How Samsung’s New Software Upgrade Policy Compares To Apple And Google

According to the new Samsung policy, “select newer devices” would receive up to five (5) years of security patches and up to four Android OS (operating system) upgrades. That is significantly superior to what any other Android OEM offers and even what Google Pixels currently receive.

New smartphones, tablets, digital services, and sustainability initiatives were all unveiled by Samsung. The business promised changes to its mobile software updates, a contentious problem that has long troubled Android manufacturers. This was the most unexpected piece of news, though.

At the beginning of 2022, a limited number of Galaxy smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches will be entitled to up to four operating system generations’ worth of updates as well as five years’ worth of security patches.

That adds one more year of service to the business’s current norm and includes the Samsung Galaxy S21 series from the previous year.

Software Updates For Samsung Mobiles

Galaxy devices will be eligible for “up to four operating system upgrades, and five years of security updates,” according to Samsung’s new software update policy.

The way Samsung’s policy is written, there are no warranties for any specific models or even for the maximum mentioned times. In other words, instead of four years of major updates, some phones might only receive three.

But suppose the software updates Samsung has implemented over the past six months are any indication. In that case, the company is poised to set the standard for other Android smartphone manufacturers to follow.

It is reasonable to assume that the majority of Samsung Android phones will receive three years’ worth of OS updates. For instance, the Galaxy A52s 5G will receive that.

Software Updates For Google Pixels

Up to 3 years of significant software updates and up to 5 years of security updates are promised for Google Pixel phones, every model.

Therefore, you can purchase any Pixel phone without having to worry about whether or not it will receive updates or for how long.

The best part is that they receive software updates when the most recent Android operating system is made available.

Software Updates For Apple Mobiles

For software updates, iPhones are still unmatched. Major software updates are delivered to them quickly and on average every six years.

There is no disputing the fact that Apple is king when it comes to software updates, even while much older devices occasionally miss out on a few cutting-edge features.

Which Samsung Galaxy Devices Are Eligible?

Here is a list of each Galaxy device that is subject to the new update requirements:

• Galaxy S Series: Galaxy S22, S22 Plus, S22 Ultra as well as Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, S21 Ultra, S21 FE, and upcoming S series devices
• Galaxy Z Series: Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Flip3, and upcoming Z series devices
• Galaxy A Series: upcoming select A series devices
• Galaxy Tablets: Galaxy Tab S8, S8 Plus, S8 Ultra, and upcoming Tab S series devices
• Galaxy Watch: Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch4 Classic, and upcoming Galaxy Watch series devices

How Does It Affect Us?

• Samsung revealed its “Together for Tomorrow” vision at CES. They are looking for novel ways to contribute and create a more sustainable future.
• The company’s most recent commitment enhances not just the end-user experience but also the lifespan of electronic equipment. It’s comparable to what the Fairphone team is doing.
• The software that drives a device is hidden beneath the sleek, glass constructions and many camera systems. And that phone, tablet, or laptop can be used for much longer, have access to the newest features, and see overall security enhancements with solid and consistent software support.
• More importantly, prolonged usage of electronic devices significantly lowers the volume of e-waste that clogs landfills each year.

How Does It Fare Against The Google Pixel?

• Samsung revealed its “Together for Tomorrow” vision at CES just one month ago, looking for novel ways to contribute and create a more sustainable future.
• The company’s most recent commitment enhances not just the end-user experience but also the lifespan of electronic equipment. It’s comparable to what the Fairphone team is doing.
• The software that drives a device is hidden beneath the sleek, glass constructions and many camera systems.
• And that phone, tablet, or laptop can be used for much longer, have access to the newest features, and see overall security enhancements with solid and consistent software support.
• More importantly, prolonged usage of electronic devices significantly lowers the volume of e-waste that clogs landfills each year.

Samsung vs Apple

Apple continues to be the industry leader in software updates, with an average iPhone receiving at least six years’ worth of iOS updates.

Although Apple hasn’t made it clear how long an iPhone will be compatible with the most recent software, we’ve observed handsets as old as the iPhone 6S (2015) receive the “New iOS update is now available” pop-up in 2022.

Although Samsung’s four-year OS upgrade commitment falls short of Apple’s, it’s encouraging to see the company continuing to set and uphold its standards. We can only hope that it will put enough pressure on other Android manufacturers to follow suit.

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