The OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R have made their debut in the western market, with the OnePlus 13 positioned as a flagship contender and the 13R targeting the mid-range segment. Priced at $900 and $600 (for the 12GB/256GB variant) respectively, these devices offer compelling value. But how do their software update policies stack up against the competition, and will they remain viable in the long run? Let’s delve into the details.
OnePlus 13 and 13R Update Lifespan: How Long Will They Be Supported?
Both the OnePlus 13 and the 13R benefit from a generous software update commitment: four years of major Android OS updates and six years of security updates. This translates to both devices potentially reaching Android 19 before official support concludes. Even after reaching Android 19, the continued security updates ensure the phones remain usable and secure for an extended period.
Comparing OnePlus Update Policy to Industry Standards
While four major OS updates might not seem groundbreaking, OnePlus’ policy is competitive, even surpassing some industry giants. For example, even the Samsung Galaxy S24 is limited to a combined seven years of OS and security updates. This shorter lifespan is partly driven by manufacturers encouraging upgrades and the resource-intensive nature of supporting older operating systems.
OnePlus 13R Update Policy Matches Flagship Counterpart
Impressively, the OnePlus 13R mirrors the flagship OnePlus 13’s update policy, offering the same four years of OS upgrades and six years of security patches. This commitment to long-term support for a mid-range device is commendable, especially compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, which is also expected to receive seven years of total updates. This marks an improvement over the S23 FE, which only received four OS updates and five years of security updates.
Battery settings page on the OnePlus 13R.
The Significance of Security Updates for Mobile Devices
Mobile updates generally fall into two categories: major OS updates (e.g., iOS 18, Android 15) and security updates. While OS updates introduce new features and functionalities, security updates address vulnerabilities and bugs, ensuring the device’s continued safe operation. These security patches become increasingly critical as the OS ages and more security flaws are discovered. They act as a protective barrier against malware and other online threats, much like reinforcing an old mineshaft.
Why Security Updates Matter After OS Support Ends
A device without security updates becomes a prime target for cyberattacks. Continued security updates, even after major OS updates cease, are crucial for protecting user data and maintaining the device’s integrity. The OnePlus 13 and 13R’s extended security update policy provides users with peace of mind and a longer period of safe and reliable usage.
