Which Smartphone Manufacturers Are Best for Android Updates?

There are many Android manufacturers, but not all pay attention to software updates. While the situation has improved over the last decade, not all smartphone manufacturers offer excellent software support even today. Here are the ones that stand out 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 issues updates on day one and provides updates longer than many smartphone makers. Before the Pixel 6 series, Google guaranteed only three years of OS upgrades and security updates.

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

2 Samsung

Samsung is also one of the best smartphone brands for software updates. The company also updates its devices fast (although not as fast as Google) and provides longer software support. Surprisingly, Samsung is on par with Google in this area.

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

3 OnePlus

OnePlus’ OxygenOS has been one of the best Android ROMs on the market. And despite its controversial OnePlus-Oppo merger, which saw OnePlus integrate the OxygenOS code base with Oppo’s ColorOS, it’s still a good company on the software update front.

The longest software update policy from the company is four years of major Android updates and six years of security updates. Unfortunately, that’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 T and R models) from 2018 were eligible to receive three major Android OS updates and four years of security updates.

4 Motorola

While Motorola is one of the largest smartphone makers in the US, it is, unfortunately, not so great when it comes to software updates. For one, Motorola is lackluster in seeding software updates. Even worse, Motorola’s update policy is standard across the board.

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

5 Other Android Smartphone Makers

Other smartphone makers also have different update policies. Sony, for instance, doesn’t have the best track record with updates. The company has been shipping at most two major Android updates and two years of security patches. However, some select devices receive three years of security patches on top of two major Android updates.

Lastly, TCL pledges 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 secure. Therefore, I highly recommend considering long-term software support when you purchase a new smartphone.

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