OnePlus has unveiled its latest flagship, the OnePlus 12, featuring the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, 12GB RAM, a powerful triple-lens camera system, and an impressive high-resolution AMOLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rates and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Additionally, it boasts an aesthetically pleasing design.
The OnePlus 12 offers an incredible array of features at a competitive price, making it a flagship device that outperforms its competitors. However, the question remains: how long will it receive software updates?
The OnePlus 12 Will Receive Five Years of Updates
In 2022, OnePlus confirmed that it would commit to four years of major Android/OxygenOS updates and five years of security updates, beginning with its 2023 lineup. This commitment applies to the OnePlus 12, meaning it will receive four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches.
Prior to this announcement, OnePlus only provided three years of major updates and four years of security updates. This new policy not only matches Samsung’s but also exceeds Google’s previous software update policy.
Comparison with Google, Samsung, and Apple
With the launch of the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro, Google announced an extended software update policy, offering seven years of major software updates and security patches for the Pixel 8 lineup.
Shortly after the OnePlus 12, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S24 series, promising seven years of major updates and security patches for the S24, aligning it with Google’s Pixel 8.
Conversely, Apple has never made explicit commitments regarding the longevity of software updates for older iPhones. However, based on historical data, iPhones typically receive around five years of major iOS updates, with regular security updates thereafter. Apple’s dedication to device support has set a standard that Android manufacturers are striving to emulate.
Is five years enough for the OnePlus 12?
While the five-year update policy for the OnePlus 12 may seem less extensive compared to Google and Samsung’s seven-year policies, it is important to consider the hardware’s lifespan. Battery degradation and the eventual need for component replacements make extended support challenging and potentially impractical.
Moreover, as new software features are introduced, it becomes increasingly difficult to accommodate them on older devices. Given that most users upgrade their phones every few years, a four-year policy is more aligned with common usage patterns, although it is possible that OnePlus may extend its update policy to match its competitors in the future.
Ultimately, consumers benefit from the five-year policy, as it provides a solid and reliable timeframe for software updates and support.
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