This is often the first point people mention when discussing keeping a phone for longer. And it’s a fair concern. The OnePlus 12R is still within its update window, so I’m not worried about it right now. It gets regular security patches, and for a daily driver, that’s enough to feel comfortable using it for everything. The OnePlus 7 Pro is a different story. It has long surpassed its official update cycle, which means it no longer receives the latest security fixes. That’s the trade-off with older hardware, and it’s something you can’t ignore completely. That said, how much it matters depends
I didn't upgrade my phone this year, and I don't feel like I missed anythingUnfortunately, for all the improvements Google has made and continues to make to the Pixel experience, it's still far from perfect. Worse, it does not feel like Pixels will get it right anytime soon. No Android phone can match the Pixel experience. A clean design, powerful AI features, and quick software updates. But the bugs and recurring issues undermine them all. For one generation, Google does not need to focus on adding new features to Pixel phones. Instead, it should work on getting the basics right to improve reliability and consistency. Until then, Pixel phones will remain easy to love
I love Pixel phones, but the bugs are getting worse…prompt Android updates. Android 16 launched on devices from other manufacturers months ago, but that doesn't seem to be motivating Motorola to hurry, even on expensive flagship phones like the Motorola…
…phone’s hotspot felt seamless, but one thing I had to stay mindful of was data usage. It’s easy to forget that everything your computer does, whether it’s an update…
…Users need to be able to update their phones with excitement, not holding their breath, wondering what might break. Android 17 and the Pixel 11 are a fantastic opportunity to release another…
…In my entire writing career, I've reviewed more than 75 Android phones. Carrying both a Samsung or Pixel flagship and an iPhone as a daily driver provides me with deep insight…
…updating other Samsung apps. After the whole auto-install fiasco, I had no reason to keep it on my phone. I also removed T-Mobile's Mobile Services Manager. My phone shipped…
…March update went live. While many Pixel devices seem unaffected by any battery draining bugs, my own Pixel 10 Pro included, far too many users have found their Google phones to suddenly…
…Yes, new Android updates now arrive a month or two later than the latest flagship Galaxy. But then, that's still months ahead of other Android phones, so I never get the…
…Samsung also delivers an impressive software experience thanks to One UI, and the phone will get seven years of updates from its release. It's not a bad phone if you want…
…The cherry on top is that it also comes with six years of software updates. Now, what does this all mean in day-to-day use? Well, the phone will handle pretty…
Ben Khalesi May 26, 2026, 11:15 AM EDT I’ve been covering Android since 2023, when I joined Android Police, mostly focusing on AI and everything around Pixel and Galaxy phones…
