Which smartphone manufacturer has the best Android updates?

There are many Android manufacturers, but not all of them pay attention to software updates. Although things have improved over the past decade, not all smartphone manufacturers provide great software support. Here are some manufacturers that stand out in this area.

1. Google

Google owns Android, and it’s one of the best smartphone brands when it comes to software updates. The company releases updates from day one and provides updates for longer than many other smartphone manufacturers. Before the Pixel 6, Google only guaranteed three years of OS upgrades and security updates.

However, with the launch of the Pixel 8 series in 2023, Google promises to support all models with 7 years of Android updates and major security updates, which is one of the best software update policies on the market today.

2. Samsung

Samsung is also one of the best smartphone brands when it comes to software updates. The company also updates its devices quickly (though not as quickly 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 2024 flagship models, including the Galaxy S24, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6. Unfortunately, the excellent seven-year update policy doesn't apply to all of its smartphones, especially in the mid-range and low-end segments like the Galaxy A series.

3. OnePlus

OnePlus' OxygenOS is one of the best Android ROMs on the market. And despite the controversial merger between OnePlus and Oppo, where OnePlus merged its OxygenOS codebase with Oppo's ColorOS, the company is still a good company when it comes to software updates.

The company's longest software update policy 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 get the same number of major Android updates but only five years of security updates.

Previously, all OnePlus flagship phones (including the T and R models) from 2018 were eligible for three major Android OS updates and four years of security updates.

4. Motorola

While Motorola is one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the United States, it unfortunately isn’t great when it comes to software updates. On the one hand, Motorola isn’t very good at pushing out software updates. Worse yet, Motorola’s update policy is standard across its entire lineup.

Currently, Motorola only commits to three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates for its devices. This software support policy applies even to the flagship Razr+ (2024), which isn't as good when compared to other manufacturers.

5. Other Android smartphone manufacturers

Other smartphone manufacturers have different update policies. Sony, for example, doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to updates. The company only provides a maximum of two major Android updates and two years of security patches. However, select devices will receive three years of security patches in addition to two major Android updates.

Finally, TCL is committing to two major Android updates and two years of standard security updates on some devices, while others will only get security updates.

While some companies may try to downplay the importance of updates, they do help keep your smartphone secure, so we strongly recommend that you consider long-term software support when buying a new smartphone.

Software support also ensures that your phone lasts longer and you can trust that your data is safe. If you want a phone with longer software support, choose any of the top 3 manufacturers on this list - Google, Samsung or OnePlus.