I used to avoid used Android flagships, but 7-year updates changed that

This structural change in manufacturer policy allows older hardware to remain functional and secure for significantly longer durations than previously expected. Owners of devices such as the Galaxy S23 are now setting expectations for extended support milestones, effectively rebranding longevity as a primary competitive specification rather than a secondary consideration. Coverage from Android Police and Digital Trends notes that the promise of sustained updates is mitigating historical risks associated with secondary market purchases.

GadgetMatch adds that manufacturers like Redmi are aligning product development for the Note 17 series with this focus on long-term reliability. The trend suggests that hardware retirement timelines are being stretched as users demand more utility from high-end devices. Despite this shift toward extended lifecycles, the secondary market remains complicated by the inherent degradation of hardware components.

While software remains current, physical endurance and battery health for aging flagship models continue to pose challenges for potential buyers. Coverage does not yet specify how these aging hardware limitations will impact the long-term feasibility of the seven-year support promise.