android updates and security.

[chocolateyum]

I'm debating whether to buy my sister another iPhone or an android phone.

One good thing about apple is that it seems like you can update the software for an extremely long time (until machine gets too old). But with android you're dependent on the phone manufacturer so if they stop making software updates for you phone, well you don't get any.

I don't mind the older OSs but I'm worried about not getting security fixes since I won't get updates after a much shorter time period.

Is this a legitimate fear or am I wrong/there is a way to solve this problem that isn't too tech complicated. If I got her a Nexus phone it would have to have a mini SD card and a top of the line camera which I'm not sure there are Nexus's that meet that criteria.

Thanks.

 

[B. Diddy]

iPhones get updates more reliably and for a longer period of time, but the track record for recent iOS updates hasn't been stellar, in terms of them being problem-free. Not saying that Android is any better in that regard, but the point is that getting updates for the sake of getting an update doesn't always make for the best phone experience. In terms of security, the vast majority of malware can be easily avoided by following simple guidelines (like not visiting shady websites, not blindly tapping on links in a popup ad, etc.). Major security holes are typically still addressed by phone manufacturers and/or carriers, and some of these holes can also be fixed by Google on their side (often in the form of Google Play Services updates pushed over the air).

You won't find a Nexus device with an SD slot--but what does she need an SD for? To store lots of media? Remember that SD cards don't expand the ability to install apps--they're primarily for media storage. As for cameras, Nexus device typically have a good camera, but not "top of the line," although that depends on your definition.