TCL Commits To One Major Android OS Update

25 May 2020, 11:42

TCL is promising one major Android OS update. Their current range of phones ships with the current version of the operating system, Android 10. TCL is says their devices will get security patches every two months for two years.

Off To A Good Start

The company announced the TCL 10 Pro and 10L handsets quite recently. TCL is known for it's great value for money TVs. The smartphone division is equally affordable.

The smartphones only cost $450 and $250 respectively. Both versions of Android 10 are very stock by industry standards. They offer great value for money with minimal bloat.

It is easier to update Android phones with less heavy manufacturer overlays. The TCL 10 Pro and 10L are virtually stock Android.

Android 10 is extremely fleshed out in contrast to the early days of Android. TCL pushing a Android 11 update should give even more life to the product.

Keeping Step With The Competition

Similarly priced budget phones, like the Moto G series, have a spotty history with Android updates. The budget Pixel series are guaranteed Android updates for three years with monthly security patches after they are released.

These are the two ends of the budget Android update spectrum. TCL finds itself somewhere in the middle if the promise holds up.

When buying a phone you should buy phone for what it is today. A promise is just that, a promise. Based on reviews TCL delivered solid devices so there's a great chance the promise will be fulfilled.

The transition into a successful mobile brand could mirror the company's success in the TV market if the phones are as big of a hit with consumers. Software is a big factor in that formula.

Here is the statement TCL issued via Droid Life:

"We can confirm both the TCL 10 Pro and TCL 10L will at a minimum receive one major OS update as well as SMR updates every two months for two years."

Though they only commit to one major software update, there may be another. Android 12 might come to the TCL 10 Pro and 10L in future. Theoretically there's nothing stopping them from supporting the successive versions of Android.

Manufacturers often move on to the next best thing and forget about legacy devices. Software support is key in making consumers feel they are getting the most for their investment.

After all, not everyone buys a new phone semi-annually. This is a delicate dance for OEMs to execute. Support a phone, but not too long that you don't want to purchase the new one.