Google Pixel and Pixel XL will get software updates at least until October 2019

by Florin Troaca / Apr 27, 2017, 9:21 PM

Google Pixel and Pixel XL will get software updates at least until October 2019

Google today refreshed one of its important Android support pages, adding the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones to a special list: the one showing for how long the handsets will receive official software updates.

As you can see below, Google can't guarantee that the Pixel and Pixel XL will get Android version updates after October 2018 (thus two years after their initial launch). It also can't guarantee that the two devices will receive security updates after October 2019 (3 years after launch). To be fair, this shouldn't surprise anyone. Android version updates for 2 years and security updates for 1 extra year have been the norm for Google when it comes to Nexus phones, and it's only natural for this to continue with the Pixel series.

source: Google via Android Police

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16 Comments

1. kiko007

Posts: 7491; Member since: Feb 17, 2016

To think I almost pulled the 900+ dollar trigger on a Pixel XL over my 7 Plus. Excellent phones (Pixel line) no question, but for that kinda money, I need more than two years of updates. I made that mistake with the Nexus 6... never again.

posted on Apr 27, 2017, 9:34 PM 4

3. iczer

Posts: 150; Member since: Oct 14, 2015

But you will get 3 different Android versions.... It launched with Nougat then Android O and then Android P, after that you will get a new device, I m switching my phone every two years....

posted on Apr 27, 2017, 9:42 PM 2

4. kiko007

Posts: 7491; Member since: Feb 17, 2016

Can't argue with that. And yeah, I switch phones often enough that updates shouldn't matter to me. I'm just a stickler for the little things I guess...

posted on Apr 27, 2017, 9:47 PM 0

5. Mxyzptlk unregistered

Look at how long Apple supported the iPhone 4S and the 5/5S. I think they should support it as long as they did with the Nexus 4 at least.

posted on Apr 27, 2017, 10:06 PM 1

11. geassvi

Posts: 4; Member since: Mar 23, 2015

Pretty sure Apple just wants to keep supporting their devices longer because the more features the old phone gets the slower they become. Making the people who own the phone think its slow and needs an upgrade

posted on Apr 28, 2017, 12:40 AM 5

14. Mxyzptlk unregistered

Pretty sure you're just talking out of your rear end on that one.

posted on Apr 28, 2017, 3:56 AM 0

12. medtxa

Posts: 1655; Member since: Jun 02, 2014

And why you don't use iphone 5 still? you know, because it still get update right?,

posted on Apr 28, 2017, 12:50 AM 1

2. Tziggy14

Posts: 623; Member since: Sep 02, 2014

Besides the software updates, what should stop me from forking $700+ on a Galaxy S8 over the Pixel? Because I don't see the point of spending that much money on a barebones stock android phone that looks like the iPhone.

posted on Apr 27, 2017, 9:38 PM 1

10. Settings

Posts: 2943; Member since: Jul 02, 2014

The S8 costs $800 while Pixel is $645. Do the math.

posted on Apr 27, 2017, 11:10 PM 2

15. Dr.Phil

Posts: 2299; Member since: Feb 14, 2011

Actually the price of the S8 depends on what carrier you have. For instance, at Best Buy you can get the S8 outright for $650. The Verizon version costs $720, AT&T costs $750, and the Sprint one costs $800. You also should take into account that while the Pixel may be cheaper than those certain versions of the S8, it also has less internal storage (32 GB vs 64 GB), not the latest processor (821 vs 835), a smaller screen, and not as waterproof as the S8. These are features that may or may not be important to you, but are worth consideration by other people.

posted on Apr 28, 2017, 8:38 AM 0

16. Rampage_Taco

Posts: 1009; Member since: Jan 17, 2017

And a lack of Expandable memory which is a disappointment for an Android powered device. I don't care for unlimited cloud storage for my pictures

posted on Apr 28, 2017, 11:43 AM 0

6. UglyFrank

Posts: 2191; Member since: Jan 23, 2014

I think everyone on PA already knew this. And to think people still think fast updates are worth losing out on features you find on non stock ROMs when I know that my S8+ will also see 2 years of updates and it will also get security updates afterwards (just like my S5 did).

posted on Apr 27, 2017, 10:31 PM 3

7. Zylam

Posts: 1808; Member since: Oct 20, 2010

That's where the custom rom community comes in. Everyone knows Android Oems are a joke with updates. Even if they say they will support a device, it doesn't always pan out. If you care about updates, you have to research how popular said phone is with the rom community, then make your choice. Before I buy an Android tablet or phone, the first thing I check is to see if it's got a custom recovery and rom.

posted on Apr 27, 2017, 10:40 PM 1

8. kiko007

Posts: 7491; Member since: Feb 17, 2016

Good point. This is largely why I stick with HTC phones. They've ALWAYS had an easy way to unlock the bootloaders on their phones, and Sunshine to get S-off when needed. Plus there are numerous Sense and AOSP ROMs to choose from. Awesome community overall too...

posted on Apr 27, 2017, 10:48 PM 2

13. Zylam

Posts: 1808; Member since: Oct 20, 2010

Yup, as messed up as HTC's design language has become, I've always respected them for supporting the modding community, they really stepped up when they let you officially unlock boatloaders and while maintaining your warranty. Sony has done similar things and Samsung can learn a thing or two from them.

posted on Apr 28, 2017, 1:55 AM 0

9. MrElectrifyer

Posts: 3960; Member since: Oct 21, 2014

Meh, years of pitiful stock Android update is merely catching up with OEM skins. I'd rather have a very useful device today than wait for some future update to implement the useful features..

posted on Apr 27, 2017, 10:56 PM 1

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