While fears of device discounting have prompted many new users to reconsider purchasing a new OnePlus phone, existing owners of the company’s phones are generally singing the brand’s praises online. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, given that products like the OnePlus 13R manage to pack some serious features into a premium yet affordable package. However, in the face of lower prices, it’s easy to overlook glaring problems. Does this apply to this brand, especially in terms of longevity?
Believe it or not, owners claim that OnePlus phones can last quite a long time if you take care of them properly. Most users report that their OnePlus devices lasted between four and six years. This is of course an approximate average. There are outlier phones that have survived for a decade and been relegated to the backup role.
If OnePlus fans are to be trusted, the hardware is top-notch and can definitely take a beating. Can the software match the physical lifespan of devices? Although Motorola’s software updates are only viable for three years, OnePlus is a bit better, at least for its high-end offerings. Flagship models like the OnePlus 15 now come with four years of OS updates and six years of security patches. Likewise, the company’s mid-range phones (e.g. OnePlus 13R) typically get four years of Android updates and six years of security support. Unfortunately, OnePlus isn’t as generous with the budget Nord series, offering only three years of OS upgrades and four years of security support.
What are OnePlus owners saying?
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Although budget OnePlus phone owners fared the worst when it came to software longevity, the majority of users are happy with their devices. Reddit user denny_aguilar, for example, said he used the original OnePlus One until the OnePlus 7 Pro came out, then stuck with it until the OnePlus 12. Praising their overall reliability, the user said all three devices are still up and running. Others echoed this sentiment, with one user using the OnePlus 7 Pro for six years, only replacing it after the battery health declined.
Besides Reddit, a poll on the OnePlus community website is full of positive experiences. Not only did 40% of participants say their phone was between three and five years old, but one user said their OnePlus 5T was working smoothly after 6 years, while another praised the reliability of their Nord 5G after more than three years of use. Another thread on the same website has additional information, and as expected, the vast majority of owners report that their OnePlus phones lasted more than four years.
Overall, OnePlus seems to be a reliable brand. Even if it doesn’t have the stylistic qualities of Samsung and Apple, it will probably serve you well for a few years, according to its fans. Still, the manufacturer’s short update window for budget devices and its uncertain future in the US market could disqualify it as a favorite for many. If you can look past these potential flaws, OnePlus is a solid choice, especially when it comes to hardware reliability.
