Three popular Android phones offered money-saving surprise worth hundreds from Google
The announcement comes just in time for Christmas
ANDROID users are thrilled to hear Google’s latest money-saving announcement, which will affect three popular phones.
The surprise news was confirmed by Google on December 5 and Pixel device owners are chuffed.
Google has revealed it will support Pixel 6, 7, and Fold phones with an additional couple years of OS updates.
The mobiles were originally guaranteed 5 years worth of updates but now customers are being treated to an extra two.
This means the Pixel 6 series will get updates to Android 16 and Android 17, and the Pixel 7 series and Pixel Fold will get updates to Android 17 and Android 18.
Those affected were quick to take to social media to celebrate the money-saving news.
One wrote: “This is the best news ever, makes me more reluctant to update from my 6a.”
Another added: “This is good news – can keep my elderly Mum’s little 6a updated.
“She loves it!”
A third user responded: “WOW! This is huge.”
Now that these phones are being supported beyond their original plan, owners are able to hold on to their devices for a little longer.
The good news was discovered by Android expert Mishaal Rahman and, to his delight, was later confirmed by Google on X.
The post read: “In case you missed it, Pixel Fold along with Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 generation users will now get two additional years of OS updates!
“This extended support will total five years starting from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US.”
What’s more is that the phones will not only get extra years of OS updates but might come with further improvements.
The additional updates may included “new and upgraded features with Pixel Drops.”
These might be new features, enhancements, and improvements that are not necessarily tied to major OS updates.
Android users have speculated whether this announcement follows the decision made by tech giant Samsung.
Google’s original policy was three years of OS updates, but Samsung then offered four years for Galaxy S22 – leaving those with Pixel devices feeling left behind.
Now Google has made up for it by offering even more an even longer extension than Samsung.
What are the differences between the Google Pixel and the iPhone?
- Operating System: Google phones use Android, which you can customise a lot, while iPhones use iOS, which many claim is easy to use.
- App Store: Google phones get apps from the Google Play Store with lots of choices, while iPhones get apps from the Apple App Store, which is more selective.
- Integration: Google phones work well with Google services like Google Assistant and Google Photo whereas iPhones work well with Apple services like Siri and iCloud.
- Hardware: Google phones come in different models with great cameras. iPhones have a consistent look, and features like Face ID.
- Updates: Google phones get regular updates from Google and have extended support. iPhones get updates from Apple and support for many years.
- Customisation: Google phones can be highly customised whereas iPhones have limited customisation.
- Price Range: Google phones range from budget to premium. iPhones tend to be higher end.