For the named budget examples, the Google Pixel 9a gets seven years of Android OS and security updates, while Samsung says the Galaxy A26 5G is included in an announced Galaxy A-series commitment of up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades plus six years of security updates. These are manufacturer policies for specific models—not guarantees that every Pixel or Galaxy A phone gets the same support.
Update support for the Pixel 9a and Galaxy A26 5G
| Phone and source | OS and feature upgrades | Security updates | When the clock starts | Timing and availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 9a — Google’s current Pixel software update policy | Seven years of OS updates; Pixel Drops may also bring new or upgraded features. | Seven years. | When the model first became available on the Google Store in the US, not when an individual buyer purchases it. | Rollout is gradual and depends on carrier and device. |
| Samsung Galaxy A26 5G — Samsung’s 2025 Galaxy A-series announcement | Up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades. | Six years. | Not stated in the cited 2025 announcement. | The commitment is stated for the announced A-series devices, including A26 5G; check the exact model and regional variant. |
The figures describe different things: Google states a duration for both OS and security updates, while Samsung gives an OS/One UI generation count and a separate security-update duration. A generation count is not a number of years.
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What Google promises for older Pixel models
Google’s current policy lists Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 generation devices, including their “a” models, for five years of OS and security updates from each model’s first US Google Store availability. Pixel 8 and later models, including Pixel 9a, are listed for seven years on the same basis. The policy applies to the listed model groups; do not infer a support term for an unlisted phone from its brand or release year alone.
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Why the support clock matters
For Pixel phones, the seven-year period does not restart when a phone is sold or activated. If you buy older stock, some of its stated support period has already elapsed. Compare the expected remaining support from the model’s original first-availability date, rather than treating the full policy duration as time remaining after purchase.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
A policy duration also does not mean every handset receives each update on the same date. Google says Pixel updates roll out gradually and can depend on the carrier and device.
How to check a Samsung Galaxy A phone
- Identify the exact model and regional variant. A family name such as Galaxy A does not establish the update promise for every model or market.
- Find the manufacturer statement for that model. Samsung’s 2025 announcement names the Galaxy A26 5G in the A-series commitment of up to six Android OS and One UI generations and six years of security updates.
- Check support for your variant. Samsung notes that availability and functions can vary by model, carrier, and connectivity. Its support guidance is available in the Samsung One UI 7 guide.
Why older Samsung update claims may differ
Samsung’s 2022 announcement described four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for select Galaxy devices, including select A-series phones—not every Galaxy A model. That earlier policy should not replace the newer, model-specific 2025 commitment for the Galaxy A26 5G. Check the statement tied to the exact handset rather than applying either policy to the whole Samsung range.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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