Qualcomm has finally revealed the Snapdragon 8 Elite after a lot of speculation and leaks. Following this announcement, various smartphone manufacturers started promoting their upcoming devices that will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. This chip is not only among the fastest for Android but also provides extended OS update support.
Snapdragon 8 Elite: Extended Android Software Support?
With the launch of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm showcased notable enhancements in CPU, GPU, and artificial intelligence capabilities. Moreover, Christopher Patrick, Qualcomm's Senior Vice President and General Manager, stated that the Snapdragon 8 Elite would support 8 years of Android OS updates. The company is creating new methods for manufacturers to prolong software support, allowing Qualcomm and smartphone brands to collaborate in offering extended software updates to users.
For those who invest in high-end smartphones and aren’t looking to upgrade frequently, these next-generation flagship models could be ideal. Many individuals do not change their devices every year just for the latest software features. The new Snapdragon platform is advantageous, as a majority of essential features are now either reliant on software or are AI-driven. It’s important to note that Qualcomm isn’t the one guaranteeing 8 years of Android OS updates; it is merely establishing the necessary infrastructure and hardware capabilities to support brands that provide longer software lifecycles.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with Android 15 and One UI 7
Currently, most smartphones typically come with roughly 2 major Android OS updates, although a growing number of devices are now offering 3 years of support. Brands like Samsung and Google are pushing the boundaries further with 7 years of software updates. Unlike Google, Samsung's flagship series will utilize the Snapdragon 8 Elite, suggesting that the Galaxy S25 series might launch with 8 years of Android OS updates. If this happens, it would offer the most extended software support of any smartphone, even outdoing Apple, which provides 6 to 6 years of software support.
