Not all smartphones are built to last, but if you're spending big bucks on one, you’d want it to stay fast, secure, and up to date for as long as possible. A phone’s lifespan boils down to two things—how well it’s built and how long it gets software updates. A solid, well-built phone can handle years of drops, scratches, and your occasional rage quits, while regular updates keep it safe, smooth, and packed with new features.
Since phones are getting pricier every year, it makes sense to choose one that won’t feel ancient after two or three years. If you want a device that won’t leave you hanging, here are six smartphone brands that offer at least five years of updates.
Apple iPhone, the king of longevity
When it comes to software updates, Apple is the undisputed champ. Unlike most Android brands, which roll out updates in batches, every supported iPhone gets updates on the same day—even if it’s five years old!
Apple promises five years of major iOS updates, but here’s the real kicker: older iPhones keep getting security updates long after that. So, if you buy an iPhone 16 running iOS 18 in 2025, you can expect to get iOS 23 in 2029. However, you can continue to use it for another couple of years thanks to the security patches. Just don’t expect every new feature to work on older hardware.
Google Pixel goes the distance in Android
Google set a new gold standard for software support by offering seven years of OS and security updates on its Pixel phones. That’s right—if you pick up a Pixel 9a running Android 15 in 2024, it’ll be getting updates until Android 22.
Pixels also have one of the best software experiences—clean, bloat-free, and always first in line for new Android features. If you’re after long-term support without dealing with third-party skins, Pixel is the way to go.
Samsung Galaxy offers premium support for premium phones
Samsung wasn’t about to let Google have all the glory. The brand now offers seven years of updates—but only for its top-tier devices, like the Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series.
The Galaxy S24 series, for example, will get updates all the way up to Android 21. Samsung is also pretty fast with its updates, so you won’t be stuck waiting months for the latest One UI version.
OnePlus & OPPO – Six years of security updates
OnePlus may have ditched its fan-favourite OxygenOS for a more ColorOS-like experience, but it still offers solid support: four years of major OS updates and six years of security updates for flagship models like the OnePlus 13. The Nord 4 was the first mid-range OnePlus phone to get this level of commitment, which is a nice bonus.
Meanwhile, OPPO follows the same update schedule, so if you’re eyeing the Find X8 or X8 Pro, you’ll get four years of Android updates and six years of security patches—not bad at all!
iQOO & Vivo – Solid performance with great updates? Yes, please!
iQOO might still be considered a budget brand, but it delivers on performance and software support. The brand recently upgraded its update policy—phones like the iQOO 12 and iQOO 13 now get four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.
Its parent company, Vivo, follows a similar path, promising four years of OS updates and five years of security updates for its premium devices, such as the Vivo X200 series.
So, which one should you pick?
If you want a phone that won’t feel like old tech in a few years, picking one with long-term software support is a no-brainer. Apple and Google lead the pack, but Samsung, OnePlus, OPPO, iQOO, and Vivo also offer great options. So, whether you love clean Android, feature-packed UI, or long-lasting iPhones, these brands ensure your phone stays fresh, secure, and running smoothly for years.
