Cheaper OnePlus Nord smartphones will only get one OS update and two years of security updates

OnePlus is known for its excellent software support, but it has apparently chosen to treat its Nord sub-brand differently. OnePlus was long one of the only Android OEMs to release three OS upgrades to its smartphones, while newer handsets like the OnePlus 8T should receive Android 14 whenever that comes around. OnePlus will abandon the Nord N10 5G and Nord N100 long before then, though.

To recap, OnePlus announced the Nord N10 5G and Nord N100 as budget options in its portfolio, following the release of the OnePlus 8T and OnePlus Nord. OnePlus launched the OnePlus 8T on Android 11 but the Nord N10 5G and Nord N100 on Android 10, which seemed like an odd move. However, OnePlus is reported by Android Central as having confirmed the following about software support for the two devices:

The Nord N10 5G and N100 will receive one major Android update and a total of two years of security updates. The plan for these two devices aligns with industry standards for smartphones in more affordable price ranges. As always, we will continue listening to feedback from our users and looking for ways to improve the software experience for all OnePlus devices.

So, the Nord N10 5G and Nord N100 will receive fewer security updates than other OnePlus smartphones, too. To clarify, Android OEMs typically afford two OS updates to their smartphones, not one. In fact, companies like LG and Sony have been called out for failing to support some of their smartphones after one software update. OnePlus is not really offering one major Android update with the Nord N10 5G and Nord N100, either. Clearly, the company had OxygenOS 11 and Android 11 ready for the OnePlus 8T, so it seems that the company may have released its two new Nord smartphones on Android 10 to offer the bare minimum of software support.

Ultimately, OnePlus' 'Never Settle' mantra wears a little thin when applied to the Nord N10 5G and Nord N100. We cannot understand why OnePlus has effectively announced that it has already abandoned the Nord N10 5G and Nord N100 before it has released them, though.