Wondering what the lifespan of a Pixel phone is? When it comes to choosing a smartphone, one of the key factors to consider is its lifespan. How long can you expect your phone to last before it becomes outdated or starts experiencing hardware issues? This is one of the essential things you need to find out before investing in a phone you intend to use for a good few years. In this article, we will look at how long a Pixel phone will last, including the Google Pixel 7. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about the lifespan of a Pixel phone.

How many years will a Google Pixel last?

A Google Pixel phone typically lasts for three to five years. In fact, one of the key advantages of owning a Google Pixel phone is the software support provided by Google. Pixel phones receive guaranteed software updates for three years, which is exceptional in the Android space. This means that you can expect to receive the latest Android updates and security patches for at least three years after the release of your device. This ensures that your phone remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. Furthermore, from the Pixel 6 onwards Google has committed to at least five years of security updates, extending an additional two years beyond the three years of Android version update commitment.

When comparing Pixel phones to other Android devices, it is important to consider the overall reliability and software support. While Google provides three years of software updates for Pixel phones, many other Android phones only receive one or two updates. Samsung, in particular, has improved its software support and promises four years of updates, similar to Google.

While Pixel phones excel in terms of software support, their hardware reliability has been a topic of discussion. Reports on tech websites and user feedback indicate that Pixel phones may suffer from hardware issues, ranging from charging errors, and erratic behavior, to unresponsive screens and buttons. The reliability of Pixel devices varies from model to model, with some users reporting no issues, while others experience multiple hardware defects. However, these bugs are usually investigated and fixed quickly by Google.

How long will a Pixel 7 last?

The Google Pixel 7 series has five years of software support. In line with Google’s strategy, it will receive three years of major OS updates and five years of security updates. Moreover, as one of the latest Pixel models, it will have been built as a future-proof phone that will hold up as strong competition against later devices, such as the newer Google Pixel 8.

In a nutshell, the lifespan of Pixel phones is a combination of software support and hardware reliability. While Pixel phones receive three years of software updates, their hardware performance can be variable. It’s important to weigh the benefits of timely software updates against the potential hardware concerns when considering a Pixel phone.

Final thoughts

The Pixel series by Google is among the leading smartphones on the market today. It offers tons of exciting features and exceptional performance: but how long exactly does a Pixel phone last? We now know that the typical lifespan of a Pixel phone is at least three years. However, this still largely depends on software support, usage, and model of the Pixel phone. 

As Google continues to refine its devices, we can expect improvements in both software support and hardware reliability. In fact, the Google Pixel 8 is receiving both Android 14 and a brand new Tensor G3 processor.

About the Author

Marla Broadway

Marla writes across a wide range of topics across PC Guide, including AI, PC hardware, and news on the latest tech releases. She's a passionate writer that's interested in the future of technology.