according to their update frequency. This way, you lot tin can run across how ofttimes your smartphone will receive security updates.
Different Samsung, Oppo doesn't evidence any variation or decrease in the frequency of security updates over time. Information technology also does not allow you to manually download updated ROMs for its models via its official website.
How many Android and security updates does OnePlus hope
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. Yeah, OxygenOS 11 divided fans and the Android 11 rollout was more complicated than information technology should have been, but OnePlus remains the only manufacturer to match Samsung's commitment to updates.
- Likewise read: OnePlus Nord or CE or N10 5G: Which mid-range smartphone to choose?
OnePlus' official delivery
"For all flagships, Nord and Nord CE OnePlus offers 2 years of major Android updates and three years of bi-monthly security patches. And for Nord N10 5G and Nord N100, those will receive i yr of major Android updates and 2 years of bi-monthly patches," OnePlus France confirmed with me.
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 eight onwards will do good from 3 major Android versions and 4 years of security patches.
OnePlus Nord N from N10 5G and N100 onwards will as well continue to receive three years of security patches as opposed to 2 previously.
The update cycle of OnePlus smartphones
OnePlus numbered (flagship)
- Android versions: 3 for the OnePlus 8/ 8 Pro/ 8T/ nine/ ix Pro, two for previous models
- Security updates: iv years, bi-monthly security patches for OnePlus 8/ eight Pro/ 8T/ 9/ 9 Pro, iii years bi-monthly security patches for previous models
OnePlus Nord/ CE
- Android versions: 2
- Security updates: 3 years, bi-monthly security patches
OnePlus Nord N
- Android versions: 1
- Security updates: iii, bi-monthly security patches
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
Currently, OnePlus doesn't have a dedicated security update and patch schedule folio on its official website.
However, the manufacturer has detailed its new update policy on its forum. So in this forum post, you tin 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 too groups all its updated ROMs for its models on a dedicated folio. You lot can download them and check their contents to come across if they include a security patch or non.
How many Android and security updates does Realme promise?
Still an emerging make on the scale of giants like Samsung, Realme doesn't have the most all-encompassing update policy on the market place.
You lot'll have to brand do with a unmarried major Android version and two years of security updates on average.
Realme'due south official commitment
"We aim to provide at to the lowest degree two years of bi-monthly security updates. This will be done monthly for the starting time half dozen months after launch with at to the lowest degree one major Android update.
We also aim to provide Android security patch updates for all Realme smartphones, including entry-level devices such equally the Realme C serial smartphones," said Realme French republic.
The update bicycle for Realme smartphones
Realme GT
- Android versions: two
- Security updates: iii years, monthly patches for 6 months followed by bi-monthly
Realme numbered
- Android versions: ane
- Security updates: two years, bi-monthly patches
Realme X
- Android versions: ane
- Security updates: 2 years, bi-monthly patches
Realme C
- Android versions: i
- Security updates: 2 years, bi-monthly patches
Is this information publicly available to the consumer?
Realme does not accept a dedicated page on its official website allowing that provides the duration and frequency of updates for its smartphones.
Notwithstanding, the manufacturer listed on this page updated ROMs for its models while allowing users to download the latest version. The folio as well 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 non list the latest models like the Realme GT or the Realme 8 and eight Pro.
How many Android and security updates does Vivo promise
Vivo is playing it safe in Europe, but the manufacturer chalks upwardly 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 remember it'south interesting to include information technology hither.
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 3 versions of Android and 3 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-upwardly to Android 11 only a few months after their release - even the entry-level smartphones. We follow Google's recommendations to offer at least 3 years of security updates," a Vivo France representative confirmed to me.
Vivo's smartphone update cycle
Vivo X (flagship)
- Android versions: 3 for the Vivo X60 Pro and later on, no guarantee for the rest
- Security updates: 3 years, quarterly patches on a minimum footing
Vivo Y (mid-range/entry-level)
- Android versions: No commitment
- Security updates: three years, minimum quarterly patches
Is this data 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. 3 Android versions and 3 years of security patches. But the manufacturer did non provide whatever other official and publicly available data about the residue of its smartphone catalog.
A dedicated page is in that location that allows you to download the latest version of your ROM but information technology does not provide whatsoever information about the content of the update or whether it includes an Android security patch.
Methodology
When crafting this article, I contacted each Android manufacturer listed here individually, either through its French or German communication & press relations department or through the representative communications bureau in the respective countries.
And so my list includes Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, Realme, and Vivo. Simply I will update this article with possible replies from Asus, Sony, Nokia, or Motorola (for Wiko, Alcatel, TCL, or ZTE, you lot will take to inform me on a case-by-example basis in the comments section or via a private message).
I submitted to each manufacturer a similar questionnaire via electronic mail by request:
- How many Android versions are guaranteed for the different smartphone devices in its itemize for 2021?
- How long and how often are security updates on their different devices guaranteed?
- Is this information presented in a clear and publicly attainable fashion for consumers online?
- Practise you permit users to manually download the latest version of its Android ROM via the official website?
Conclusion
That's it for this lengthy commodity that provides a clearer picture of the update policies of the primary Android smartphone manufacturers. Information technology remains to be seen that the elapsing 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 commodity of its ain. Some of our competitors have tracking lists for that, and you tin run across for yourself just how rare is it for manufacturers to keep to their software update policies.
I also think that such promises likewise as the legal framework of update policies could be interesting subjects to talk over. Can we file a complaint against a manufacturer if it does not keep its promises? Are there whatsoever laws that impose a minimum number of software updates across time? Share with me in the comments section if you are interested.
How Long Does Samsung Provide Updates,
Source: https://www.nextpit.com/how-many-android-updates-manufactures-offer
Posted by: richardsheith1954.blogspot.com
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