We use smartphones, which have become a part of our lives, in almost all the processes we do and will do. From banking transactions to finding the location of your destination, from video and photo shoots to all social media platforms, from e-mails to many issues related to work, education and our lives, we do everything with our smartphones. So, why are Android updates important on smartphones that we use so much?
Why did Android updates turn into a problem?
Although the Android operating system is an open source operating system, it was developed by Google and gains a much more serious meaning with Google services. There were also brands using the Android operating system without Google services. But when we look at the market, we see that Google and Android are generally identified.
Google releases a new Android version every year. Android 13 was released last year, now beta versions of Android 14 continue to come out and the final version will be released soon.
But when we look at the Android ecosystem, we see that software updates are not offered by manufacturers, especially on entry-level smartphones. Although the flagship smartphones changed from manufacturer to manufacturer, they received 1 or 2 Android updates, and then their software was left to become obsolete without update support.
Entry-level models did not receive these updates at all.
This has brought a competition among manufacturers and now manufacturers have begun to emphasize the possibilities of updating. Seeing the importance consumers attach to the update, manufacturers have also begun to announce longer and more comprehensive update support to their phones. Of course, there are still phones and tablets that are unlikely to receive updates when you do? Of course there is.
Vulnerability risk
The most important factor is security. You can shop on your smartphone. You can do your banking transactions. Shouldn’t a device where you can do all your material transactions be safe?
If the operating system on the phone you are using is no longer updated and remains in the old version, for example, the Android 13 operating system is currently the updated version and we will soon start seeing Android 14 in abundance. If you are using the Android 10 operating system, you are missing many security updates from Android 10 to the present.
Of course, this does not mean that all Android 10 and older operating systems are directly vulnerable. But an unupdated operating system is vulnerable to security vulnerabilities. In addition, when a vulnerability is found, an update that will stop the developed malicious software will not be released. It’s hard to distinguish.
Compatibility with new apps and games
Another important topic after security is the problems to be experienced with current applications and games.
The most important weapon of smartphones is applications. With each new operating system release, new APIs and libraries are released for application developers. When some application developers update their applications with new APIs, you may not be able to use the latest versions of the applications depending on the old version of your operating version. It is possible that you will be deprived of new features, along with security vulnerabilities with old version applications.
Don’t miss out on new features and trends
Every new OS version comes with new features. You may not be able to use new features in operating systems and ecosystem if you do not receive updates. This takes you away from trends.
So what should consumers do?
Usually, 1 or 2 Android version updates are given on high-end phones such as flagships. Of course, there are brands that do not.
Not choosing products from brands that do not provide updates is the biggest weapon of the consumer. Pay attention to the emphasis on updates, especially when buying entry and mid-range smartphones.
For example, I have the Vivo Y36. This phone is guaranteed to support 2 major Android version updates.
Coming with the Android 13 operating system, the Vivo Y36 means that it will receive the Android 14 and Android 15 update. This means that you will use the phone at the current level for at least 3 years.
Do not forget to check the current Android version of the phone you are going to buy. Because while there is Android 13 now, if you buy a phone with Android 12 or Android 11, this phone is already slowly being left behind as software. And if there is no guarantee of updates, you are purchasing a phone that is going to take its place on the dusty shelves of history.
That’s why when you buy a phone, be sure to check if the phone has a software update guarantee and what is the current version.
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