Oneplus 12 Vs Samsung S24 Which Offers Better Software Support Longevity

When investing in a flagship smartphone, performance and camera quality matter—but so does how long the device will stay updated and secure. Software support longevity determines whether your phone receives new Android versions, feature enhancements, and critical security patches years after purchase. In the battle between the OnePlus 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S24, both devices promise top-tier hardware, but their software update policies reveal important differences that could influence your buying decision.

OnePlus has evolved significantly over the past few years, aligning more closely with Oppo’s infrastructure while refining its update strategy. Samsung, on the other hand, has solidified its position as a leader in long-term software support across its Galaxy lineup. This article dives deep into the update commitments, real-world track records, and ecosystem advantages of each brand to answer a crucial question: which phone will stay relevant longer?

Software Support: Why It Matters Beyond Specs

A smartphone’s lifespan isn’t just about battery degradation or physical wear—it’s also about software obsolescence. A device that stops receiving updates becomes vulnerable to security threats, incompatible with newer apps, and eventually excluded from essential services. Longevity in software support translates directly into extended usability, resale value, and peace of mind.

Today’s leading manufacturers have responded to consumer demand for longer support by extending their update promises. Where once two major OS upgrades were standard, many now offer four or even seven years of combined OS and security coverage. This shift reflects growing awareness that sustainability in tech means keeping devices functional—not just replacing them annually.

The OnePlus 12 and Samsung S24 represent two different philosophies in this space. OnePlus, historically known for fast performance and clean software, has had an inconsistent history with timely updates. Samsung, traditionally criticized for slow rollouts, has transformed its approach under One UI and is now among the most reliable brands for sustained support.

Update Policies Compared: Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Let’s start with the official commitments from both companies:

Device	Major OS Updates	Security Updates	Total Support Duration	Beta Program Access
OnePlus 12	4	5 years	Up to 5 years	Yes (Open Beta)
Samsung Galaxy S24	7	7 years	7 years	Yes (Beta via Samsung Members)

The numbers are striking. Samsung promises **seven years** of both OS and security updates for the S24 series—a first in the Android industry at this scale. This commitment covers every model in the S24 lineup, including the base S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra. By contrast, OnePlus offers **four major Android version upgrades** and **five years of security patches**, which, while competitive compared to earlier models, still falls short of Samsung’s guarantee.

This difference isn’t merely academic. Seven years of support means the S24 could run Android 30 or beyond, depending on Google’s release cycle, while the OnePlus 12 may stop at Android 17 or 18. For users who keep phones for three years or more—either out of preference, budget constraints, or environmental concerns—Samsung’s policy provides significantly greater future-proofing.

Tip: If you plan to use your phone for more than three years, prioritize brands with longer OS update guarantees—like Samsung—to ensure compatibility and security.

Real-World Update Performance: Promises vs. Delivery

Official policies are only meaningful if they’re consistently delivered. Let’s examine how both brands have performed historically.

OnePlus: The company improved dramatically after merging more closely with Oppo around 2020. Earlier devices like the OnePlus 6 received up to three OS updates, which was strong at the time. However, rollout speeds were often criticized—especially in global markets where updates lagged behind Chinese counterparts. With OxygenOS merging into ColorOS-based builds, some users reported bloat and inconsistency. That said, recent flagships like the OnePlus 11 and 12 have seen faster, more predictable update cycles, suggesting maturation in their software operations.

Samsung: Once notorious for delayed updates, Samsung completely restructured its software division after launching One UI in 2019. Since then, it has become one of the fastest adopters of new Android versions among OEMs. The Galaxy S23 series received Android 14 within weeks of Google’s public release. Security patches are typically issued monthly, with rare exceptions. Their centralized R&D, large engineering teams, and control over core components allow Samsung to test and deploy updates efficiently across global variants.

“We’ve built a unified platform so that when Google releases a new Android version, we can adapt it quickly and securely across our entire premium lineup.” — TM Roh, President of MX Business, Samsung Electronics

In practice, Samsung doesn’t just promise long support—it delivers it reliably. Users rarely report missed updates or fragmented availability. OnePlus, while improving, still faces occasional delays, particularly for regional firmware versions.

Step-by-Step: How to Maximize Your Phone’s Software Lifespan

No matter which phone you choose, proactive habits can help extend its effective life. Follow this timeline to get the most out of your device’s software support window:

1. Month 1: Register for Beta Programs
   Join OnePlus’ Open Beta or Samsung’s Beta Zone to access early updates and provide feedback. This also ensures you’re on the priority list for stable releases.
2. Monthly: Install Security Patches
   Enable automatic updates or check manually every month. Even if you skip major OS upgrades, staying current on security fixes protects against emerging threats.
3. Yearly: Audit App Compatibility
   Review frequently used apps annually to confirm they still support your OS version. Some banking or productivity apps drop support for older Android versions without warning.
4. Year 3: Evaluate Upgrade Need
   By the third year, assess whether performance lags or features feel outdated. If your phone is mid-cycle in its update roadmap (e.g., S24 in 2027), continuing is likely safe.
5. Final Year: Backup and Plan Exit
   In the last supported year, increase backup frequency and research next-gen devices. Avoid installing untrusted apps as vulnerabilities rise post-support.

Ecosystem Advantages: More Than Just the Phone

Longevity isn’t just about the smartphone itself—it’s also shaped by integration with other devices and services. Samsung’s ecosystem gives the S24 a structural edge in long-term usability.

The S24 integrates seamlessly with Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch, tablets, and even Windows PCs through Link to Windows and Quick Share. Features like call and message syncing, cross-device clipboard, and automatic hotspot failover improve daily utility. As Samsung continues to expand these capabilities—such as AI-driven continuity in upcoming One UI versions—owners benefit from cumulative improvements over time.

OnePlus offers basic ecosystem tools like OnePlus Switch and HeyTap Cloud, but lacks deeply integrated wearable or desktop experiences. While it supports Bluetooth audio and basic messaging sync, there’s no equivalent to Samsung’s multi-device synergy. Over a seven-year ownership period, this gap in functionality compounds, making the S24 feel more “future-ready” even as hardware ages.

Mini Case Study: Two Users, Five Years Later

Consider two hypothetical users: Alex bought a OnePlus 11 in 2023, planning to keep it until 2028. Jamie purchased a Galaxy S23 the same year with the same goal.

By 2026, both receive their final major OS update. Alex’s OnePlus 11 stops at Android 15, while Jamie’s S23 gets Android 16 and continues receiving security patches. In 2027, Alex notices several apps—including a popular banking app—no longer function correctly due to deprecated APIs. Jamie encounters no such issues.

In 2028, Alex decides to upgrade despite the phone working fine physically because of increasing software friction. Jamie, however, extends usage into 2029 thanks to continued support and smooth interoperability with a newly acquired Galaxy Tab S9. The difference? Samsung’s longer roadmap provided tangible extra value.

This scenario illustrates that update policies aren’t abstract—they affect real-world usability years down the line.

Checklist: Choosing for Longevity

Use this checklist when evaluating any smartphone for long-term software viability:

• ✅ Confirmed number of promised OS updates (4+ preferred)
• ✅ Minimum 5 years of security patch commitment
• ✅ Brand history of on-time update delivery
• ✅ Integration with ecosystem devices (watches, earbuds, tablets)
• ✅ Availability of beta programs for early access
• ✅ Global consistency in update rollout (avoid region-specific delays)
• ✅ Manufacturer investment in software R&D (e.g., dedicated UI team)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does OnePlus really provide 4 OS updates for the 12?

Yes. OnePlus officially confirmed that the OnePlus 12 will receive four major Android OS upgrades, starting from Android 14. This means it should be eligible for Android 15, 16, 17, and 18. Security updates will continue for five years from launch.

Is Samsung’s 7-year update promise available worldwide?

Yes. Samsung has stated that the 7-year update policy applies globally to all Galaxy S24 models, regardless of region or carrier. This includes both unlocked and carrier-locked units sold in North America, Europe, Asia, and other markets.

Will either phone get Android 19 or 20?

Based on current commitments, only the Samsung S24 has a chance of receiving Android 19 (expected ~2028). It would depend on Google’s release schedule and Samsung’s adherence to its pledge. The OnePlus 12 is capped at four upgrades from Android 14, meaning it will not go beyond Android 18.

Conclusion: Future-Proofing Your Investment

The OnePlus 12 is a powerful device with excellent performance, charging speed, and display quality. Its four OS updates and five years of security patches place it above average in today’s market. But when compared directly to the Samsung Galaxy S24, it simply doesn’t match the depth of long-term support.

Samsung’s industry-leading 7-year update promise, backed by consistent delivery and a robust ecosystem, makes the S24 the smarter choice for anyone who values longevity. Whether you’re a user who upgrades every two years or someone who keeps phones for half a decade, knowing your device will remain secure, compatible, and feature-rich for longer adds undeniable value.

Ultimately, software support isn’t just a footnote in a spec sheet—it’s a core component of ownership experience. If future-proofing matters to you, the Samsung S24 sets a new benchmark that others, including OnePlus, are still striving to reach.

🚀 Ready to make a lasting decision? Share your thoughts on long-term software support—what matters most to you in a phone’s update policy? Join the conversation below.