Buyers hunting deals risk snagging phones that will soon stop receiving updates. Samsung, Google, and Motorola all have mid‑range and budget models whose Android updates end by 2027, leaving them vulnerable to new security flaws. Even flagship devices like the Galaxy S23 lose OS upgrades in February 2027, though security patches linger a year longer.

Android’s support window varies: Samsung promises up to seven years for flagships but only four to six for cheaper lines, while Google now offers seven years on Pixel 8 and later, five on older units. Motorola, after EU pressure, extended security updates to five years but still limits major OS upgrades. Devices such as the Pixel 6 Pro and Moto G Stylus 5G will hit end‑of‑life dates between 2026 and 2027.

Apple follows a less transparent schedule, grouping phones into “vintage” and “obsolete” categories after five to seven years. iOS 17 will run on iPhone 11 (2019) and newer, but advanced features like Apple Intelligence require the iPhone 15 Pro series. Consumers should verify a model’s update timeline before purchasing, as unsupported phones quickly lose app compatibility and performance.