Google and Samsung are no longer the only brands promising seven years of Android updates, with Motorola, Honor, and Fairphone joining the long-term support club. This gives Indian buyers more options for phones that stay current for longer.
Google and Samsung are no longer the lone players in offering seven years of Android operating system upgrades and security patches. New reports indicate that Motorola, Honor, and Fairphone have now joined this exclusive club, giving consumers, including those in India, more choices for long-lasting smartphones.
While models like the Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24 already offer extended support, this trend is now expanding to newer devices. It's important to remember that this seven-year period starts when a phone first goes on sale, not when you buy it. This means an older model might have less time remaining than a freshly launched one.
Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro XL: Long-Term Commitment
The latest standard model, the Google Pixel 11, starts at $899 (around ₹75,000, though Indian pricing will differ). It comes with Android 17, Google's Tensor G6 chip, and a Titan M3 security chip, promising seven years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Pixel Drops. Support is slated to continue through August 2033.
Beyond software, Google also commits to providing seven years of spare parts, which could be a significant benefit for Indian users looking to repair rather than replace their device as components wear out. The Pixel 11 maintains its familiar 6.3-inch design from its predecessor.
For those who prefer a larger screen, the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL is available starting at $1,299 (roughly ₹1,08,000). This is $100 more than the Pixel 10 Pro XL's launch price. It features a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a claimed peak brightness of 3,600 nits. Powering it is a 5,115mAh battery with 45W wired charging. Its camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP telephoto lens. Software support for the Pro XL also extends through August 2033.
Samsung's Galaxy S26 Flagships with Extended Support
Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra also promises seven years of updates, covering OS upgrades up to Android 23 and corresponding security patches. This flagship, starting at $1,299, was launched in February. It packs a 6.9-inch display, a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and an S Pen. Its privacy display mode, which limits off-axis viewing, is a thoughtful addition for public use.
Because the S26 Ultra launched earlier than the Pixel 11, its seven-year support period began around February, meaning support will conclude around February 2033, a few months earlier than Google's August 2033 deadline.
For a more budget-friendly option, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26 FE in August, with sales beginning in September. This model features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and is powered by an Exynos 2500 processor with 8GB of RAM. It houses a 4,900mAh battery with 45W wired charging and runs One UI 9 based on Android 17. The S26 FE also qualifies for seven years of OS and security updates. Priced $50 higher than the Galaxy S25 FE in international markets, it offers a more accessible entry point to Samsung's long-term support.
The Affordable Google Pixel 10a
The Google Pixel 10a is the most affordable on this list, starting at $499 (around ₹41,500). Launched in March, it also gets seven years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Pixel Drops, mirroring the Pixel 11. It features a 6.3-inch Actua display, a 5,100mAh battery, IP68 water and dust resistance, and Gorilla Glass 7i protection. While much of its hardware is similar to the Pixel 9a, its extended software support is a major draw. However, its camera performance, as tested by DxOMark, was noted to be less impressive than the Pixel 8a and iPhone 15.
Motorola Signature and Honor Magic V6 Join In
Motorola enters the long-term support game with the Motorola Signature, its first phone to offer a seven-year update commitment, extending through early 2033. This phone, which starts at €999 in Europe and £899 in the UK (it's not sold in the US), features a 6.8-inch display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, and a 5,200mAh battery. It also supports fast 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, along with IP68 and IP69 ratings. While its Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip is a tier below the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the Galaxy S26 Ultra, its European pricing is also lower.
Honor's Magic V6 foldable also boasts a strong commitment, though with a regional caveat. The device, which has a 6.52-inch cover display and a 7.95-inch inner screen for multitasking, is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a massive 6,660mAh battery. It also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings. In Europe, Honor sells the 16GB/512GB model for €2,299.99. Crucially for Indian readers, Honor commits to seven years of software updates for Magic phones sold in the EU and UK, but support in other markets depends on the region. For instance, Malaysia and Singapore get six years of commitment, so India's policy is currently unknown and could differ.
Fairphone has also launched the Fairphone Gen 6+ in August for €649, now officially available in the US, and is part of the brands offering extended support.
What This Means for Indian Buyers
For Indian consumers, this expansion of long-term software support is excellent news, promising more value and longevity from their smartphone purchases. However, it's important to note that many of these devices, especially the Google Pixel and Motorola Signature models, might not have official India launches or could arrive with different pricing and availability details. Honor's region-specific update policy for the Magic V6 also means Indian buyers will need to confirm the local support duration if the device launches here.
As always, prospective buyers in India should wait for official announcements regarding local pricing, availability, and specific update commitments before making a decision. The increased competition in long-term support should encourage all brands to offer better value.
