Handphone Update: Essential Guide to Android Updates and More

Android updates are a significant aspect of handphone updates, and understanding how they work can be a bit confusing. Android updates are released by Google, and they can be installed on compatible devices through the over-the-air (OTA) method.

If you're using a newer Android device, you can expect to receive regular security patches and feature updates. For example, Google releases security patches every month, which can be installed automatically or manually.

Updating your handphone can also improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance overall user experience. In fact, updating to the latest Android version can increase your device's performance by up to 30%.

The update process typically involves a few steps, including checking for available updates, downloading the update, and installing it on your device.

Android updates are designed to happen automatically, but you can manually check for updates if you want to get an update installed faster. You should never need to perform security updates or Google Play system updates manually, but if you want to, you can follow the instructions to install them.

To check for updates on your Android, connect to Wi-Fi, open your device's Settings, tap System, and then tap System updates. You can also check for Google Play system updates by tapping Google Play system update. If there's an update available, follow the install instructions.

Most Android manufacturers, including Google, schedule updates to arrive on your phone within two weeks of being released to the public. However, other manufacturers and carriers have their own schedule, which can vary widely, especially if your phone's operating system is not running a pure version of the Android OS.

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Updating an Android can be a straightforward process, but it's essential to know the steps to follow.

To start, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi, as you won't be able to download updates over cellular data. Swipe down from the top of your Android's screen and look for the Wi-Fi icon; if it has a slash through it, tap it to enable Wi-Fi before continuing.

Next, open your Android's Settings app, usually found in the App Drawer. The app icon may look different if you're using a different theme for your Android device.

Now, scroll down and tap System, located near the bottom of the menu next to the "info" icon that resembles a lowercase "i" in a circle.

To update your Android, tap System updates next to the image that resembles a smartphone with an arrow pointing down on the screen.

Here are the steps in a concise list:

POCO's update policy is a bit of a mixed bag. Generally, the company offers no firm commitment to upgrades and patches, instead issuing information on a phone-by-phone basis.

Most POCO phones see two years of overall support, which includes two upgrades. However, more recent models are offering a bit more, like the F7 Ultra, which promises four years of upgrades and six years of security patches.

The good news is that POCO has improved its update policy in recent years, but only for a handful of its devices. For example, the F7 Ultra will receive four years of upgrades and six years of security patches.

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It's worth noting that Google doesn't have a set rule on how long manufacturers must issue phone updates, nor how regularly they should come. Google's suggested schedule is a minimum of two years, but the company hasn't done anything to enforce this.

Here's a rough breakdown of what you can expect from POCO's update policy:

You should approach any POCO purchases under the assumption that your device will get the bare minimum of software support.

Your phone should install security updates and Google Play system updates automatically. However, if you want to get an update installed faster, you can run the update yourself.

These updates are designed to happen without your manual intervention, and they're generally scheduled by your mobile carrier or device manufacturer.

There are two types of smartphone updates: upgrades and patches. Upgrades are major shifts in functionality and sometimes the overall look of your phone's software, usually coming once a year.

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Patches are smaller and more frequent, mainly to enhance the security of your phone. They might also include new features, depending on your phone's manufacturer.

If you have a Google Pixel phone, updates are scheduled to arrive within two weeks of being released to the public. Other manufacturers and carriers have their own schedule, which can vary widely.

To check if there's an update available, tap Google Security Checkup or Google Play system update on your phone. If there's an update, follow the instructions to install it.

Here are the two types of smartphone updates:

Smartphone manufacturers play a crucial role in ensuring your phone stays secure and up-to-date. Some manufacturers are more committed to providing timely updates than others.

For instance, Google takes software updates very seriously, and its Pixel phones usually see upgrades and patches first. Samsung also has a great update policy, promising four upgrades and five years of patches for most of its recent phones.

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ASUS, on the other hand, has a mixed record when it comes to updates. While it promises two upgrades and two years of patches for most of its devices, some phones still stick to the minimum commitment of two years of security patches.

Here's a breakdown of the update policies of some major smartphone manufacturers:

It's worth noting that some manufacturers have better update policies than others, and it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's website or a third-party tool to see what you can expect in terms of updates for your specific phone model.

ASUS has a mixed track record when it comes to phone updates. Typically, they offer two upgrades and at least two years of security patches for their lineup.

Unfortunately, ASUS doesn't always stick to this policy, and some phones still receive only two years of security patches. This is a disappointment, especially when compared to Google's recommended minimum of two upgrades and two years of patches.

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ASUS has been improving its update delivery over the years, but it could be stronger. They pushed the Android 12 update to the Zenfone 8 in January 2022, roughly three months after the stable launch, which is a step in the right direction.

Here's a summary of ASUS' update policy:

ASUS' most recent flagships, including the Zenfone and ROG Phone ranges, promised at least two major upgrades and four years of security updates. However, this is not the case for all ASUS phones.

Xiaomi has a stated policy of two years of security patches for its phones, but its commitment to upgrades is unclear. Unfortunately, this lack of clarity can make it difficult to know what to expect from your Xiaomi device.

Xiaomi's minimum commitment to phone updates is two years of security patches, as stated on its website. This means that for at least two years, you can expect to receive regular Android security updates.

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However, Xiaomi makes exceptions for its premium phones, which can receive up to four years of patches and three upgrades. The Xiaomi 15, for example, will receive four years of OS updates and six years of patches.

Here's a breakdown of Xiaomi's update policy:

So, if you're considering purchasing a Xiaomi phone, it's essential to check the specific model's update policy to know what to expect.

Huawei is a smartphone manufacturer that's had a tumultuous relationship with Android updates. Unfortunately, it has no firm commitment to rolling out upgrades and patches to its recent phones, taking things on a case-by-case basis.

This lack of commitment is largely due to the HUAWEI ban, which has forced the company to use two different operating systems on its phones. In China, you'll find Harmony OS, an Android fork, while global devices run regular Android with the EMUI skin.

One of the biggest drawbacks of choosing a Huawei device is the inability to use Google services. This is a significant concern, especially for those who rely on Google's ecosystem. Additionally, Huawei's devices often don't receive the most recent versions of Android.

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Take the 2022 HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro flagship, for example. Despite being a recent release, it still doesn't have a schedule for getting Android 13. In fact, Huawei only commits to two Android upgrades for its devices, with no clear timeline for when these updates will arrive.

If you're considering a Huawei device, be aware that the company can't even commit to a concrete promise of how long it will update its phones. In some cases, the company has stated that updates will be provided and maintained regularly throughout the full lifecycle of the product – which is a pretty vague promise.

Here's a comparison of Huawei's Android update commitment to other manufacturers:

Keep in mind that Huawei's update commitment is not as robust as other manufacturers. If phone updates are important to you, you may want to consider a different option.