[Updated] Google could decimate Samsung phones with 7 years of OS updates

Android phones were infamous for their short software support. However, Samsung upped the game a couple of years ago when it promised to offer its mid-range and high-end phones four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates. And the other Android brands, including Google, OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi, followed. However, Google plans to decimate Samsung with even more extended software update support.

Pixel 8 series could come with a promise of 7 years of Android OS updates

It is being reported by 91Mobiles, courtesy of Kamila Wojciechowska, that Google is planning to offer up to seven years of Android OS and security updates, starting with the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8 series will be launched sometime next month with Android 14 onboard, and if the leaked information is correct, the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro could get up to Android 21 with software updates.

However, we should still take this information with a pinch of salt as the report may have misreported security updates as Android OS updates. But if this information turns out to be true, Samsung could be forced to up its game once again and match Google to offer seven years of Android OS updates and security patches. If it doesn't match Google, Samsung's reputation could be at risk once again, and it can't afford that to happen.

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro specifications

According to the same report, the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro could come with some impressive set of specifications. The Pixel 8 reportedly features a 6.2-inch OLED screen with Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,000 nits peak brightness. The Pixel 8 Pro could have a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate and up to 2,400 nits peak brightness.

Both Pixel 8 series phones reportedly feature Tensor G3 processor, 8GB LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage. The Pixel 8 could be available in 128GB and 256GB versions, while the Pixel 8 Pro could be launched in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions (US only). The Pixel 8 has a 4,575mAh battery with 27W fast charging and 18W fast wireless charging, while the Pixel 8 Pro has a 5,050mAh battery with 30W fast charging and 23W fast wireless charging.

Google could equip the Pixel 8 with a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10.5MP front-facing camera with autofocus. The Pixel 8 Pro could have a 50MP primary rear camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. On the front, the Pixel 8 Pro could have a 10.5MP selfie camera with autofocus.

Both upcoming Pixel phones could have GPS, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. Other features could include an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, stereo speakers, an under-display fingerprint reader, Face ID, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection.