Samsung Galaxy S21, S22 and S23 deserve Pixel-like Android OS support extension

Google has extended Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series’ Android updates support by two years. Now, the devices belonging to these lineups will get two additional OS upgrades. Samsung Galaxy S21, S22, and S23 series also deserve an extension in Android OS update support.

Google recently revised its OS support plan for older Pixel phones. The company will now provide five years of OS and security updates to Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series. These models were launched right before the Galaxy S21 and S22 series.

Samsung should consider extending software support for these Galaxy models:

Galaxy S Series: Galaxy S23, S23 FE, S23+, S23 Ultra, as well as Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE

Galaxy Z Series: Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, Z Fold 3, and Z Flip 3

Galaxy Tablets: Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9+, Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S8, S8+, and S8 Ultra

Samsung Software Support – How it evolved

Way back in August 2020, Samsung introduced its software update policy. The company promised that the Galaxy S20 series and later models will receive up to three generations of Android OS upgrades and regular security patches.

Beyond that, Samsung has taken software support to a whole new level. In February 2022, the company promised four major Android upgrades and five years of security patches to flagship Galaxy phones released in 2021 and later.

This made the Galaxy S21 series eligible for an additional OS upgrade and two more years of security updates. Well, Samsung offered the same OS support to select Galaxy A and M series smartphones.

In 2023 and 2024, the Korean tech giant has completely changed the OS upgrade game. While rivals replicated Samsung’s policy, it has confirmed flagship-grade longevity to budget and mid-range smartphones.

2024 marked the biggest breakthrough in the mobile industry. Starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung flagships are now eligible for seven years of Android upgrades and seven years of regular security updates.

While Samsung’s software support improved gradually, the Galaxy S21, S22, and S23 series are now lagging in competition. The S21 series will have its last major update next year, with two and three OS updates remaining for S22 and S23, respectively.