Buyers are taking a risk—Why is OnePlus only making a vague promise on updates?

OnePlus is not committing to an update guarantee for the OnePlus Pad 4. It is therefore unclear whether security patches will still be available in two or three years. 

At the same time, it is certain that OnePlus as a brand will soon no longer be officially active in Europe, which reduces the likelihood of long-term support. However, the price of around US$ 700 seems attractive as a result of this withdrawal.

No Promise, No Reliability

Other manufacturers, such as Samsung and Google, now guarantee four to seven years of security updates for their flagship devices. OnePlus makes no such commitment specifically for its latest tablet.

Users who rely on their tablet for work and depend on up-to-date security standards are taking a risk. However, there is a general promise to provide security patches for new tablets for 36 months from the market launch, and OnePlus pledges to fulfill its obligations even after the brand’s withdrawal. EU directives require significantly longer support periods anyway.

The Current Software Works Flawlessly

In our test, we really liked the software on the OnePlus Pad 4: The pre-installed interface is clearly laid out and well-suited for multitasking. Apps running simultaneously can be placed side by side, and connectivity with other devices works seamlessly.

As long as the system is maintained, the user experience shows no noticeable weaknesses. The problem, then, lies not in the current quality but in the uncertain future outlook.

Price as a Lure, Risk as a Companion

The reduced price feels like a clearance sale—attractive to buyers looking to save money in the short term, but risky for long-term users.

Those who plan to use the tablet for only two years get a lot of power for little money. Families planning to keep a device for the next five years, on the other hand, should look for manufacturers with a clear update guarantee.

The shaky software support policy is the OnePlus Pad 4’s biggest strategic weakness. You can find more details about the device in our original review.