Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite has made a grand entrance, boasting exceptional performance, advanced AI capabilities, and cutting-edge features for gaming, photography, and more. One of the standout promises that is creating a buzz in the industry is the commitment to providing 8 years of OS and security updates for devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
This extended support period marks a significant advancement in device sustainability and user experience, signaling Qualcomm’s dedication to long-term support. While the onus is on OEMs to ensure this support, it seems likely that they will follow suit given the importance of this feature for consumers who tend to hold onto their phones for longer periods.
Traditionally, Android phones have offered around 3 years of major OS updates and security patches, with only a handful of manufacturers extending this to 5 years. The announcement of 8 years of support for Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered devices raises the bar significantly, surpassing the previous industry standard set by Samsung and Google at 7 years.
Several flagship manufacturers are already gearing up to launch devices with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, paving the way for the 8-year update promise to become a reality. Brands like Samsung with the Galaxy S25 series, Xiaomi with the 15 series, Oppo with the Find X8 series, and OnePlus with the 13 series are strong contenders for early adoption of this feature.
Additionally, brands like Vivo, Realme, and Asus with their gaming-centric ROG Phone 9 could also join the trend as consumers increasingly prioritize devices with extended software support. This move by Qualcomm aligns with the industry-wide shift towards longer support cycles, meeting the growing demand for durable and reliable technology.
In addition to the extended support period, the Snapdragon 8 Elite offers a range of exciting features that our Mobile Editor is eager to explore. Stay tuned for more updates on the Snapdragon 8 Elite and its impact on the smartphone landscape.