Google has always been generous with its software updates for its Pixel phones. The company recently launched the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which offer up to 7 years of software updates, including Android OS upgrades, security updates, and regular Feature Drops. This means that if you buy a Pixel 8 today, you can expect to receive the latest Android features and security patches until 2030.
Sounds impressive, right? Well, not really. I think 7 years of software updates is way too long and unnecessary for most users. Here’s why.
By that time, your phone is already obsolete
Technology evolves rapidly, especially in the smartphone industry. Every year, we see new innovations and improvements in hardware, design, performance, battery life, camera quality, and more. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro may be the best Android phones in the market today, but they will soon be surpassed by newer models from Google and other brands.
By the time your Pixel 8 reaches its seventh year of software updates, it will be outdated and outperformed by newer phones. You will miss out on the latest features and technologies that are only available on newer hardware. For example, you may not be able to enjoy the benefits of faster charging, better display, higher refresh rate, more storage, more RAM, better speakers, or better cameras.
7 years will outlast your Pixel phone
Another problem with 7 years of software updates is that they will likely outlast your Pixel phone. Let’s face it: smartphones are not built to last forever. They are prone to wear and tear, accidents, damage, theft, or loss. They also have limited battery life cycles, which means that they will eventually degrade and lose their capacity over time.
According to a study by Strategy Analytics, the average smartphone replacement cycle in 2020 was 33 months or about 2.75 years. This means that most users replace their phones before they reach their fourth year of use. If you follow this trend, you will never get to enjoy the full benefits of Google’s 7 years of software updates.
By then, there will be newer models already
The last reason why I think 7 years of software updates is too much is that by then, there will be newer models already. Google releases new Pixel phones every year, usually around October or November. This means that by the time your Pixel 8 gets its seventh year of software updates in 2030, there will be at least seven newer generations of Pixel phones already.
If you are a fan of Google’s products and services, you will probably want to upgrade to the latest Pixel phone every few years. You will not want to stick with your old Pixel 8 for too long. You will want to experience the best that Google has to offer.
Final Remarks
Google’s 7 years of software updates may sound like a great deal for Pixel users, but I think it is too much and unnecessary. Around four years of updates is enough for most users. That’s still longer than the average smartphone replacement cycle and enough to keep your phone secure and updated. You are better off upgrading your phone every few years and enjoying the latest features and technologies that Google has to offer.
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with me?
