As the Android-iPhone feud evolved, so did a large selling point for iOS users: long-term update support. The divide between devoted iOS and Android users is narrowing. The previous two-year software support lifespan of many Androids is expanding into the lengthier realm that Apple once dominated. People are seeing more software support on popular Android phones, and there are fewer reasons for switching from Android to iOS.

As a growing trend, brands like Google, Xiaomi, and OnePlus have announced long-term policies for some or all of their smartphones, including the Xiaomi 13 Pro and the OnePlus 11. Samsung continues to be the leader in expanding Android update policies. The company announced in early 2022 that it would offer four generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches, starting with the Samsung Galaxy S21 series in 2021.

This new update policy helps the company offer some of the best budget Android phones. Not all affordable Android phones get this treatment, but we list the ones that do later in this article. While those major upgrades don't roll out on day one like with Google Pixel phones, Samsung routinely beats its rival to the punch on security updates. This allows them to speed up the time it takes to get new One UI versions to customers simultaneously.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra held in a hand.

With the Samsung Galaxy S23 series available, Samsung kept its promise, and we expect to see an Android 14-based One UI 6 roll out to its supported smartphones and tablets later this year. If you're wondering what devices fall under the company's policy, we have you covered. Check out our list of the best Samsung phones covered by the company's update policy.

Not quite as long as iOS upgrades, but a solid start

Samsung pledged in 2021 to offer four years' worth of security updates for its hardware and three years of software upgrades. This commitment to a full four years of major operating system updates, plus five years of security updates, helped spur similar movements from other brands.

While the four-year support guarantee lags behind the six years of iOS updates that Apple iPad and iPhone users have come to expect for their devices, it's a welcome development that should extend the lifespan of Samsung devices beyond previous expectations.

A cropped view of someone's left wrist with the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro in focus.

As well as select Galaxy S and Z-series phones and Galaxy-branded tablets, the commitment extends to One UI Watch and Wear OS Powered by Samsung smartwatches.

Samsung products that are eligible for four years of Android upgrades as of January 2024

Here are the Samsung smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches supported for four major Android upgrades as of January 2024, including the new Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup.

Samsung Galaxy S series phones

A purple Galaxy S23+ laid over a white S23 Ultra with the camera lenses shown.
  • Samsung Galaxy S24
  • Samsung Galaxy S24+
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S23
  • Samsung Galaxy S23+
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
  • Samsung Galaxy S22
  • Samsung Galaxy S22+
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 (Last Update: Android 15)
  • Samsung Galaxy S21+ (Last Update: Android 15)
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (Last Update: Android 15)
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Last Update: Android 15)
  • All upcoming Samsung Galaxy S phones

Samsung Galaxy Z series foldable phones

A person holds a foldable phone with the hinge partially engaged.
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (Last Update: Android 15)
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 (Last Update: Android 15)
  • All upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z series devices

Samsung Galaxy tablets

A Galaxy Tab S8 tablet slotted into a keyboard dock laid on puzzle pieces.
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
  • All upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab S-series devices

Samsung Galaxy Watch

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 on a wrist.
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (last update 2025)
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (last update 2025)

Samsung Galaxy A-series phones

Samsung Galaxy A54 propped up in front of a plant.
  • Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A33 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A73 5G

Samsung committed to four years of Android updates for all upcoming Galaxy S flagships and the Galaxy Z series foldable lineup. However, it will only update select phones from its budget and midrange Galaxy A series lineup. We will update this post as we learn which smartphones benefit from Samsung's update policy.

Samsung's long-term Android updates are a good thing

As Samsung continues to prioritize long-term updates to its Android devices, expect an increased number of Samsung Phones with support that backs up the cost. With most phones more powerful than ever, getting the latest updates can keep you from swapping out to a flagship device every few years. Although Samsung has yet to commit to a five-year guarantee for OS updates, the brand is on the right track.

If you plan to switch to a Samsung phone, our top Samsung One UI tips can help you get comfortable with the operating system.