One of the most important aspects of any new smartphone is how long it will be supported by the manufacturer. After all, these kinds of devices are incredibly expensive and, while many people upgrade every couple of years, a lot of users will want their smartphone to last. How long a smartphone remains viable often has little to do with the actual hardware. Instead, the firmware is more critical, with software and security updates determining when support officially stops. Once a device no longer receives these important patches, it can quickly lose access to certain apps and features, in addition to becoming vulnerable to exploits.
Google’s Pixel range has typically lagged behind other major manufacturers when it comes to long-term support. The Pixel 7 only promised three years of Android updates and five years of security patches. That doesn’t compare favorably with Samsung’s Galaxy S23, which guarantees four years of OS upgrades, and Apple’s various iPhone models that typically come with more than five years of OS and security updates. Theoretically, this meant that Pixel users would have to replace their smartphones more frequently to stay up to date.
With the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, Google is significantly improving its support. According to the company, the new smartphones will receive seven years of updates, including “Android OS upgrades, security updates, and regular Feature Drops.” The company argues that by supporting the latest models until 2030, customers get better value for their money and the devices become more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
