> To start one small thing I'd do is match Apple on the length of update support window.
That will win you over the tech-fanboys, but is that anything normal people take into account when they pick a phone? I probably hear more complaints about new versions of iOS "making my phone worse" than Android users complaining about not getting updates.
Google has been making noises about Android for Work for a while. To get businesses to start taking Android seriously, Google needs a flagship line of devices with business-class software support, especially in terms of security patches. Even though many apps have been moved to the Play Store, Google Play can't patch problems in the kernel or system libraries.
I honestly can't see why people care so much about having long update windows. Batteries simply aren't good for many cycles so it doesn't make sense to support a phone for longer than its battery will last.
Also, it's a pretty reasonable assumption that users who don't care to be on the latest hardware don't care to be on the latest software.
Which is entirely by design, when they make batteries not be swappable. If your goal is to make a good product, it makes perfect sense to have a long update window, just as it makes perfect sense to offer replacement batteries.
The battery itself is a far bigger point of failure than the connection to the battery. If your goal is to make a good product, it is worth introducing a small failure mode in order to remove a larger one. Since most phones no longer have replaceable batteries, they are hosed once the battery no longer holds a charge.
I used my iPhone 4S from 2011 till today. Battery is still fine according to coconutBattery. I am very glad I am not stuck on iOS 5, but that Apple supported it till iOS 9.3
As an aside: If your battery dies you don't have to buy a new smartphone, but just a replacement battery. On ebay it costs around 10 dollars with tools.
Assuming this isn't a roundabout way of saying you've replaced your battery a few times then you have been exceptionally careful and have been lucky to get and exceptionally good battery. Your situation is going to be experienced by a statistically insignificant amount of people.
For most users a 5 year old battery is going to be completely useless and it's going to be attached to a screen that has been shattered beyond usability.
That will win you over the tech-fanboys, but is that anything normal people take into account when they pick a phone? I probably hear more complaints about new versions of iOS "making my phone worse" than Android users complaining about not getting updates.