Pixel 9 Vs Galaxy S24 Ultra Which Android Flagship Has The Longest Software Support

When investing in a premium Android smartphone, performance and camera quality matter—but so does longevity. Software support determines how long your device receives critical security patches, operating system upgrades, and feature enhancements. For users who plan to keep their phones for four years or more, this factor can be decisive. As the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 Ultra emerge as top-tier Android flagships, a crucial question arises: which one offers the longest software support? The answer involves not just official promises, but also historical reliability, ecosystem strategy, and real-world user expectations.

Understanding Software Support: What It Includes

Software support encompasses three key components: OS updates, security patches, and feature drops. Each plays a vital role in keeping a phone secure, functional, and modern over time.

• OS Updates: Major Android version upgrades (e.g., Android 15 to Android 16) that bring new features, UI changes, and performance improvements.
• Security Patches: Monthly or quarterly fixes addressing vulnerabilities discovered in the Android framework or hardware drivers.
• Feature Drops: Smaller, incremental enhancements delivered outside of major OS releases—often including AI tools, camera modes, or productivity upgrades.

The length and consistency of these updates directly impact device lifespan. A phone with five years of guaranteed support will likely remain usable and secure far longer than one supported for only three years—even if both launch with identical specs.

Tip: Always check both the number of promised OS updates and the frequency of security patches when comparing flagship devices.

Google’s Commitment: Pixel 9 and the 7-Year Support Promise

Starting with the Pixel 8 series, Google made a groundbreaking announcement: all Pixel 8 and newer devices—including the upcoming Pixel 9—will receive seven years of software support. This includes:

• 7 years of OS upgrades
• 7 years of monthly security updates
• Ongoing Feature Drops throughout the lifecycle

This shift marks a significant departure from previous norms. Historically, most Android flagships offered only 3–4 years of major OS updates. By extending support to seven years, Google positions the Pixel line as a leader in long-term usability and sustainability.

The decision aligns with broader environmental and economic goals. In a 2023 statement, Rick Osterloh, then Senior Vice President of Devices & Services at Google, emphasized the company’s focus on reducing e-waste:

“Extending software support helps users keep their phones longer, reduces electronic waste, and ensures they benefit from the latest innovations without needing to upgrade annually.” — Rick Osterloh, Google

While the Pixel 9 has not yet launched, it is expected to inherit and possibly expand upon this commitment. Given Google’s control over both hardware and software, delivering consistent updates across the Pixel lineup is logistically simpler than for manufacturers relying on third-party chipsets and custom UI layers.

Samsung’s Track Record: Galaxy S24 Ultra and Its 7-Year Update Plan

In a surprising move ahead of the Galaxy S24 launch, Samsung matched Google’s promise—announcing that the Galaxy S24 series would receive up to seven years of OS and security updates. This applies to all models, including the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

For Samsung, this represents a major shift. Previously, the company offered four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security patches for its flagship devices. The expansion to seven years signals a strategic effort to improve customer loyalty and compete directly with Apple and Google on long-term value.

However, Samsung’s implementation differs slightly from Google’s:

• Samsung uses its One UI skin, which requires additional development time to adapt each new Android version.
• Updates must be coordinated across hundreds of carrier and regional variants, potentially delaying rollout timelines.
• Historically, Samsung has lagged behind Pixel devices in update speed, even when both run the same base Android version.

Despite these challenges, Samsung claims improved internal processes and closer collaboration with Google to streamline future updates. Whether this translates into timely, reliable delivery over seven full years remains to be seen.

Comparative Analysis: Pixel 9 vs Galaxy S24 Ultra

To evaluate which device truly offers better long-term support, we must go beyond marketing claims and examine delivery consistency, update depth, and ecosystem integration.

Feature	Pixel 9 (Expected)	Galaxy S24 Ultra
Major OS Updates	7 years (Android 14 → Android 20+)	7 years (Android 14 → Android 20+)
Security Updates	Monthly for 7 years	Monthly for 7 years
First Update After Launch	Within weeks (direct from Google)	Typically 2–4 months (One UI adaptation)
Update Rollout Speed	Fastest in Android ecosystem	Moderate; varies by region/carrier
Feature Drop Frequency	Quarterly AI and camera enhancements	Annual major feature updates
Historical Reliability	Excellent (near 100% on-time delivery)	Good (improving, but delays common)

On paper, both devices offer identical durations of support. But in practice, Google’s vertical integration gives the Pixel 9 a clear edge in update timeliness and consistency. Samsung, while making strides, still operates within a more fragmented ecosystem that introduces delays and variability.

Real-World Example: The Pixel 6 and Early Adoption Challenges

The Pixel 6, released in 2021, was initially plagued by hardware bugs and software instability. Despite these issues, Google maintained an aggressive update schedule—delivering Android 12L, 13, and 14 on time, along with monthly security patches. By 2024, the Pixel 6 had received over 30 major updates, significantly improving performance and camera quality.

In contrast, some Galaxy S21 users reported waiting six months or more for the Android 13 update, depending on their carrier and country. While Samsung eventually delivered the update globally, the uneven rollout highlighted structural inefficiencies.

This case illustrates that duration alone doesn’t guarantee quality support. Timely delivery, bug resolution speed, and ongoing optimization are equally important—and areas where Pixel devices have historically outperformed competitors.

What “7 Years” Really Means: A Timeline Perspective

Let’s project forward from 2024, the launch year for both the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 Ultra, to understand what seven years of support entails.

1. 2024: Launch with Android 14. First security patch arrives days after release.
2. 2025: Android 15 rollout begins Q3. Pixel receives it within weeks; S24 Ultra by end of year.
3. 2026: Android 16 arrives. Pixel ships update rapidly; Samsung completes global rollout by Q1 2027.
4. 2027: Android 17 introduced. Both brands continue support, though Samsung may begin phasing out older chipset models.
5. 2028: Android 18 lands. Pixel 9 likely receives it; S24 Ultra support continues but may see reduced testing resources.
6. 2029: Android 19 expected. At this point, only devices with strongest vendor commitment remain supported.
7. 2031: Final year of support ends. Both devices stop receiving official updates.

The risk for Samsung increases in later years, as maintaining One UI compatibility across aging hardware becomes more complex. Google, using standardized Tensor chips and pure Android, faces fewer such hurdles.

Tip: If you plan to use your phone beyond four years, prioritize brands with proven long-term update discipline—not just current promises.

Checklist: How to Evaluate Long-Term Software Support

Before choosing between the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 Ultra—or any flagship—consider the following factors:

• ✅ Does the manufacturer guarantee both OS and security updates for the same duration?
• ✅ Has the brand consistently met past update commitments?
• ✅ Are updates delivered promptly after Google’s public release?
• ✅ Is the device part of a dedicated long-support program (e.g., “7-year promise”)?
• ✅ Does the company provide transparency about update status (e.g., public roadmap)?
• ✅ Are feature enhancements included throughout the lifecycle?

Answering yes to most of these questions increases confidence in sustained support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Pixel 9 definitely get 7 years of updates?

Yes. Google has officially committed to seven years of updates for all Pixel 8 and later models. The Pixel 9, launching in late 2024, falls squarely within this policy. There is no indication of reversal, and doing so would damage trust in Google’s long-term device strategy.

Does Samsung really match Google’s update speed?

No. While Samsung now matches Google in update duration, it does not match speed. Pixel devices typically receive new Android versions within days or weeks of launch. Samsung devices often wait 3–6 months due to One UI customization and carrier certification processes. Over seven years, this delay accumulates to nearly two full OS versions behind at times.

Can I extend software support beyond 7 years?

Officially, no. Once a manufacturer ends support, no further security patches or OS upgrades are provided. However, technically skilled users may install custom ROMs like LineageOS, which can extend functionality. This approach voids warranties, introduces security risks, and isn’t recommended for average users.

Conclusion: The Verdict on Longevity

Both the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 Ultra promise seven years of software support—a milestone for the Android ecosystem. On duration alone, they are equals. But when evaluating actual user experience, reliability, and update cadence, the Pixel 9 holds a distinct advantage.

Google’s history of prompt, consistent updates, combined with direct control over Android development, makes the Pixel line the safest bet for long-term ownership. Samsung deserves credit for matching the timeline, but structural delays in its update pipeline mean users may wait months longer for critical upgrades.

If your priority is maximizing the usable life of your smartphone while staying secure and up-to-date, the Pixel 9 emerges as the stronger choice. Its seamless integration with Android’s evolution ensures you won’t just get updates—you’ll get them when they matter most.

💬 Which phone do you trust to last seven years? Share your thoughts on long-term software support and what matters most to you in a flagship device.