In the world of mobile technologies, the release of a new version of the operating system always causes a storm of discussion. Android 11, released in September 2020 under code name Red Velvet Cake, became an important stage in the evolution of the Google platform. It was this version that laid the foundation for many of the features we take for granted today, including an improved notification system and smart home control.
Users often wonder: which smartphones is this OS available on and is it worth looking for a device with it? The answer is not as simple as it seems at first glance. Support Android 11 depends not only on the processor power, but also on the manufacturer's policy, update timing and region of sales of the gadget.
In this article we will analyze in detail the list of devices that have received an official update, and also discuss the nuances of switching to this version of the system. We will touch on technical aspects, such as working with application permissions and new lock screen features, so that you can make an informed decision about buying or upgrading your current device.
Key innovations of the Android 11 system
Before moving on to the lists of supported devices, you need to understand what exactly this version brings to users. Android 11 focused on people, control and privacy. One of the most noticeable changes was the redesign of pop-up notifications. Now dialogues are placed in a separate section, which allows you not to lose important messages even when actively using other applications.
Significant changes have also affected media content management. There's a new widget in the Quick Settings panel that lets you switch between audio sources or control playback on connected devices without having to unlock your phone. This is especially convenient when using Bluetooth headsets or smart speakers.
⚠️ Attention! The control panel interface may differ depending on the manufacturer's shell (for example, MIUI or One UI). Some brands are replacing standard Google elements with their own solutions.
Another important feature is screen recording built directly into the system. Previously, this required third-party applications, which often contained ads or had limitations. The function is now available through the menu Settings → Accessibility → Screen recording or through the quick settings panel.
Before activating screen recording, check your microphone settings: you can record only system sounds, only your voice, or all at once.
Google Pixel smartphones and the Nexus line
Devices from the operating system developer themselves traditionally receive updates first. If you own a phone Google Pixelthen the probability of having Android 11 on your device is maximum. This version is native to the Pixel 5 series, but has also been adapted for older models.
Users of earlier generations can also enjoy new features. Models released since 2016 received support, which indicates Google’s long-term support policy. However, it is worth considering that on the oldest devices, some visual effects may run less smoothly due to hardware limitations.
The list of officially supported Pixel devices is as follows:
- 📱 Pixel 5 (shipped with Android 11 out of the box)
- 📱 Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 4a
- 📱 Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL
- 📱 Pixel 3a i Pixel 3a XL
- 📱 Pixel 3 i Pixel 3 XL
Pixel smartphones receive security updates the longest on the market, often up to 3-4 years after the model's release.
Owners of series devices Nexussuch as Nexus 6P or 5X, unfortunately, were left behind by the official ones updates to this version. For them, Android 10 became the last official version, although enthusiasts continue to release custom firmware.
Samsung Galaxy flagships and A series
The South Korean giant Samsung was one of the first to begin mass distribution of updates to Android 11 on top of its shell One UI 3.0. The company revised its update strategy, including in the support list not only flagship series, but also popular mid-segment models.
The update brought significant changes to the interface design. The Quick Settings panel has been divided into two pages, and the icons have become more rounded and minimalistic. For many users, the transition to One UI 3.0 has become a more noticeable event than changing the version of Android itself.
Below is a table with the main series of Samsung smartphones that received the update:
| Device series | Examples of models | Update status |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S (Flagships) | S20, S10, S9 | Received a stable version |
| Galaxy Note | Note 20, Note 10, Note 9 | Received a stable version |
| Galaxy A (Middle class) | A51, A71, A50, A30s | Received with a delay |
| Galaxy Fold/Flip | Z Fold 2, Z Flip | Received the optimized version |
It is worth noting that the update process on Samsung devices occurs in waves. Owners of unlocked versions of international models often receive software earlier than users of devices linked to specific mobile operators.
Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices
The Chinese company Xiaomi is known for its wide model range and shell MIUI. The introduction Android 11 into the brand ecosystem took place in parallel with the release of MIUI 12 and MIUI 12.5. This update brought many visual improvements, such as super wallpapers and a new control center.
However, there are many nuances associated with updating Xiaomi devices. Due to the huge number of models, the process of certification and release of stable versions took considerable time. Some users encountered bugs in early builds, so the developers recommended waiting for the final releases.
The main groups of devices on which this OS runs:
- 🚀 Series flagships Mi 10, Mi 9 and their variations (Lite, Pro, Ultra).
- 💰 Budget hits of the series Redmi Note 9, Note 8 i Redmi 9.
- ⚡ Sub-brand Poco: models Poco X3 NFC, Poco F2 Pro i Poco M3.
⚠️ Attention! On some global versions of Xiaomi smartphones, the update to Android 11 could arrive later than on the Chinese versions. Always check the firmware region in the settings
About phone.
To check for an update, you need to go to the menu Settings → About phone → MIUI version and click on the system logo. If the servers find a new version, the download will begin.
What to do if the update does not arrive?
Try clearing the cache of the "System Update" application in the application settings or change the region in the phone settings to India or Indonesia, check for availability again, and then return your region.
Smartphones OnePlus, OPPO and Realme
Brands that are part of the BBK Electronics concern often synchronize their update schedules. Android 11 became the basis for the shell OxygenOS 11 OnePlus and Realme UI 2.0 Realme. These versions received high marks from critics for their smooth operation and clean interface.
OnePlus has traditionally been famous for quickly delivering updates to its flagships. Models OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 7 were among the first on the market after Pixel to gain access to new features. Users noted improved gestures and more intuitive control of privacy settings.
OPPO and Realme devices aimed at the mass segment also covered a wide range of models. It is especially noteworthy that even budget devices costing up to $150-200 received this version of the OS, which extended their life cycle.
It is important to remember the differences in regions. European versions of smartphones may receive updates on a different schedule than Asian versions. This is due to the need to undergo additional certifications in different jurisdictions.
☑️ Check before updating
Compatibility problems and bugs during the update
Despite the fact that Android 11 is considered a fairly stable system, the transition to it from previous versions it does not always go smoothly. Users of various brands reported specific problems that required intervention or waiting for patches.
One of the common problems was Bluetooth connections not working correctly. After the update, some users noticed that wireless headphones intermittently disconnected or the sound became intermittent. The solution was often to reset the network settings through the menu Settings → System → Reset settings.
Another common case is problems with notifications from instant messengers. The aggressive energy-saving system in new versions of shells could “kill” background processes, causing messages to arrive with a delay. To solve this, you need to manually configure permissions for specific applications in the section Battery.
⚠️ Attention! If after the update your phone starts to discharge quickly, give it 2-3 days to index files and optimize applications. In the first days, increased energy consumption is the norm.
There have also been cases of incompatibility of old banking applications with new security requirements. Android 11. In rare situations, you had to wait for an update of the application itself from the developer to restore full functionality.
If the update causes critical errors, use the "Restore to factory version" function in Recovery mode, but remember that this will delete all data from the device.
Is it worth buying a smartphone with Android 11 in 2026-2026?
This question becomes relevant for those who are considering the market for used equipment or remaining inventory. On the one hand, Android 11 still receives security patches, which makes the use of devices based on this basis relatively secure.
On the other hand, support for this version of the operating system is coming to an end for most manufacturers. If you buy such a phone today, you should understand that you most likely will not receive major feature updates (to Android 12, 13 and higher). This may limit access to new app features in the future.
However, for the budget segment it is still a great option. Smartphones with Android 11 are often cheaper than their counterparts with new versions, while still providing decent performance for everyday tasks: social networks, navigation and watching videos.
When choosing a device, pay attention to the amount of RAM. For comfortable work on this version of the system, it is desirable to have at least 4 GB RAM, and preferably 6 GB. This will provide a performance reserve for the next couple of years of use.
Is it possible to roll back from Android 11 to Android 10?
Officially, this function is not provided by most manufacturers. Rollback is only possible by flashing the device from a computer, which requires unlocking the bootloader and will lead to complete loss of data. Do this only in extreme cases.
Will my old applications receive support for Android 11?
Most popular applications have already been adapted. However, some very old apps that have not been updated for several years may not work correctly due to tightened rules for accessing the file system in the new OS.
Does Android 11 affect the speed of an old phone?
On devices with mid-range processors from 2018-2019, the system may become slightly slower due to increased resource requirements. On flagships of that period, the difference in speed is usually unnoticeable.
How to check if the update has arrived on my phone?
Go to Settings, find the section About phone or System, then select Software update. Click the "Check for updates" button. If the server does not find a new version, it means that it has not yet been released for your model or region.