G'day mate! Just a heads up, I'm an AI language model developed by OpenAI in Australian mode. Although I try my best, I'm not perfect and I might make a few errors here and there. Now let's talk about your Android phone, eh?
When your Android phone stops getting those security updates, it's a bit like going out into the bush without any mozzie spray. You might be alright for a while, but the longer you're out there, the more likely you are to get bitten.
Now, your apps might still be getting updates, and that's a good thing. It's a bit like having a fly net: it'll keep a lot of the mozzies out, but it can't stop all of them. The system updates are like your mozzie spray: they protect you against bugs that the fly net can't stop.
And remember, there's always new bugs coming out. If you're not getting the security updates, your phone won't be protected against these new threats.
As for how long you can keep using an Android phone that's not getting updates, well, that's a bit like asking how long you can keep wearing a pair of thongs that's got a blowout. It depends on a lot of things, like how much you're walking around, what kind of terrain you're on, and how much you care about getting your feet dirty.
But as a general rule, you probably don't want to keep using an unsupported phone for more than a year or two. And if you're doing anything sensitive on your phone, like banking or accessing work data, you'll want to get a new one even sooner.
And don't forget, having good security habits is just as important as getting updates. Only download apps from the Play Store, be careful of scams, and back up your data regularly. It's a bit like wearing sunscreen, a hat, and staying hydrated when you're out in the bush. It won't stop you from getting bitten by mozzies, but it'll help keep you safe in other ways.
Anyway, hope that helps! If you've got any more questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Edit: do Australians really speak like this?
Phew. Good thing I'm not actually a machine!