Updates play a crucial role in the Android ecosystem as they help keep smartphones secure, fast, and feature-rich. However, not all Android devices receive equal support from their manufacturers. Some smartphone brands are more devoted than others to delivering timely and frequent updates to their phones. In this article, we will explore the top smartphone brands that offer the most Android updates.

7 years of Android OS updates

Google has set a new benchmark for Android OS updates and security patches by offering 7 years of support with its Google Pixel 8 series, which was launched last year. Samsung has followed suit with its Galaxy S24 series, which was launched earlier last month, also offering 7 years of OS upgrades and security patches. Currently, Samsung and Google are the only two brands offering 7 years of major Android updates.

4 years of Android OS updates

In the Android world, reaching the 4-year milestone for Android updates was a significant achievement till a few years back. Samsung accomplished this feat with the launch of its Galaxy S21 series. However, some smartphone brands still believe that offering updates for 4 years is the ideal period. These brands include OnePlus, Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, and Samsung.

It’s worth noting that the above brands provide four years of operating system (OS) updates and five years of security patches for their top-of-the-line smartphones. Samsung offers the same security policy for its mid-range Galaxy A-series smartphones too. This policy applies to Samsung’s flagship smartphones launched in or before 2023.

3 years Android OS updates

In the past, Android phone users could expect major operating system updates for about 3 years after the phone’s release. However, today, brands such as iQOO have made it their top priority to offer this service for their flagship mid-range phones like the iQOO Neo 9 Pro and iQOO 12. Other brands, including Motorola, Honor, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Poco, and Redmi, also offer similar update policies for some of their flagship and mid-range devices.

2 years of Android OS updates

Several smartphone brands such as TECNO, Motorola, Asus, Nokia, Honor, OnePlus, Poco, Realme, Sony, and Xiaomi offer at least 2 years of Android operating system updates for their flagship devices. Some of these brands also have a similar policy for their lower-end devices. However, Sony and Asus offer this policy for their most high-end devices.

1 year of Android OS updates

Many budget smartphone brands, including Itel, Infinix, Motorola, Nokia, Realme, Redmi, Poco, and Xiaomi, provide one year of Android OS updates for their low-end devices that are priced under Rs 15,000 in India.

So this was the list that contained segmentation of Android smartphone brands that offer the most and least number of Android updates. You might be wondering why some brand names appear in two categories. Right? This is because they have different policies for devices across their portfolio. For example, OnePlus offers 4 years of OS updates for its OnePlus 12, but it offers a lesser number of updates for its mid-range devices. Android updates are essential for keeping your phone secure, fast, and up-to-date with the latest features. They can also extend the lifespan and resale value of your device.

At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 event in Barcelona, Honor showcased its latest offerings: the Magic 6 series and the Magic V2 lineup, both of which have already been launched in China.

Honor Magic 6 Series: Specifications and Availability

The Honor Magic 6 series is running on MagicOS 8.0, which is based on Android 14. They are equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The series includes the Magic 6 and the Magic 6 Pro, featuring an LTPO OLED display and triple rear cameras. They are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance.

The Magic 6 Pro, priced at EUR 1,299, offers a triple rear camera setup with a 180-megapixel telephoto camera and 100x Digital Zoom capabilities. Meanwhile, the Magic 6 features a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 32-megapixel telephoto camera. Both models support 5G connectivity and come with advanced Sensors and security features.

Honor Magic V2 Lineup: Features and Pricing

The Honor Magic V2 lineup introduces foldable smartphones with innovative design. It is powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and MagicOS 7.2 based on Android 13. The Magic V2 and the special edition Magic V2 RSR feature OLED cover displays and inner OLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate.

The Magic V2 RSR, priced at EUR 2,699, stands out with its distinctive design and Porsche Agate Grey shade. Both models have a triple rear camera unit, including a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 20-megapixel telephoto unit. It has a 5,000mAh battery and support for 66W wired charging.

Price and Availability

The Honor Magic 6 Pro is available for pre-orders starting February 25, with sales commencing on March 1. On the other hand, the Magic V2 RSR can be reserved from February 25 and will be available for purchase in Europe from March 18. The Magic 6 series prices start at EUR 1,299, while the Magic V2 lineup begins at EUR 2,699. As far as the India launch is concerned, no update has been shared.

HMD Global, known for its Nokia-branded phones, announced its rebranding strategy at the Barcelona Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 event. Contrary to the rumours and what we had reported earlier, HMD didn’t launch any smartphones at MWC.

Rebranding and New Direction

At the event, HMD Global announced that it will launch smartphones under its own HMD brand, which is a significant change from its exclusive focus on Nokia devices for the past seven years. This strategic move showcases HMD’s aim to provide a variety of devices that are both attractive and easy to repair.

The company aims to satisfy varying consumer preferences by adopting a multi-brand approach without compromising quality and reliability.

Barbie-Branded Flip Phone and Retro Feature Phone

HMD Global also made an unexpected announcement that they will be partnering with the well-known toy manufacturer Mattel to release a flip phone under the Barbie brand later this year. The company suggested that the phone will have a pink colour scheme to appeal to customers’ nostalgia for retro features. Additionally, HMD hinted at possibly bringing back another classic Nokia phone design.

Focus on Repairability

HMD Global aims to enhance repairability in its future devices in line with its statement made last year. Building on its partnership with repair specialists iFixit, the company intends to streamline the repair process and empower customers to fix their phones with a target of making half of its smartphone devices sold globally repairable by 2024.

Developer Toolkit Initiative

Furthermore, HMD Global announced the launch of a developer toolkit initiative, providing developers and businesses with open design files and software integration information. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and innovation within the developer community, enabling the creation of solutions that enhance the user experience.

HMD Global’s rebranding plans and strategic partnerships signal an attempt to try something different, which they have yet to try with Nokia. Only time will tell if it will succeed.

The global variant of Xiaomi 14, a new addition to Xiaomi’s smartphone lineup, has been launched just ahead of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona. The device was launched in China last year with a starting price of CNY 3,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant.

Performance and Display

The Xiaomi 14 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and comes with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. It features a 6.36-inch LTPO AMOLED Display with a dynamic refresh rate that ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz. The display also supports HDR10+ and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

Camera 

The Xiaomi 14 comes with a Leica-branded triple rear camera setup, which includes a 50-megapixel Light Hunter 900 sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50-megapixel telephoto camera, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle shooter. In addition, the phone has a 32-megapixel in-display front camera for taking selfies and video chatting.

Connectivity and Audio

Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, and GPS. The device also features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience.

Features

The Xiaomi 14 smartphone runs on the HyperOS interface based on Android 14. It is equipped with various sensors, such as an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and proximity sensor. Additionally, the phone comes with a 4,610mAh battery that supports 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

Price and Availability

The Xiaomi 14 is priced at €999 for the single 12GB RAM + 512GB storage variant and will be available in Black, Jade Green, and White colour options. It is expected to launch in the Indian market on March 7 via Amazon and Flipkart, with similar specifications to the global version.