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… Design could also be a reason, but only if it changes how the phone feels to use. Most phones look and feel the same now, which is why something like the OnePlus 7 Pro still stands out. And eventually, when security updates stop, that becomes the deciding factor. …
… Best of all, this release on the S25 could mean other, older handsets in the first wave of upgrades could also receive updates soon. One UI 8.5 is a massive and long-awaited upgrade for many of Samsung's phones One UI 8.5 is now landing on S25 phones in the US. …
… Manufacturers sell their phones with a promise to provide a minimum duration of software and security updates. While the former is important, it's the security updates that matter most. …
… 08 / 8 Software Pixel phones are known for receiving Android updates first. How many years of OS updates did Google promise for the Pixel 8 series at launch? …
… If you've updated your phone and lost your fonts, at least you can take solace in the fact your phone is now a bit more secure. …
… Another big upgrade over previous models is an IP68 dust and water resistance, and both phones get six years of both operating system and security updates. The Galaxy A55 and before only had four years of updates. More durability and longer software updates mean better overall value. …
Mark Jansen May 8, 2026, 5:01 AM EDT I've been covering Android and other mobile technology for close to ten years now, with a specific interest in phone accessories, e-readers, and what makes each individual phone different from another. …
… Motorola promises three years of major software updates, and four years of security updates. That means you'll get one last year of Android updates by picking this phone up right now. That doesn't mean the phone will stop working after this year, it just means no more big features will come to it. …
… The update is rolling out to anyone currently using One UI 8.5, which pretty much just means anyone using one of the Samsung Galaxy S26 phones. However, it's also available through the One UI 8.5 beta for other phones. …
… It also takes noticeably longer to restart than other Android phones. I tried the phone just a few days after the announcement, and software updates are likely to arrive during my review time with the phone. …
