Android devices are way behind their iOS counterpart when it comes to software updates. If not a premium device, they rarely get any software support. However, things are improving. Google has been providing three years of software updates in its Pixel lineup. It is now joined by Samsung, who is promising a minimum of three years of software updates in its upper mid-range and premium lineup of Galaxy devices. Read along to know more about the complete story.
The Present Scenario
Software updates have never been Android’s strength. Unlike Apple that launches a limited number of premium smartphones in a year, a single Android manufacturer launches multiples devices. These devices cover a wide market segment that covers the budget, flagship, and everything in between. The low-end smartphones are not as much updated because of their hardware limitations. Established brands do provide updates to their mid-range and premium smartphones. However, these updates are not often and are rolled out quite late.
Manufacturers have to cater to a large number of smartphone models which makes it difficult to roll out updates to each of them. On top of that, these devices run on a custom UI on top of Android. Brands take time to incorporate the updated Android features into their UI.
As of now, Samsung is providing up to two major OS updates for most of its devices. It also releases monthly and quarterly security updates for its smartphones. Very few companies offer better software updates. This lineup includes Google that promises three years of software updates in its Pixel lineup. Last year, OnePlus also declared it will match Google’s software update commitment. Recently launched Microsoft Surface Duo also promises three years of update.
Samsung announces three years of software updates
The South Korean tech giant first made the initial announcement about the extended software support during the Unpacked event earlier this year. And today, the company provided more details through an official press release.
Samsung is committed to supporting our users to fully enjoy the latest experience while they are using Galaxy devices.
Samsung will be providing three years of software updates for its premium lineup and handful of mid-rangers. As you’ll see, Samsung has left out the M-series completely while including limited A-series devices.
- Galaxy S Series: Upcoming devices under Galaxy S20 will receive three major Android version updates. The new Galaxy S20 lineup will be the first devices to receive the Android 11. It will also be applicable to S10 5G, S10+, S10, S10e, and S10 Lite.
- Galaxy Note Series: Upcoming Note devices including the Note 20 series are eligible for extended support. It will also be applicable to Note 10+ 5G, Note 10+, Note 10 5G, Note 10, Note 10 Lite.
- Galaxy Foldable Devices: All the current foldable devices and upcoming devices under the Galaxy Z series will be eligible.
- Galaxy A series: Only select devices under A-series will receive three major updates. It includes A71 5G, A71, A51 5G, A51, A90 5G. Samsung also does not guarantee that all upcoming A-series devices will receive the updates.
- Tablets: Upcoming Tab S series tablets including the Tab S7 and Tab S6 series will receive the updates.
Samsung has announced that the decision was made as the company realized that people were hanging to their smartphone for an extended period. Similarly, the company is promising extended support for its proprietary features and Samsung Knox.
- Also, check out our review of Samsung S20/S20+
