Poll finds long software support matters to smartphone shoppers
A poll by Android Authority found that nearly 84% of respondents consider long software support a priority when choosing a new phone, with about 46% calling it a top priority.
The survey asked readers whether long software support is a priority when choosing a new phone. They could choose from three answers: 'Yes, it’s a top priority;' 'Somewhat, but not a dealbreaker;' or 'No, I care more about price.' Nearly 38% of respondents said long software support does matter, but that shorter support would not necessarily be a dealbreaker if the phone was appealing for other reasons. Only about one in six respondents said software support does not matter if the price is right.
The results come as Android phones have changed relatively little from year to year, with the Galaxy S26 described as extremely similar to the Galaxy S25, which was extremely similar to the Galaxy S24. That similarity can make it easier for users to keep a device for longer, assuming it is not broken. But solid hardware only goes so far, and long software support matters too, according to Android Authority.
Android Authority said the poll ran for the past couple of weeks and drew 1,455 respondents. The article added that longer software support can make a device more valuable to potential future owners, which could mean a better deal when reselling an old phone after buying a new one.