Samsung and Android Upgrades

[PretzelLogic]

I currently have all Apple stuff. Macbook Pro, iPad Air 2, iPhone 6. I am going to be making a switch to a Windows laptop (Dell XPS 15), and I am looking at a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7", as well as a Galaxy S7 phone.

With Apple stuff it is a given that any new iOS update will be readied for all capable hardware. I have heard complaints from some Android users that this is less the case with Android hardware. My particular concern, of course, is Samsung hardware. If I were to get the Galaxy Tab S2 and S7, would I expect to be able to upgrade them to successing versions of Android as they come out?

Also, I see there is no ad-blocking with Chrome. My God, that's just horrible. I understand Samsung's own browser does have ad-blocking? I have become spoiled by ad-blocking in iOS.

 

[russel5150]

People complain about android updates. It works different than apple because android makes an update, sends it to the phone brand (samsung, Motorola etc) and then it goes to the phone carrier, and then it is released to the public. Thats why some people like nexus devices, the updates are quicker because it skips steps.

Now that being said, when i buy a samsung i know it will prob get the next android update and thats probably it. I am ok with that, because getting the newest update isnt a big deal to me as long as what i am using is working good.

You will see people like me who dont worry too much about it, and people who start complaining they dont have the newest version as soon as its announced and not even ready to be released.

Android is a great platform, and i for one like the new touchwiz samsung uses on top of it.. its what makes it a samsung phone. I also like stock android, but the extra features that come with touchwiz appeal to me.

Good luck in what you decide.

Sent with my white Note5 with nonremovable back and no SDcard!

 

[Rukbat]

Windows computers run all Windows updates. Microsoft controls the hardware (it has to be Windows-compatible) and the software. The same with Apple - they control the hardware and the software, so a new iOS will run on older devices. (But not TOO old - current iOS versions won't run on PowerPC or older Macs. Windows 3.1 will run on the latest Windows computer.)

Android? It's the wild wild west. Your phone, brand new, may not run with the new version of Android, because the manufacturer or carrier didn't see fit to rewrite it to. You can do more with an Android, but unless you buy the current flagship device, expect 2 years of updates at the most (3 with the flagship). If you want a phone that will just keep running forever (where "forever" can be as short as 4 or 5 years), stay with Apple. If you want a phone you can customize, use an Android.