Galaxy S24 is the most important Android phone in ages - the reason will surprise you!

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Galaxy S24 is the most important Android phone in ages - the reason will surprise you!
With 5-6 years of iOS updates and 6-7 years of security patches, Apple’s iPhone has been the gold standard for smartphone longevity for some 15 years now.

It goes without saying, Cupertino’s commitment for extended software support has been a big reason to buy an iPhone over an Android phone - even when talking about an old iPhone model versus a brand new mid-range Android.

However, as it turns out, one of the iPhone’s most unique selling points is finally starting to lose relevance, since after Google’s Pixel 8 series, it’s now Samsung’s brand new Galaxy S24 series, which comes with a promise of 7 years of OS and security updates - so you can keep using your expensive Android flagship phone at least until flying cars are real.

Jokes aside, Google and Samsung’s commitment to support flagship phones for twice as long as they used to just a few years ago, is a huge deal for users! In fact, this might be the biggest upgrade each and every new Galaxy S24 model is bringing this year…

Game-changing Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24 Ultra flagships join Google Pixel 8 to become the most future-proof Android phone ever





To be clear, there are two types of people - those who know about software updates and get excited as soon as they hit their phone, and those still running the old version of Android/iOS, and only hit the update button when there’s something wrong with their phone (hoping for a fix).

And although people keep their phones for longer than ever now, most tend to buy a new phone every 3-5 years, which means they’ll never take full advantage of the promised seven OS updates. Hold on then… Do software updates even matter?! Of course they do!

Despite the promise of 7 major OS updates, the Galaxy S24 series won’t be getting updated as quickly as the Pixel and iPhone. Google and Apple’s flagship are always first to get new iOS and Android versions, while Samsung flagships tend to get updated gradually, 2-4 months later, depending on your region.

Google and Samsung’s promise for 7 years of OS updates make Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 more valuable and amazing than you think




If there’s one thing smartphone users love is getting a bargain, and this is why Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 are now the most valuable Android flagships ever released. Of course, a “bargain” can mean buying a phone on sale but it also means buying a used/refurbished phone, which is 1-2 years old.

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Whether Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 prices on the resale market will hold up that much better compared to older models is one thing (my guess is that they won’t), but what’s awesome is that buying a used/refurbished old Samsung/Google flagship now seems like an absolute no-brainer.

On the contrary, mid-range phones like the Pixel 7a Galaxy A54 might soon be unable to match the value offered by old Google and Samsung flagships. Of course, you’d have to wait until the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 become affordable enough for this to be true. The good news is that the Pixel 8 can already be found for as low as $500 if you shop around.



All eyes on Apple: Will iPhone 16 match Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 with a promise of 7 iOS updates? We might have to wait another seven years to see...



Of course, no phone exists in isolation, and although Apple “pioneered” long-term software support, now, Cupertino finds itself in an interesting position - one of the runner-up.

According to Apple’s unwritten rule, iPhones get 5-6 iOS updates, meaning the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 should receive 1-2 extra OS updates compared to the iPhone 15 series.

Now, Apple doesn’t specify how many updates each iPhone is supposed to get, which is why I doubt Tim Cook & Co will start doing this now. Instead, it’s more likely that Apple could decide to take advantage of the powerful hardware of the iPhone and simply push a few extra updates to phones like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 once they are 6-7 years old.



Samsung’s commitment to long software support challenges other Android phone-makers to do better




All in all, Google and Samsung are seemingly turning what used to be one of Android’s biggest weaknesses (compared to iPhone) into a true selling point, and that’s awesome to see.

As someone who writes about phones, I’m glad I no longer need to consider the area of software support when giving shopping advice on Google, Samsung, and Apple flagships. Instead, I can focus on comparing other areas of the phones.

Even better, I have a strong feeling Google and Samsung’s software commitment will challenge other phone-makers to up their game, which means OnePlus, Motorola, and Xiaomi users should celebrate too… Well, maybe not yet, but you get the point. In fact, Google and Samsung’s push for longer software support has already inspired many brands to start competing.

OnePlus and Xiaomi now offer 4 years of OS upgrades on their flagship phones, while Xiaomi (notorious for taking ages to push updates) now offers 3 years of OS and 4 years of security updates with mid-range and even some budget devices.

Are you likely to keep your Galaxy S24 for seven years?

Galaxy S24 Ultra with 512GB is now $280 off on Amazon

The S24 Ultra is at discounted prices on Amazon. You can now save $280 on the model with 512GB of storage. Not all colors arrive at the same discount.

Galaxy S24+, 512GB: Get at Amazon for 17% off

The Galaxy S24+ is also available on Amazon. At the moment, the exciting Samsung device with 512GB of storage for 17% off its usual price, which equates to $193 in savings.

Galaxy S24 is 10% off on Amazon

The Samsung Galaxy S24 with 128GB of storage sells for 10% off on Amazon. That saves you $80. This is a limited-time deal.

Galaxy S24 Ultra: up to $750 off with a trade-in

You can purchase a fully unlocked Galaxy S24 Ultra via the official Samsung store. The almighty AI genius arrives for up to $750 off with an eligible phone trade-in.
$549 99
$1299 99
Buy at Samsung

Galaxy S24+: up to $600 off with eligible trade-in

If you don't care much for the latest and greatest flagship model from Samsung, consider the S24+. The middle member of the S24 family is currently up to $600 off with eligible trade-ins.
$519 99
$1119 99
Buy at Samsung

Galaxy S24: save up to $540 with a trade-in

The S24 arrives at Samsung as well. Right now, there are no discounts available before trade-ins, but you can trade in an eligible device to save up to $540. Online exclusive colors available.
$259 99
$799 99
Buy at Samsung
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