Xiaomi just shook up the budget smartphone game by promising six years of security updates for its low-cost Redmi 15C 5G. That puts it on paper right alongside Samsung’s flagship-level support, except Xiaomi’s phone costs a fraction of the price.

Xiaomi’s budget update move goes further than expected

For years, long-term software support was reserved for pricey phones. Now, Xiaomi is committing to keep its Redmi 15C 5G updated until 2031, all for around $200. That’s not just rare, it’s almost unheard of in this price bracket.

The EU’s push for mandatory update policies has put pressure on Android manufacturers. Even so, few have followed through with firm promises, especially for cheap devices. Xiaomi may be one of the first major brands to really commit.

Budget phones rarely get long-term attention

So why don’t more companies do this? Because it’s complicated and expensive. Here’s why updates on cheap phones are usually skipped:

• Software must be tailored to each device’s hardware
• Low-cost phones use varied components that need extra work
• Long-term support often doesn’t generate enough profit
• Component suppliers (like SoC makers) might not support extended timelines

That’s why Xiaomi’s six-year promise feels like a bold step. But as with all promises, the fine print matters.

So what’s the catch with Xiaomi’s promise?

The headline is impressive—but there are caveats. For starters, Xiaomi only confirmed the phone will receive Android 17. After that? No guarantees. The frequency of updates is also unclear. A patch once a year still counts as “support,” technically speaking.

Samsung, by contrast, offers 6 years of both security and Android OS updates, even for phones like the Galaxy A17 5G. But in practice, that support can still be patchy, our review of the A17 5G flagged inconsistencies.

A quiet shift toward smarter update policies

Despite the unknowns, Xiaomi’s move signals a shift. Other brands like Fairphone have proven that even niche manufacturers can keep phones secure for longer. If Xiaomi stays true to its word, it could force the rest of the industry to follow.

Promises are easy. Delivering is the real benchmark.

It’s easy to announce six years of updates. It’s another thing to actually do it consistently, for low-cost models. Xiaomi’s made a strong move with the Redmi 15C 5G. Now, all that’s left is to wait and see if they can keep that promise alive beyond the press release.