Long software support matters to smartphone shoppers, poll finds

[phillynews215]

Android phones don’t change much from year to year these days; the Galaxy S26 is extremely similar to the Galaxy S25, which was extremely similar to the Galaxy S24, and so on. That means that, assuming you don’t break it, it’s easier than ever to make a device last. Solid hardware only goes so far, though — long software support matters, too. According to a survey Android Authority‘s been running, almost all of you agree, rating long-lasting software support as a consideration in choosing your phones.

In a poll running for the past couple of weeks, we’ve been asking readers whether long software support is a priority in choosing a new phone. There were three options to choose from: “Yes, it’s a top priority;” “Somewhat, but not a dealbreaker;” or “No, I care more about price.” Just shy of 84% of responses indicated that long software support is indeed a priority.




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