Android phone updates aren’t the source of anxiety they used to be

We discuss loads in regards to the best Android phones right here and loads goes into these evaluations. From shows to battery life to cameras, smartphones are complicated gadgets which might be extra than simply their specs on paper. One issue that’s talked about in additional hardcore parts of the fanbase is updates, i.e. how lengthy will a cellphone be supported.

In years previous, replace anxiousness for Android telephones was an actual factor. Flagship-tier gadgets had been usually supported effectively sufficient, however mid-range and funds choices could possibly be left by the wayside shortly after launch. Some may get updates and safety patches months later, which I assume is best than nothing.

The purpose being, it was a crapshoot whether or not your cellphone from these producers would obtain updates to final you the lifetime of the cellphone. It at all times sucked when your cellphone hit end-of-life earlier than your provider contract was up (which is how I received into rooting and ROMing).

Google was normally one of the best of the bunch with its Nexus and later Pixel households. OnePlus adopted up finally, getting higher about longer and extra well timed help (and kicking off the Open Beta program). Internationally, Xiaomi has additionally normally dealt with updates effectively, too. However you then had the issue kids, like Huawei, LG, and Samsung. None are as dangerous in 2020 as they had been previously, however that feeling of mistrust is difficult to shake off.

The excellent news is that issues are enhancing. We’re seeing an increasing number of Android telephones supported longer, with Google nonetheless main the cost. Samsung has dedicated to 3 years of OS updates for a few of its gadgets, which is loopy. It is nearly like Android replace anxiousness might lastly be going by the wayside, no less than for flagship-tier telephones.

The excellent news is that issues are enhancing. Android replace anxiousness might, nearly, go away quickly.

Earlier, I discussed that you simply sometimes solely hear discussions about Android updates within the extra avid fanbase, or from us who dwell and breathe these items for a dwelling. Telephones have acquired both reward or warnings of their critiques for the opportunity of long-term help earlier than. I reviewed a number of telephones some time again the place I cautioned individuals towards buying them just because I could not assure the gadget would see new updates and, arguably extra importantly, safety patches. I could not in good conscience suggest a cellphone if the corporate behind it would not decide to supporting it.

It is a dialog we have had because the early days again when having the newest model of Android meant greater than it does now. I feel there’s much less emphasis these days on having, say, Android 11 when Google updates so many items individually via Play Providers. One may argue that, assuming safety patches are put out usually, the model of your cellphone’s working system is much less essential now than within the outdated days.

In fact, we won’t discuss updates with out mentioning the elephant within the room. Apple is king about supporting its gadgets, even ones as outdated because the iPhone 6S. Actually, that is one in every of my largest jealousy factors after I take a look at Apple’s telephones. Your iPhone is extra more likely to go longer than your Android gadget, even a Pixel (RIP Pixel 2).

Regardless of its faults, and we may focus on all of them day, Apple crushes any Android manufacturer in relation to updates. I not too long ago picked up an iPhone 8 with a foul battery. Received it mounted for some money at my close by Apple Retailer and I had what felt like a model new cellphone, particularly with a contemporary set up of iOS 14 on it. This gadget has just a few years left on it and whereas I’ve my gripes with iOS itself, I feel I can nearly dwell with them. It is simply bizarre to suppose it’s going to be supported in all probability so long as my Pixel 4 XL with OS updates, if not longer.

This is not, nevertheless, me griping in regards to the issues you will usually discover on Android gadgets. Hell, I take advantage of Pixels they usually’re no strangers to poor choices and bizarre bugs.

So why does this matter? I’ve made it clear that is one thing we Android nerds take into consideration, and it’s one thing we focus on. Most individuals care about their telephones working proper and even I, a long-time Android fan and author in regards to the matter, need to agree with them. Even when the common shopper does not care about having the newest software program, producers ensuring that they do with common safety patches and annual OS updates is sort of admirable.

It gladdens my jaded coronary heart to see that the pessimistic, youthful me was incorrect about Android updates by no means enhancing for the plenty, like I used to be about so many issues. I suppose that is the fantastic thing about getting older, you’ll be able to look again at simply how incorrect and silly you had been. I digress.

Youthful me was incorrect about Android updates not enhancing. I am glad.

I used to detest Samsung and TouchWiz and I do not suppose I used to be alone in that. However with how far the corporate has come, each by way of software program help and software program high quality, I feel I would give them a operating shot at my offering my subsequent cellphone when it is time to improve. As soon as once more, I digress.

Android software program updates are nonetheless sort of a nerdy factor to speak about, however I feel it is at all times been an essential dialogue even when we won’t get excited in regards to the nickname of the following model anymore. Household and buddies have lengthy sought my recommendation on which telephones to purchase, given my ardour and data in regards to the Android ecosystem, and I’ve at all times pressured the significance of updates — not only for options, thoughts, but additionally for safety’s sake — and really helpful telephones that met that criterion. I am certain lots of you studying this could relate.

So carry on preventing the great struggle. Maintain your family members and buddies no less than vaguely excited by updates to their telephones, even in case you’re simply telling them about some cool new function(s) that they will check out. Android replace anxiousness might by no means go away, however no less than it is higher now than it is ever been.