OnePlus 13 Software Support: Is It Competitive Enough?

When buying a smartphone, users usually look at the performance, price, brand, and hardware, like the camera and battery life, more than appearance, as per Statista. In 2025, long-term software updates have become just as crucial as hardware features. With companies like Google and Samsung leading the way with competitive update cycles, the question is: can OnePlus keep up?

The OnePlus 13 is a flagship smartphone that blends premium design with reliable hardware. Its slim profile pairs perfectly with our thinnest OnePlus 13 MagSafe case, offering protection against minor drops and scratches. This stunning case not only complements the aesthetic of the OnePlus 13 but also helps keep your device comfortably secure in your hand thanks to its textured finish that adds extra grip.

When considering a purchase or switch to the OnePlus 13, one important factor to keep in mind is how long the device will receive software updates. These updates are essential for keeping your phone secure, ensuring it performs at its best, and allowing it to run the latest apps and services.

The OnePlus 13 software support promises long-term—but how does it stack up against other smartphones?

OnePlus has committed to long-term update policies, promising four major Android updates for the OnePlus 13. Your device will receive Android's latest features and improvements, safeguarding it against security vulnerabilities and threats. However, compared to Samsung and Google’s policies, even the cost-effective OnePlus 13 falls short.

First, Samsung has made great strides in software support as the Galaxy series comes with seven years of Android updates, including updates for the OS and UI, and seamless support updates. Samsung offers more major Android updates (seven years) than OnePlus's (four years) commitment. OnePlus security patches may be timely, but Samsung provides more frequent security updates.

On the other hand, Google Pixel phones offer longer support for OS and security updates than OnePlus 13. Seven years of updates are among the longest in the industry, making Google and Samsung leaders in long-term software support and security.

Users treat mobile phone purchases as a form of investment. It’s a good thing the OnePlus 13 is set to receive a frequent schedule of software updates, guaranteeing it will stay current and secure for years to come. OnePlus 13 will have four major Android updates. Running OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, the OnePlus 13 will receive software updates up to Android 19. Let’s dive deeper into how this will impact users who value long-term security.

With four years of major Android updates, the OnePlus 13 will continue to receive new features and enhancements, keeping the user experience current. Shorter support periods may influence purchasing decisions, and longer software support is crucial for device longevity and security.

OnePlus 13 will receive four major Android updates and six years of security patches.

Four Major Android Updates: OnePlus guarantees that the OnePlus 13 will get the latest versions of Android for at least four years after its release. Running OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15, it’s promised that the OnePlus 13 will receive updates until Android 19. This long-term update cycle benefits OnePlus 13 users with the newest features and security improvements without upgrading their phones every two years.

Six Years of Security Patches: Six years after its launch, the OnePlus 13 will receive regular security patches. This is important as patches help safeguard your personal data, fix bugs, and keep your phone secure from the latest threats. It’s especially useful for users who hold onto their phones for several years before upgrading.

OnePlus has previously stated that extending support beyond four years “completely misses the point,” emphasizing the importance of the overall user experience over prolonged update periods. They believe focusing on features and performance is more important than providing updates on older devices for many years.

While they know some companies, like Google and Samsung, offer longer support (more than four years and are leading in the industry), OnePlus feels their approach is a good balance between being in the know of new technology and making sure phones still perform well without going overboard with updates.

In short, OnePlus thinks that getting the right features and keeping the phone running smoothly is more important than just extending the update period far beyond what’s needed.

There is a mix of frustration and understanding from users regarding the support policy. While some users appreciate the improvements OnePlus has made in recent models, others feel the company should align its update policies with those of its competitors to retain a competitive edge.

OnePlus’ competitive positioning in software support is important in determining the overall user satisfaction and experience. If OnePlus provides a competitive update level, it will likely result in device longevity, better security, and higher user satisfaction. On the other hand, if the software support is insufficient, users may experience issues with performance, security, and dissatisfaction with the OnePlus 13.

OnePlus offers competitive software support that puts user satisfaction first. However, their competitiveness compared to other big players in the smartphone industry will depend on their continuous improvements and innovations. If OnePlus fully commits to enhancing its software support and considers that device longevity will do more good than short-term improvements, its users will gain a new height of trust and loyalty to their brand.

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