Samsung Galaxy Tab A11: Cheap tablet with seven-year update promise

Samsung is considered the industry leader when it comes to update periods, often promising six or even seven years of updates for the vast majority of its devices. This puts the Korean company ahead of Apple, which also typically offers very long updates, but never makes a concrete statement at the launch of a product, leaving room for loopholes.

But when Samsung states they'll provide seven years of updates even for inexpensive devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11, they're making a binding commitment. Right?

Why we're skeptical about Samsung's update promise

Generally, it's easier to provide long-term updates for devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which cost well over $1,000, as it makes sense to invest part of the revenue in a software team that develops the updates. These have to be tailored specifically to each smartphone due to different drivers. At the same time, SoC manufacturers and Google must commit to supporting the hardware for seven software versions.

But for inexpensive devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11, skepticism is warranted. Sure, a huge corporation like Samsung could certaintly afford it, but does it really make good business sense? Samsung states in some press releases that the tablet will receive seven years of updates, and this was also mentioned in previously leaked promotional material.

But there's no mention of this on the official website. And there is a precedent that also makes us suspicious.

The strange case of the Galaxy A17

Although Samsung boasts a long update promise for the Galaxy A17 on its website, it comes with strings attached, which we have covered in a separate report here. This has made us skeptical about Samsung's update promise, even though the company confirmed the seven-year update plan upon request.

What you can expect

So we wouldn't blindly trust Samsung's promise. And whether the new EU directive forces manufacturers to provide extended updates may have to be decided in court. But for now, users can definitely expect a few years of updates for the affordable Samsung Galaxy Tab A11. 

For more information on the A11, take a look at our detailed review of Samsung's affordable tablet.