Android Smartphone Updates: The OnePlus Approach

Have you ever questioned why some smartphones receive less software support than others? It’s no secret that only a few Android smartphone manufacturers offer lengthy software updates for their flagship devices. In fact, Google and Samsung are the only ones who provide 7 years of software updates for their premium phones. Most other manufacturers offer about 3 years of major OS updates and up to 5 years of security patches. So, why the discrepancy?

Kinder Liu, the COO and president of OnePlus, recently shed light on this topic in an interview with Tom’s Guide. He explained why the OnePlus 12 series receives four to five years of updates instead of the seven offered by Google and Samsung. Here’s a breakdown of what he shared:

– The latest OnePlus 12 continues the tradition of providing four years of Android updates along with an additional year of security patches.
– The more budget-friendly OnePlus 12R offers three years of Android updates and four years of security support.

When asked why their approach doesn’t match its main rivals’ 7-year support, Liu emphasized that simply offering longer software update policies misses the point. According to him, it’s not just about software update policies; it’s also about the fluency of your phone’s user experience.

To illustrate his point, Liu used a simple metaphor: “Imagine your phone is a sandwich. Some manufacturers are now saying that the filling in their sandwich — their phone’s software — will still be good to eat in seven years’ time. But what they’re not telling you is that the bread in the sandwich — the user experience — might be moldy after four years.”

OnePlus ran tests with TÜV SUD to simulate years of usage for the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R. Based on the results, they decided to promise a “fast and smooth” performance for four years, covering even the phone’s battery health.

In conclusion, when considering software update policies, it’s important to look at more than just numbers on paper. The overall user experience plays a crucial role in determining how long a smartphone remains functional and enjoyable to use.

Pre-orders for the OnePlus 12 are open now, with its release date set for February 6th. Meanwhile, you can also pre-order the OnePlus 12R until its launch date on February 13th.

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