When pitted against the Samsung Galaxy S8, it's more likely that Google's Pixel phones will lag behind in terms of gorgeousness. But when the competition all boils down to usability and longevity, the advantage tips in favor of the Pure Android flagship line, and that is thanks to superior OS support.

Unlike the GS8 or any other Android-based handsets, firmware support for the Pixel phones and the Nexus line before it has always been impressive. Updates and security patches are delivered with little or no delay, which cannot be said when it comes to other branded Android devices.

And it appears the Pixel phones will remain the better if the not the best Android flagship on the respect. Per the report by 9to5Google, firmware support for the first Pixel devices will last until October 2019 or 36 months from the time the handsets were released, which was in October 2016.

Again, the same OS support is yet to be matched by Samsung and unlikely will be seen with the company's current flagship - the Galaxy S8.

According to the same report, Google has confirmed Android OS updates for the Pixel phones will not only deploy on time but they will be delivered until October 2018 with the likelihood that critical OS or firmware updates will still be provided for an extended period. And beyond the firmware jump deadline, the devices will chew in security updates.

Google said delivery of security patches for the Pixel phones will last no less than three years so for the current models the OS protection is assured until October 2019. Going by the OS support record by Samsung, the chance is high the GS8 will stop receiving security updates while the Pixel will still enjoy robust protection directly coming from Google.

In a related report, Droid Life said firmware and security support for older Nexus devices have been discontinued. Only the LG Nexus 5X and Huawei Nexus 6P are still listed to get Android 8.0, rumored to be called Android Oreo, when the OS becomes available later this 2017. And security patches for the same devices will stop coming by September 2018.

That should prompt Pure Android fans to make the switch to the Pixel and Pixel XL, or they can jump instead to the Pixel 2017 handsets that rumors said will come out in three versions. Release date for the Pixel upgrades is expected to happen between September and October 2017.