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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 concept, it’s; the previous days of shedding 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 nearly every little thing on our telephones. Nevertheless, Google might have bitten off greater than it may chew with such lengthy assist pledges, particularly when tied with the promise of standard Characteristic Drops.
I’m positive you’ve learn that Google’s Pixel 8 is on the heart of latest 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 technique to the dearer Pixel 8 Professional. Which means no AI summaries or sensible keyboard replies with out the cloud. The explanation: unspecified {hardware} limitations. That’s a double blow, on condition that Video Enhance 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 subsequent seven years, regardless of their very related {hardware} specs. Whereas many customers won’t be too bothered by the restricted makes use of of AI right now, they could find yourself miffed a couple of years later when their cellphone doesn’t provide the identical options as opponents (or related units from the identical model). Particularly in the event that they consider they have been promised as a lot. With out complete updates, the hole with future units 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 just lately eliminated its Android 14 battery stats characteristic, which confirmed charging cycle depend and battery manufacturing date, from the whole Pixel 8 collection. The explanation given is that the characteristic is meant to be out there solely on the upcoming Pixel 8a and past. It feels like one other case of not futureproofing present units sufficient to assist a characteristic deliberate for a mere few months later. Regardless, once more, the message reaffirms that you just shouldn’t count on to obtain all the latest stuff in your latest 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 Enhance, Evening 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 checklist, however Google treats it extra like a prototype. And we nonetheless come throughout the odd grievance that multi-tasking stays a ache and that little has modified because the transfer to Android 14. It’s not an important search for a pin-up product.
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Whereas it will be unreasonable to count on to obtain each new characteristic over seven years of updates ({hardware} strikes on, in spite of everything), Google has did not carry a number of flagship options to its telephones not even a 12 months after they launched. What hope ought to now we have that seven years of updates means something greater than the naked minimal assist? 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 truthful to Google, it launched a number of new choices throughout its units in its December ’23 Characteristic Drop. Name Display now seems on the Pixel Watch, you need to use your Pixel 6 or newer as a USB webcam, and dual-screen preview has made its technique 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.
Who’s doing a greater job with cellphone updates?
303 votes
24%
Samsung
49%
They’re about the identical.
27%
All hope isn’t misplaced for long-term updates. Samsung leaves no man behind, having applied 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.
In fact, we’ll be watching how Samsung’s personal seven-year replace pledge pans out over the approaching months and years. Issues might change, significantly as telephones age. As we speak, 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 recreation, and shortly.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
Vibrant, sharp 1440p show
Wonderful replace dedication
Useful 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
Business-leading replace promise
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