Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.
The realme Pad is less than 6 months old, but won't get OS updates (Updated)
- realme has clarified that the realme Pad won’t be getting Android 12.
- The company notes that it’ll still receive security and performance updates though.
- realme has since backtracked on this decision.
Updated: January 26, 2022 (12:46 AM ET): realme has now made a U-turn and confirmed that the realme Pad will get Android 12. It also confirmed that the tablet will get three years of security patches. You can read more here.
Original article: January 12, 2022 (7:12 AM ET): realme launched its first tablet back in September 2021, dubbed the realme Pad, being a budget slate with an attractive price but ho-hum specs. Unfortunately, there’s another downside to buying this tablet.
The manufacturer has revealed in an FAQ (h/t: FoneArena) that the realme Pad won’t be getting the Android 12 update.
“No, realme Pad will not be updated to Android 12, but will keep receiving security and performance updates throughout its software lifecycle,” reads the company’s answer. In other words, you should steer clear of this slate if OS updates are important to you.
It’s a particularly big disappointment as the realme Pad is less than six months old. Furthermore, tablets also tend to be upgraded less frequently than smartphones, making OS updates even more important to ensure app compatibility.
Realme’s decision doesn’t inspire confidence in future tablet products either, with the firm revealing to us last week that it’s planning to launch more tablets at a variety of price points.
How important are OS updates to you when buying a tablet? Let us know by taking the poll below.