On the published commitments we checked, Samsung offers the longer runway for a current flagship. Samsung says the Galaxy S26 series gets seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates from global launch. OnePlus’s UK material promises a minimum of three years of security updates for phones and tablets, and its OnePlus 13 declaration lists a six-year support period ending 7 January 2031. The two companies do not describe support in the same terms, so the comparison needs care.
What each company has actually promised
| Item | Samsung | OnePlus |
|---|---|---|
| Example model | Galaxy S26 series (general availability began March 11, 2026) | OnePlus 13 (model CPH2653, UK declaration dated 2024-12-11) |
| OS upgrades | Seven generations from global launch | Not stated in the OnePlus UK documents we checked |
| Security updates | Seven years from global launch | OnePlus 13: “Defined Support Period: 6 years (until 07-January-2031).” Minimum for phones and tablets generally: three years after launch |
| Region of the source | Samsung US newsroom | OnePlus UK |
Sources: Samsung Newsroom US, the Galaxy S26 launch announcement (2026); OnePlus UK, “Product Security Update Period” page; OnePlus UK, Declaration of Authorization for the OnePlus 13 (CPH2653).
Why “years” and “generations” are not the same thing
OS upgrades
An OS generation is a new major Android version, with the new features that come with it. Samsung states its S26 promise in generations, separate from security time. The OnePlus documents cited here do not give an OS-upgrade count, so you cannot say OnePlus offers fewer or more. The only accurate statement is that the figure was not established in those pages. Do not read the OnePlus 13’s six-year period as a six-year Android upgrade promise.
Security updates
Security updates are patches for vulnerabilities. This is where the two companies can be compared most directly, and only for specific models. Samsung’s S26 figure is seven years from global launch. OnePlus’s UK baseline is a minimum of three years from launch, and the OnePlus 13 has a longer six-year commitment, ending on a fixed date.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Absolute dates beat duration
A “years from launch” promise starts counting at launch, not when you buy. A phone bought a year after release has a year less support. OnePlus’s declaration gives an end date, which makes this easy to check. For Samsung, count from the global launch date for your model.
Samsung’s policy has changed over time
The seven-year promise is recent and tied to the S26 series. In 2022 Samsung announced up to four generations of OS upgrades and up to five years of security updates for select Galaxy devices, and said availability and timing may vary by model. TM Roh, then head of Samsung’s Mobile Experience Business, said: “We work hard to bring our Galaxy users innovative mobile experiences that are built to last.” An older, cheaper or carrier-specific Galaxy can therefore have a much shorter commitment than the S26. Check each model on its own.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
How to compare two specific phones
- Pick the exact model and your regional variant. The Samsung S26 claim comes from the US newsroom and the OnePlus material is UK-specific, so confirm your market’s terms.
- Find the manufacturer’s stated number of OS generations beyond the preinstalled Android version.
- Find the security-update duration and convert it to an end date from the launch date.
- Note whether the figure is a guaranteed minimum (“a minimum of three years”) or a defined period for a named model.
- Compare the current price, then divide by the months of support left that you actually expect to use.
Does more support mean better value?
Not automatically. These are company-published commitments, not independent measurements of how many phones receive updates on time, how quickly updates arrive, or how long a handset stays pleasant to use. A promise also does not guarantee a phone stays secure for the whole period. Value depends on the price you pay, how long you keep a phone, and whether you care more about new Android features or about patches. If you replace phones every two to three years, even a three-year security window may cover you, and the headline length matters less than the price and hardware. If you keep phones for five years or more, the S26’s stated seven-year runway is the clearer fit among the commitments we checked.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Verdict
For a current flagship, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 has the longest stated commitment: seven OS generations and seven years of security updates. OnePlus’s six-year OnePlus 13 security period is also long, but it covers security only, and the UK baseline for other products is three years. Before buying, confirm the exact model, region, launch date and price, and ask the manufacturer for the OS-upgrade count if it is not published for your phone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
