Does Android OS version really important?

First of all, It is not possible to answer to any question which is very common to ask. So, Does Android OS versions really important before buying any Android phones?

It depends.

What are you going to use with your android phone?
What is the purpose of your android phone?

If you are not going to use your phone for any gaming and apps, It does not matter which phone you are going to choose. Android has attracted the world with millions of free and paid apps. In your case, mostly, you will be using your phone for communication purpose only.

You should be only thinking to choose a branded phone which covers maximum warranty and which can give long life!

Well, If you are a gamer, you must worry about your android versions. So, What kind of gamer are you? Are you just addicted to simple 2D games? Most of the games can run in all the android versions starting from 2.2

40+% of android mobile users are using 2.3.x. Nobody is going to avoid 40+% of mobile users. But some apps, for example Google Chrome, a web browser (not a game) is not available for 2.3.x

The reason should be very clear. The phones which are running 2.3.x must be having less memory, less processor speed and less storage. Storage is not an issue for developer. You can use your external memory card to install all the apps. It is memory and processor.

If you are going to develop android apps, you are not going to develop apps for the version which you are holding on your hands. You need to develop that app to support all the android devices. Can you buy devices for every android versions?

No, It is not possible. But Google is providing android emulators which can product any version with any screen size with any resolutions. You can device everything you need and you can load your apps in that emulators.

Last but not least, If you are a social networking user, don't worry, Version is not an issue for you atleast for few years. Every social apps including facebook, twitter, g+, youtube, hangout, and much more are working in all the android versions.

So, If you are a game user, you should upgrade your android phone to experience the real gaming in android devices. If you are holding android 4.x, you don't need to worry for years and years.

If you are using android version 2.2 or 2.3.x, you might need to consider to upgrade your phone and again, it is depending your actual android use! Enjoy your android phones!