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Comment by x0x0 | Hacker News Reader

Sony mostly only commits for 2 years from launch for security updates. I only know because I'm looking for an Android that gets at least 3 years of security updates which seems reasonable for $800 phones, and I'd prefer it not to be a Pixel...

https://www.androidpit.com/sony-xperia-official-android-upda...

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I know Samsung does offer security updates for devices >2 years old. I have a Galaxy Note 4 that got 3 years of updates. They weren't monthly, but were fairly regular(1). It does appear that this is common for Samsung flagships, but probably differs depending on variant.

(1) https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-28899

Thanks for sharing. I couldn't find any commitment on Samsung's part which is weird -- if you're doing the work, brag about it!

Why an arbitrary three years?

I've largely stopped bothering with Android system security updates due to soft-bricking and just concentrate on keeping browser / e-mail and other Internet apps updated.

Honestly, because my phones seem to last about 3 years (battery life, wear and tear, etc) so I'm fine without it lasting longer. I currently have a 2y3m old HTC 10 that is a fine phone just no longer receiving security updates (for at least 6 months now) and I'm very very annoyed about it.

Apple seems to be the only game in town for more than 3 years from date of launch.

Plan B is accept that Android is just second tier stuff and buy a $350 Poco and accept binning perfectly fine hardware because it's so cheap that the price works out.

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