Best Budget and mid-range Smartphones Fort longest offerings for your OS support
Making a choice of smartphone nowadays is not only about specs and price. Increasingly, long term operating system (OS) support has become an important consideration for those looking for lightweight consumer and enterprise devices to remain secure, performant, and feature-rich for years. Smartphones that have always updated OS ensure that the user protects himself against vulnerabilities and applications are also kept more or less secure, so the overall user experience is improved.
This blog is designed to explore some of the best budget and mid-range smartphones of 2025 that come with long-term OS update commitments so that users can get the most value and life out of their investment.
Why Long Term OS Support Is Important
Smartphone devices are frequently used for several years prior to upgrade. During this period, software updates provide new functionality, improved security and better performance. Devices that fail to be updated regularly become readily vulnerable to threats and compatibility problems.
Budget smartphones typically don't get as long of a timeframe-they usually get one or two major updates every couple of years. Mid range phones are usually eligible for 3yrs or more. Leading brands such as Samsung and Google have gone one step further and have voices displaying up to 7 years of updates, and this is even available for some of the mid-range devices, which has been the highest level of trust for the user and adds more life into the devices.
Best Smartphones & Barack OS Support
Samsung Galaxy S24 Series
Samsung - a competitor at the forefront of long-term support for its software, it promises seven years of OS and security updates to its Galaxy S24 series launched in 2024. This implies that the phones can remain updated and safe are till 2031.
Highlights include:
- Colorful dynamic AMOLED screen.
- Exynos 2400 processors/Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors (depending on model)
- High-end Camera systems such as 50MP and 200MP Sensors
- Large batteries basically movies with fast and wireless charging
Samsung's commitment means that users can access fresh versions of Android, as well as security patches and features for longer, which makes these Samsung flagships a good choice as long-term investments.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Under the aegis of direct control over Android updates, the Pixel 9 Pro promises an imposing seven years of OS support, as well. Pixel phones are commonly among the first to get new features and Android and AI Capabilities therefore are attractive by geek users.
Key features:
- 120Hz LTPO OLED display
- Tensor G4 chipset optimized for AI
- Sophisticated camera set-up using multiple high resolution sensors
- Unique features such as satellite connectivity and UWB connectivity
If regular updates and early access to Android innovations are important then the Pixel 9 Pro is a great option in the premium range.
OnePlus 13
OnePlus 13 is a combination of choice of high-end hardware and good software update policy; breakdown, four years of OS upgrade, five years of security patches. Itlands out-of-the-box with Android 15, and will be eligible for Android 19 in the future.
Specifications include:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
- 6000mAh Battery (Wired and Wireless - 100W Wireless charging & 50W wire charging)
- Versatile 50MP tri camera system
- IP69 dust and water resistance
For a flagship grade experience with the long term OS assurance, OnePlus 13 is a reliable pick.
iPhone 16 Plus
Apple has established a pretty high bar for the longevity of an OS, generally, usually six years of iOS support for iPhones. The iPhone 16 Plus continues this legacy with the latest A18 chip, improved AI capabilities and a strong build.
Details:
- New camera control button & design improvements
- Fast charging improvements
- Ongoing software support and iOS feature roll out
Though Samsung and Google go a little further, Apple's optimised ecosystem and long period of updates make iPhones a popular choice for longer-term bases.
OnePlus Nord 4 - Mid-Range Cooley Long Term Support
For buyers on a tighter budget the OnePlus Nord 4 stands out as a middle ground option who get four years of OS updates as much as some premium flagships. It offers strong value with:
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- IP65 dust and water resistance
- Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset
- 50MP dual rear cameras
- Large 5,500mAh Battery with 100W fast charging
This phone can only be perfect for those who really seek good software durability and don't want to have the flagship price point.
Conclusion
In choosing budget or mid-range coast smartphones in 2025, OS support over a long term is a key function in future proof. Samsung's Galaxy S24 and Google's Pixel 9 Pro are the leaders with seven years of updates and OnePlus devices and iPhone 16 Plus have great multi-year support. For budget-conscious users, the OnePlus Nord 4 represents a good balance of affordability and great purchase longevity for update.
Prioritizing devices that last years with OS support provides more security, access to the latest features, and creates a smoother experience with a smartphone across years of usage, so it is wise to make these choices investments that certainly pay off in the longer run.