An Android phone can continue to make calls, run apps, and appear fully functional long after its security protection has ended. That gap matters most for people who use an older device for banking, online shopping, or storing personal information.
Manufacturers do not disable a phone when its software support period expires. Instead, the device stops receiving routine fixes for vulnerabilities that could later be exploited in cyberattacks.
Security Updates Matter Beyond New Android Versions
Android software support has two main parts: operating system updates and security updates. Operating system updates can deliver features, interface changes, and performance improvements, while security updates are intended to close known weaknesses.
A phone that no longer receives new Android versions may gradually become less compatible with newer applications. The loss of security patches creates a separate concern because newly discovered flaws may remain unaddressed.
Support periods are not uniform across the Android market. Google develops Android, but each manufacturer sets its own update policy for devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, and other brands.
Longer Support Is Available on Selected Models
Some manufacturers have extended software support in recent years, particularly for newer premium devices. Google and Samsung offer up to seven years of operating system and security updates for certain models.
A Tech Advisor summary cited by Beritasatu shows that support depends on the brand, device series, and release period. Premium models generally receive longer support than mid-range and entry-level phones.
| Manufacturer or Series | OS Updates | Security Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 6 and newer | 7 years | 7 years |
| Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z 2024/2025 and newer | 7 years | 7 years |
| Older Samsung Galaxy A models | 4 years | 4 years |
| OnePlus 12 and newer | 4 years | 5 years |
| Premium Xiaomi models, including Xiaomi 14 | 4 years | 5 years |
| Mid-range and entry-level Xiaomi phones | About 2–3 years | 3 years |
| Oppo and Realme from June 2025 | 4 years | 6 years |
| Latest Motorola Edge series | 3 years | 4 years |
The European Union has also pushed manufacturers toward longer software support. For new models released from June 20, 2025, the rules require software updates for at least five years after a product is withdrawn from the market.
How to Estimate an Android Phone’s Age
Checking the device age is a practical first step before comparing it with the manufacturer’s support policy. Built-in settings can provide manufacturing or warranty details, although the available information differs by brand.
Samsung users can open the Phone app and enter *#12580*369#. The RF cal section may display the manufacturing date, which can help estimate how old the device is.
On Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Realme phones, users can look in Settings and then open the About Phone section. Warranty information or a manufacturing date may be listed there when available.
Another option is checking the IMEI or serial number through a third-party service such as IMEI.info. Loading the device information may take time, so the built-in menu is often the more practical option.
Once the approximate age is known, it should be compared with the support policy for the exact brand and model. A phone with expired support can still handle basic tasks, but it no longer receives the latest protection against vulnerabilities found afterward.
