Xiaomi’s sub-brand, Redmi, focuses on affordable high-performance smartphones. They also sell entry-level phones like the Redmi A7, which has just arrived in India. The device, alongside the Redmi A7 Pro, remains exclusive to India, and perhaps the reason Xiaomi is committing to only 2 Android OS updates.
In an era where smartphone makers are improving support period for their devices, Xiaomi seems to be reducing it. The company, through the Redmi A7 sales materials, has confirmed it will only support the device with two generations of Android OS. It would have been fair had the phone debuted with the latest Android OS, but that is not the case.
Details of the Xiaomi Redmi A7 software support period
Redmi A7 debuted running Android 15, meaning it will receive its last guaranteed OS upgrade when it upgrades to Android 17. Considering Android 16 had been widely available before the device was released, it would have made sense to have it debut with the latest OS update. Nevertheless, the device starts at $159, and you get a discount of about $48 when you purchase now.
While two generations of Android OS are poor, it is the price you pay for opting for an entry-level device. Meanwhile, when you consider that the device is eligible for four years of security updates, it becomes a better deal. You can purchase the device through the official Xiaomi website if you are in India, as it remains exclusive to the region.
source: Xiaomi
