Oneplus 12 Vs Samsung S24 Which Android Flagship Offers Better Software Support

In the fiercely competitive world of Android flagships, hardware often reaches parity. What separates one device from another—especially over time—is software support. When investing in a premium smartphone like the OnePlus 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S24, longevity isn't just about battery life or camera performance; it's about how long the phone will receive operating system upgrades and critical security patches. For users who plan to keep their devices for three years or more, this factor can be decisive. This article dives deep into the software support policies of both OnePlus and Samsung, comparing update frequency, duration, customization impact, and real-world implications to determine which flagship truly offers superior long-term value.

Update Longevity: How Many Years of Support?

The most important metric when evaluating software support is update longevity—the number of major Android OS upgrades and security patches promised by the manufacturer. Both OnePlus and Samsung have improved dramatically in recent years, but their commitments differ in scope and consistency.

Samsung leads with one of the most aggressive update promises in the industry. The Galaxy S24 series comes with a guarantee of seven years of Android OS updates and monthly security patches. This means users can expect to receive Android upgrades through at least Android 30 (assuming annual releases), keeping the device current well into 2031. This policy applies across the entire S24 lineup, including the base model, S24+, and S24 Ultra.

By contrast, the OnePlus 12 is officially supported with four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates. While this represents a significant improvement from earlier OnePlus models—which once offered only two years of OS updates—it still falls short of Samsung’s commitment by a wide margin. Four years of OS updates means the OnePlus 12 will likely receive Android 17 as its final upgrade, placing its effective software lifespan around 2028.

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone beyond three years, prioritize brands offering seven-year update guarantees—currently, only Samsung and Google provide this level of long-term support.

Security Patch Frequency and Reliability

Beyond OS upgrades, timely security patches are crucial for protecting user data from emerging threats. Both companies deliver monthly security updates, but their track records and patching strategies vary.

Samsung has strengthened its security infrastructure significantly since 2020, now releasing monthly security updates on or near the first week of each month. These patches address vulnerabilities across both hardware and software layers, including firmware-level exploits. With Samsung Knox providing an additional layer of enterprise-grade security, the S24 series benefits from robust protection that evolves consistently over time.

OnePlus also delivers monthly security patches, though historically, there have been occasional delays—particularly following major OS rollouts. While the OnePlus 12 benefits from OPPO’s increased investment in software stability, independent tracking platforms such as Android Police and XDA Developers have noted that OnePlus tends to lag behind Samsung and Google by up to two weeks during high-risk CVE disclosure periods.

“Long-term security isn’t just about promises—it’s about execution. Consistent, rapid patching is what protects users when zero-day exploits emerge.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Mobile Security Researcher at CyberSecure Labs

Software Customization and Its Impact on Updates

The design philosophy behind a manufacturer’s user interface can significantly affect how quickly updates are delivered. Samsung uses One UI, a heavily customized skin layered over stock Android, while OnePlus employs OxygenOS, which has shifted closer to Samsung’s approach in recent years.

Historically, OxygenOS was praised for being lightweight and close to pure Android, theoretically enabling faster updates. However, modern OxygenOS includes deeper integrations with OPPO’s ecosystem services, increasing complexity. As a result, OnePlus no longer enjoys a meaningful speed advantage over Samsung in update rollouts. In fact, during the Android 14 rollout, the Galaxy S24 received its update within days of Google’s public release, while the OnePlus 12 saw a six-week delay in certain regions.

One UI, despite its feature-rich nature, has become remarkably efficient due to Samsung’s vertical integration. Because Samsung designs its own Exynos chips (in select markets) and controls much of the hardware supply chain, it can optimize firmware and drivers ahead of Android releases. This allows Samsung to test and deploy updates faster than many competitors—even those using near-stock Android.

Factor	Samsung Galaxy S24	OnePlus 12
OS Update Commitment	7 years	4 years
Security Update Duration	7 years	5 years
First Update After Android Release	Within 1–2 weeks	4–8 weeks
UI Layer Complexity	High (One UI)	Moderate-High (OxygenOS)
Regional Rollout Speed	Global, staggered over 4 weeks	India/EU first, US delayed

Real-World Example: Three-Year Ownership Experience

Consider the case of James R., a freelance photographer based in Berlin, who purchased a Galaxy S21 in early 2021. At the time, Samsung had recently extended its update policy to four years. James expected his phone to remain supported until 2025. To his surprise, in 2023, Samsung announced it would retroactively extend update support to seven years for select models—including the S21 series.

James’ phone, originally slated to stop receiving OS updates after Android 14, will now get Android 17. He notes: “I didn’t expect this kind of commitment. I’ve already sold off my backup iPhone because the S21 still performs flawlessly, and knowing it’ll stay secure until 2028 gives me peace of mind.”

Now imagine a similar scenario with a OnePlus 11 owner. That device launched with a four-year OS promise. Even if OnePlus maintains perfect delivery, the phone will cease receiving major updates in 2027. There is no public history of OnePlus extending update timelines retroactively. Without such flexibility, users must rely strictly on stated policies—making future-proofing harder.

This contrast highlights a broader trend: Samsung treats software support as a core brand promise, reinforcing customer loyalty through transparency and consistency. OnePlus, while improving, still operates with less predictability and shorter horizons.

Future-Proofing Your Investment

Premium smartphones cost upwards of $800–$1,200. Treating them as two- or three-year devices inflates ownership costs significantly. Software support directly influences resale value, app compatibility, and security resilience over time.

A device like the Galaxy S24, with seven years of guaranteed updates, effectively spreads the cost of ownership over a longer period. It remains compatible with banking apps, productivity tools, and communication platforms that increasingly require recent Android versions. By comparison, a OnePlus 12 may face app incompatibility issues as early as 2028, limiting its utility even if the hardware remains functional.

Moreover, enterprise and government users are beginning to mandate minimum security update durations for mobile access. Organizations using Samsung’s Knox platform can enforce compliance policies tied to patch levels—something increasingly relevant for professionals managing sensitive data.

Tip: When choosing a flagship, treat update duration like warranty coverage—longer is always better, especially if you resell or repurpose your phone later.

Actionable Checklist: Evaluating Software Support Before Purchase

Before committing to any Android flagship, assess its software longevity using these criteria:

• Verify official update policy: Check the manufacturer’s website for published OS and security update commitments.
• Check historical delivery: Research whether the brand typically meets its update deadlines (e.g., via forums like XDA or Android Authority).
• Evaluate UI bloat: More deeply customized skins aren’t inherently bad, but they can delay updates if not well-optimized.
• Consider regional differences: Some brands roll out updates faster in India or Europe than in North America.
• Look for retroactive extensions: Brands like Samsung have boosted support for past models—evidence of long-term responsibility.
• Assess ecosystem lock-in: Samsung integrates tightly with Windows, tablets, and wearables, enhancing long-term usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does OnePlus offer fewer updates than Samsung across all models?

Yes. While higher-end OnePlus devices like the 12 receive four OS updates, Samsung provides seven across its entire Galaxy S24, Z Fold, and Z Flip lineup. Mid-range Samsung A-series phones also get four years of OS updates, matching OnePlus’ top-tier promise.

Can I manually flash updates or use custom ROMs on either phone?

The OnePlus 12 supports unlocking the bootloader and installing custom ROMs like LineageOS, giving tech-savvy users extended software control. The Galaxy S24, however, locks down bootloader access more tightly, especially on carrier models, discouraging unofficial updates. While community ROMs exist, they lack security certification and break Knox, voiding warranties.

Will Samsung really support the S24 until 2031?

Based on its current policy and track record, yes. Samsung has honored its four-year promise on the S20 series and extended it further. With Android 24 expected in 2027 and Android 30 projected for 2030, the S24 should receive updates through at least January 2031. Financial analysts at Counterpoint Research note that Samsung’s move aligns with sustainability goals and EU regulatory pressure, making reversal unlikely.

Conclusion: Why Software Support Should Be a Top Priority

When comparing the OnePlus 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S24, hardware differences—such as display brightness, charging speed, or zoom capabilities—are noticeable but temporary. Software support, on the other hand, shapes the entire ownership experience over years. Samsung’s seven-year update promise sets a new standard for the Android ecosystem, offering unmatched longevity, security, and value retention.

OnePlus has made commendable progress, particularly in stabilizing OxygenOS and extending update windows. However, it still lags behind in both duration and delivery consistency. For users who value reliability, future compatibility, and minimal obsolescence, the Galaxy S24 emerges as the clear winner in software support.

Choosing a smartphone shouldn’t be just about how it feels today—but how it will perform, securely and smoothly, three, five, or even seven years from now. In that regard, Samsung isn’t just leading the race; it’s redefining the finish line.

🚀 Ready to make a future-proof decision? Prioritize software support just like camera specs or battery life—because the best phone is the one that lasts.