Replace: December 27, 2022 (12:08 AM ET): Oppo has now confirmed to Android Authority that it’s certainly providing 4 years of Android OS updates slightly than 4 Shade OS pores and skin updates.

Because of this Oppo is certainly matching Samsung on the subject of the size of its replace commitments. Nevertheless, as acknowledged beneath, Oppo’s pledge solely applies to pick flagships launching in 2023.

Authentic article: December 20, 2022 (8:34 AM ET): Oppo introduced a brand new replace coverage simply over a yr in the past, pledging three main OS updates and 4 years of safety patches for Discover X collection flagships. Now, the corporate has introduced a revised coverage for flagship telephones.

Extra particularly, the Chinese language smartphone model mentioned it now ensures 4 main Shade OS updates and 5 years of safety patches for customers. It additionally famous that this utilized to “chosen flagship fashions” beginning in 2023.

Oppo certainly confirmed to Android Authority that this coverage solely applies to future flagship gadgets launching subsequent yr. So Discover X5 Professional and Discover N house owners aren’t included on this new pledge.

Android OS or Shade OS updates?

It’s curious to see Oppo particularly saying it ensures 4 main “Shade OS” updates slightly than 4 main Android model updates. When the corporate introduced a revised improve coverage a yr in the past, it particularly famous that it was providing three main “Android model” updates.

This is a vital distinction, as we’ve seen some firms like Xiaomi improve their software program overlay whereas leaving the underlying Android model intact. So Oppo pledging to supply 4 main Shade OS updates means it may theoretically solely supply one or two Android model upgrades however delivers 4 Shade OS updates. For what it’s price, the corporate certainly provides incremental Shade OS releases similar to Shade OS 12.1 and 11.1 that don’t leap to new Android variations.

We’ve however requested Oppo to make clear whether or not the pledge certainly covers Shade OS updates or the underlying Android model. We’ll replace the article if/when the corporate will get again to us.

In any other case, we’re glad to see the corporate providing 5 years of safety patches. This matches Samsung and Google, whereas additionally matching OnePlus after it introduced a revised improve coverage earlier this month as nicely. However we hope to see the BBK model convey its older replace coverage (three OS updates, 4 years of safety patches) to mid-range telephones.