Many a time i have come across posts of people asking when their phones will get updates, others ask why some brands dont release upgrades regularly and it occurred to me that many people tend to confuse these two operations that seem alike but are totally different, so in this post we will be seeing the differences between android system update and android system upgrade. Lets dive in but before that if should be noted that before you install any update or upgrade, back up the affected program or device. Read the information issued with the update and upgrade announcements to make sure your computer or mobile device and its operating system are compatible and won't suffer any repercussions.

Software Update
A software update, which is sometimes called a software patch, is a free download for an application, operating system, or software suite that provides fixes for features that aren't working as intended or adds minor software enhancements and compatibility. Software updates are released to address security issues when they occur, to address minor bugs discovered in the software, to improve the operation of hardware or peripherals, and to add support for new models of equipment. These small, incremental updates improve the operation of your software.

A common operating system update is a security update, which is issued to protect your computer against vulnerabilities that might be exploited by hackers and viruses. It is wise to install security updates when they are released to ensure your system is as protected as possible against constantly changing threats.

An example of system updates are seen in the recent hios android updates released on some TECNO mobile devices recently, when you download such updates, your device is updated to the latest android version its carries and you get to enjoy the new features the updates come with.

The Importance of Software Updates
Although they are typically small and free, software updates play important roles often related to solving or preventing a problem:

Protect against new-found security risks
Introduce new features in your software
Improve battery depletion rate or performance speed
Extend your equipment's usable life by allowing its maximum productivity
Fix bugs in the software and improve functionality

Software Upgrade
A software upgrade is a new version of the software that offers a significant change or major improvement over your current version. In many cases, a software upgrade requires the purchase of the new version of the software, sometimes at a discounted price if you own an older version of the software.

If you bought your software recently and an upgrade is released soon after that, some software companies offer the upgrade to the latest version for free. Be sure to register the software when you install it so you know if you qualify for these types of deals.

Operating System Upgrades
Operating system (OS) upgrades are large and have significant effects on your computer. These upgrades can make important changes to your system in functionality, user interface, and general appearance over the previous version.

Examples of operating system upgrades include upgrading from Android 9 to Android 10, its a more hectic process and not as easy as regular android updates. Software manufacturers usually offer free software updates for their products to make them compatible with new versions of operating systems. However, these updates may not be immediately available when the new OS software is released.

I hope this thread has been very helpful, if you have a better idea on this you can also share your views and we all learn.

wow, great info, thanks for sharing, this is good to know.

Hmmmm, good to know about this. Thanks for haring

Actually thought they are one and the same

Only few people know these differences.
Nice one OP