Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Seven years of updates, as seen on the Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24 collection, must be a stand-out promoting level for the newest and biggest smartphones. In principle, it’s; the previous days of dropping the newest Android options simply two years after buy have been shameful, and up-to-date safety is extra essential than ever now that we retailer just about all the pieces on our telephones. Nevertheless, Google might have bitten off greater than it might probably chew with such lengthy help pledges, particularly when tied with the promise of normal Characteristic Drops.
I’m certain you’ve learn that Google’s Pixel 8 is on the middle of current controversy after confirming that Gemini Nano, Google’s compact mannequin to energy on-device AI, gained’t be coming to the bottom mannequin after making its solution to the costlier Pixel 8 Professional. Which means no AI summaries or good keyboard replies with out the cloud. The explanation: unspecified {hardware} limitations. That’s a double blow, provided that Video Increase and different AI doodads have been already reserved for the Professional.
It’s clear that the Pixel 8 gained’t obtain all the identical options because the Professional over the following seven years, regardless of their very comparable {hardware} specs. Whereas many customers may not be too bothered by the restricted makes use of of AI in the present day, they could find yourself miffed just a few years later when their cellphone doesn’t supply the identical options as opponents (or comparable gadgets from the identical model). Particularly in the event that they imagine they have been promised as a lot. With out complete updates, the hole with future gadgets is prone to widen fairly shortly.
Seven years of updates is shortly turning into an ambiguous promise of little value.
It’s equally damning that Google not too long ago eliminated its Android 14 battery stats function, which confirmed charging cycle rely and battery manufacturing date, from the whole Pixel 8 collection. The explanation given is that the function is meant to be obtainable solely on the upcoming Pixel 8a and past. It appears like one other case of not futureproofing present gadgets sufficient to help a function deliberate for a mere few months later. Regardless, once more, the message reaffirms that you simply shouldn’t count on to obtain all the latest stuff in your current Pixel buy, even when it’s just a few months previous.
The cutting-edge Pixel Fold, which is promised 5 years of updates, additionally appears left within the chilly. There’s no phrase on if or when the $1,800 foldable will obtain Pixel 8-era options like Video Increase, Night time Sight with Time Lapse, Summarize in Recorder, or something associated to Gemini Nano. You’d assume an ultra-premium product can be excessive up the replace precedence record, however Google treats it extra like a prototype. And we nonetheless come throughout the odd criticism that multi-tasking stays a ache and that little has modified for the reason that transfer to Android 14. It’s not an important search for a pin-up product.
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Whereas it might be unreasonable to count on to obtain each new function over seven years of updates ({hardware} strikes on, in any case), Google has didn’t carry a number of flagship options to its telephones not even a yr after they launched. What hope ought to we’ve got that seven years of updates means something greater than the naked minimal help? Feedback throughout our polls on the subject concur; followers are ticked off, and belief within the seven years of promised upgrades is already wavering. 37% of our readers polled already remorse shopping for the vanilla Pixel 8 mannequin!
To be honest to Google, it launched a number of new choices throughout its gadgets in its December ’23 Characteristic Drop. Name Display screen now seems on the Pixel Watch, you should utilize your Pixel 6 or newer as a USB webcam, and dual-screen preview has made its solution to the Fold. Nonetheless, it’s the headline-grabbing options, like AI, that followers have their eyes on, and that’s the place Google’s replace coverage is a letdown.
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All hope shouldn’t be misplaced for long-term updates. Samsung leaves no man behind, having carried out the identical Galaxy AI capabilities throughout all three entries within the Galaxy S24 collection. And that’s regardless of regional chipset variations. Google’s lack of dedication to the Pixel 8 is weak by comparability. Moreover, Samsung plans to shortly backdate a number of of its newest One UI 6.1 options to the Galaxy S23 collection, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9. Updates ought to land as early as summer season of ’24.
After all, we’ll be watching how Samsung’s personal seven-year replace pledge pans out over the approaching months and years. Issues may change, notably as telephones age. At present, nevertheless, it seems much more dedicated to its newest merchandise and previous-generation Galaxys than Google is to its Pixel line-up. Right here’s hoping that Google improves its replace sport, and shortly.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
Vibrant, sharp 1440p show
Wonderful replace dedication
Helpful Galaxy AI options
Samsung Galaxy S24
Seven-year replace dedication
Neat AI options
Strong battery life
Google Pixel 8 Professional
Wonderful cameras
Enjoyable, unique Android 14 customizations
Trade-leading replace promise