Sanuj Bhatia / Android Authority
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Android phones don’t change much from year to year these days; the Galaxy S26 is extremely similar to the Galaxy S25, which was extremely similar to the Galaxy S24, and so on. That means that, assuming you don’t break it, it’s easier than ever to make a device last. Solid hardware only goes so far, though — long software support matters, too. According to a survey Android Authority‘s been running, almost all of you agree, rating long-lasting software support as a consideration in choosing your phones.
In a poll running for the past couple of weeks, we’ve been asking readers whether long software support is a priority in choosing a new phone. There were three options to choose from: “Yes, it’s a top priority;” “Somewhat, but not a dealbreaker;” or “No, I care more about price.” Just shy of 84% of responses indicated that long software support is indeed a priority.
About 46% of 1,455 respondents said that long software support is a top priority when buying a new phone. That checks out to me; even if you don’t intend to hold onto your phone for a full seven years, longer software support makes a device more valuable to potential future owners, meaning you could get a better deal reselling your old phone when you get a new one.
Nearly as many readers, about 38%, indicated that long software support does matter, but shorter support isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker if the phone is appealing otherwise. Only about one in six respondents said that software support doesn’t matter if the price is right.
How’s this track for you? Do you care if your phone stays up to date for years on end, or would you trade long support for a lower price tag? Talk it out in the comments.
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