Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite hits new standard in this key area

Surpassing even the iPhone

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite has officially arrived, making waves with its powerful performance, advanced AI features, and cutting-edge capabilities in gaming, photography, and more.

However, beyond the technical specs that push the boundaries of upcoming Android phones, one standout promise is setting a new industry standard – 8 years of OS and security updates.

This extended support period is a key leap forward, representing Qualcomm’s commitment to long-term device sustainability and user experience. It relies on OEMs (companies that make the phones) to support it, but this feels like an inevitability.

And for those who hold onto their phones for longer than the typical 2-3 year cycle, this could be a game changer.

Traditionally, most Android phones have offered around three years of major OS updates and security patches, with only a few manufacturers stretching that to five years.

The announcement that Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered devices will have 8 years of both OS and security updates moves the bar considerably. Previously Samsung and Google have set the standard with seven years.

So, which devices could be first to get the 8-year promise? Qualcomm has confirmed that several flagship manufacturers are “poised to launch devices” with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, so it feels like a matter of time.

Based on the company’s established relationships and previous flagship trends, the Galaxy S25 series, the Xiaomi 15 series, the Oppo Find X8 series and the OnePlus 13 are strong contenders for early adoption of the 8-year update promise.

Other brands like Vivo, Realme, and Asus (with its gaming-centric ROG Phone 9) could follow suit, particularly as consumers begin to prioritise longer-lasting devices with extended software support.

This new standard set by Qualcomm is part of a broader industry trend toward longer support cycles, reflecting consumers’ desire for durability and reliability in their tech.

You may also be interested in other Snapdragon 8 Elite features that our Mobile Editor can’t wait to try.