decent budget phone

Grumpy_chap

WelshPaul said:

Motorola are poor at providing software updates though. Otherwise I’d recommend them. 

How many years of updates do you expect from a £150 or less phone?

How many years of updates do you expect from a top-end >£1k phone?

My 2019 Moto still receives updates (but not Android version).  The update has to be suitable for the phone and, possibly, latest version of Android could be too much for what is now an aging phone to handle.

I rather think of the Moto as more disposable than when I previously had Samsung Galaxy S series.

flaneurs_lobster

Grumpy_chap said:

My 2019 Moto still receives updates (but not Android version).  The update has to be suitable for the phone and, possibly, latest version of Android could be too much for what is now an aging phone to handle.

I rather think of the Moto as more disposable than when I previously had Samsung Galaxy S series.

The Moto G7 Power got its last security patch in Feb 21.

Great phone, I have one in daily use - as a media streamer for the BBC Sounds app. Not for banking (nor much else).

Grumpy_chap

flaneurs_lobster said:

The Moto G7 Power got its last security patch in Feb 21.

So, two years of full updates for a budget phone.

How much longer would have been the case for a top-end phone at ten times the price?

flaneurs_lobster

Grumpy_chap said:

flaneurs_lobster said:

The Moto G7 Power got its last security patch in Feb 21.

So, two years of full updates for a budget phone.

How much longer would have been the case for a top-end phone at ten times the price?

Well, since you ask, my G7 Power cost £160 in Oct 19.

 You can buy a Samsung A34 for £249 (direct from Samsung) today that will receive 4 Android versions and security updates until 2028. That's the same update schedule as Samsung's +£1K phones.

Grumpy_chap

Comparing a 4 year old Moto with current Samsung.
What is the update period with a new Moto?
How does one even find this information?

flaneurs_lobster

That's rather the point, I'd love to be able to quote you Moto's update plans for their new G phones (of which there seem to be dozens) but I can't find them because they don't publish them. 

So one can only look at their recent history. The last Moto I bought (G 5G) cost £300 in July 20 and got 1 Android update and security updates for less than 2 years. 

Moto G phones are great bits of kit for the price but especially poor at updates. 

You pays yer money.......

Grumpy_chap

We are still comparing (upthread) £100 or £130 Moto that it seems would get 2 years of updates with £250 Samsung that gets 4 years.
It's a viable option to get the Moto today and swap up in 2 years.  Not green, though.
Or, just keep the 2019 phone, as I do.

J_B

WelshPaul said:

Motorola are poor at providing software updates though. Otherwise I’d recommend them. 

I have a G31, only 18 months old but stuck on Android 11 

It will do WiFi calling on Three and O2, but not on Voda (using Lebara!) 🤷‍♂️

PHK

I agree, Moto's lack of a clear policy on security updates is concerning. Also, they've started installing what I shall generously call promotional apps on phones. Looks like a folder but is in fact links to install apps.


Sometimes it's better to pay a little more and get a longer life with guaranteed security updates. For example, the iPhone 6 has received 2 security updates in the last year. And the iPhone 8 and above are still receiving regular updates. 

TMSG

Grumpy_chap said:

WelshPaul said:

Motorola are poor at providing software updates though. Otherwise I’d recommend them. 

How many years of updates do you expect from a £150 or less phone?

How many years of updates do you expect from a top-end >£1k phone?

I am not sure what sort of updates you're talking about... but does this mean that the well-heeled should get access to security updates for longer than the less well-off or those that are simply trying to save money?

If so, you are IMO mistaken. In today's world digital security (including timely updates) is a basic necessity, not a luxury for the well-off.

EDIT I also should add that I second the Oppo suggestions. I've two and they are superb./EDIT