Xiaomi announced a game-changing software support policy that sent shockwaves through the smartphone industry for its ultra-premium Xiaomi 15 Ultra and the budget-friendly Redmi Note 14 (4G variant). Yes, you read that right—a €150 phone is getting the same six years of updates as a €1,499 flagship.
But before handing out awards, let’s ask the fundamental question: Will anyone keep a phone for that long?
Xiaomi’s New Software Promise
Long-term software support was an exclusive club for years, with only flagship devices getting VIP treatment. Xiaomi is now tearing down that barrier by offering:
✔️ Four Major Android Updates – Redmi Note 14 will get updates up to Android 20 or Android 21 (assuming we haven’t reached Skynet-level AI by then).
✔️ Two Extra Years of Security Patches – Extending support until March 2031.
✔️ Longer Device Lifespan – Theoretically making budget smartphones a long-term investment.
In software terms, a cheap Redmi phone will be as future-proof as a high-end iPhone or Galaxy Ultra. That’s… wild.
Xiaomi’s Big Flex (And the Catch)
This move isn’t just about user satisfaction. It’s also a direct challenge to competitors like Samsung and Google, which recently extended their update policies to seven years—for flagship devices only.
Xiaomi, however, is tossing that same long-term support into its budget lineup. It’s a vast flex… if they can deliver.
Xiaomi’s updated policies have always been a gamble. Some devices get excellent support, while others wait for updates longer than a Windows XP shutdown. The company promises six years of updates, but will they follow through?
Will People Keep a Phone for Six Years?
Let’s talk reality. Xiaomi’s move is great for sustainability, but do most users keep their phones for six years?
🚀 Tech Moves Too Fast – By 2028, mid-range phones will likely have features that make today’s flagships look ancient.
📱 Battery Life is a Problem – No software update can stop lithium degradation. A six-year-old phone is probably running on 70% of its original battery capacity (if you’re lucky).
🎉 Shiny New Upgrades – Let’s face it: most people upgrade because they want something new, not just because their old phone stopped working.
So, while it’s fantastic that a budget Xiaomi phone will be supported until 2031, it’s hard to imagine many people still rocking a Redmi Note 14 in a world of foldable iPhones and AI-powered holographic displays.
A Win for Users (Even If They Don’t Use It)
Xiaomi’s move forces the smartphone industry to take long-term support more seriously. Even if most people won’t hold onto their devices for six years, knowing they could is a big deal. It’s an innovative, aggressive move that makes Xiaomi stand out in Android.
But let’s check back in a few years and see if Xiaomi keeps this promise—or if this is just another case of “updates coming soon™” that never fully materializes.
Would you keep a phone for six years if it got regular updates? Or are you upgrading long before then? Let’s discuss this in the comments!
🔥 Want to make that six-year-old Xiaomi last even longer? Check out these must-have accessories:
- Anker Power Bank with built-in USB-C Cable – Because battery degradation is inevitable.
- A 3-in-1 Charging Station – Keep your Xiaomi smartwatch and earbuds juiced up.
- Wireless CarPlay Adapter – Future-proof your car while you’re at it.
