In the world of mobile technology, the release of a new version of the operating system always causes a stir among users. Android 12codenamed Snow Cone, became one of the largest updates in recent years, bringing with it a radically new visual style for Material You and improved privacy tools. However, the most exciting question for gadget owners remains compatibility: Which Android phones will be released on officially, which models will be left out of support?
The answer to this question depends on many factors, including the policy of a particular manufacturer, the age of the device and the technical characteristics of the hardware platform. Google has significantly redesigned the system architecture, which has made it possible to optimize its operation even on mid-segment devices, but some older models will not physically support the new graphic effects and security features. In this article, we will analyze in detail the list of confirmed devices, the stages of deploying updates and the nuances of installing firmware from third-party developers.
It is worth noting right away that the list of supported devices is not static: manufacturers can add support for models that were not initially planned for updating, or, conversely, delay the release due to discovered critical bugs. Therefore, information about Which phones will receive Android 12requires regular verification with official sources. Below is a detailed analysis of the situation for the main brands on the market.
The official Google Pixel line and the Android Beta app
Traditionally, brand devices Google Pixel become the first to gain access to new functions of the operating system. For Android 12 the company has expanded the list of supported gadgets to include not only its own smartphones, but also devices of partners within the Project Treble app. This is made possible thanks to the modular architecture of the system, which separates the implementation of the Android framework from the low-level implementation of the Linux kernel.
Owners of flagship models can count on receiving updates among the first, often even before the official global release, if they participate in the beta testing app. However, it is important to understand the difference between a beta version and a stable build: the first versions may contain bugs that affect the operation of banking applications or battery life.
⚠️ Warning: Installing beta software through the Android Beta app may result in complete data loss. Before participating in testing, be sure to create a complete backup of all important files and settings on external media or in cloud storage.
The list of Google devices guaranteed to receive the update includes models released since 2018. This demonstrates the impressive length of support that the search giant provides for its products. Users of older models like the Pixel 2 are unfortunately stuck with Android 11 because their hardware capabilities can no longer keep up with the increased demands of the new OS.
If you own a Pixel device and want to get the update ahead of others, sign up for the beta app on the official Android website, but only do so on a secondary device that is not used for mission-critical tasks.
The update for the Pixel line comes over the air (OTA), and the user only needs to confirm the installation in the settings menu. The system itself will check compatibility and download the required package. Unlike other manufacturers, there is no need to connect the phone to a computer or use complex utilities for firmware.
Support from Samsung and the One UI 4 shell
The South Korean giant Samsung traditionally pleases its users with long-term support for flagship devices. The shell One UI 4, built on Android 12, has brought significant changes to the design and ergonomics of managing large screens. The list of devices that will receive this update turned out to be one of the widest in the industry, covering models from several years of production.
Owners of flagship series Galaxy S and Galaxy Note can rest assured: almost all models released after 2019 are confirmed for the update. This includes not only top versions, but also lightweight models of the FE series (Fan Edition), which are highly popular due to the optimal price-performance ratio.
However, the situation with the mid-budget segment represented by the series Galaxy Alooks a little different. While many popular models have received the update, some entry-level devices or regional specific versions may not be supported. Manufacturers often limit updates for budget lines to one or two major Android updates.
The update process on Samsung devices occurs through a proprietary application Smart Switch or directly through the phone settings. Users are advised to monitor notifications as the rollout may take several weeks for different regions.
| Device series | Model examples | Update status | Shell version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S (Flagships) | S21, S20, S10 | Confirmed | One UI 4.0 / 4.1 |
| Galaxy Note | Note 20, Note 10 | Confirmed | One UI 4.0 |
| Galaxy Z (Folding) | Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3 | Confirmed | One UI 4.0 |
| Galaxy A (Mid segment) | A52, A72, A32 | Selective | One UI 4.0 |
It is important to note that even if there is support, the update may not arrive immediately after the announcement. Regional features and certification from mobile operators often delay the release of the final stable firmware version for specific countries.
Update policy Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco
The company Xiaomi and its sub-brands Redmi and Poco are known for their affordable pricing policy, but the issue of software support has always been quite acute here. With the release of the shell MIUI 13 based on Android 12, the situation has improved somewhat, and the manufacturer has published an expanded list of devices vying for the update.
Flagship models of the series Mi and Xiaomi, released in the last two years, are almost guaranteed to receive a new version of the OS. At the same time, owners of Redmi Note series devices should carefully monitor official announcements, since support for budget models is often limited to one major Android update, after which they only receive security patches.
It is worth considering that Xiaomi's update process often occurs in waves. First, participants in the MIUI beta testing app receive the firmware, then it is released to a limited number of users, and only after a while it becomes available to everyone. This allows you to identify critical errors before mass distribution.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi devices with an unlocked Bootloader, receiving over-the-air updates may be blocked or lead to verification errors. For successful installation, it is recommended to temporarily lock the bootloader or use the manual installation method via Recovery.
Users of the popular series Poco, which are essentially converted Redmi models, are also included in the support lists, but sometimes with a delay. This is due to the need to separately adapt the interface and drivers to the specific requirements of the Poco brand.
What to do if the update does not arrive?
If your phone is officially supported, but the notification does not appear within a month after the release for your region, try clearing the cache of the “Software Update” application in the settings or check for firmware availability manually through the file selection menu.
Devices from OnePlus, OPPO and Realme
Brands included in the BBK Electronics ecosystem (OnePlus, OPPO, Realme) have recently significantly improved their support policies. Combining efforts in software development allowed us to speed up the release of updates. The shells OxygenOS (for OnePlus) and ColorOS (for OPPO and Realme) based on Android 12 offer high stability and performance.
OnePlus is traditionally famous for quickly delivering updates for its flagships. Series models OnePlus 9 i 8 were among the first to gain access to new functions. However, the convergence of the code base of OxygenOS and ColorOS raised some questions among the community, although in practice this made it possible to extend support to a wider range of devices, including the mid-range segment.
Devices Realme and OPPO are also being actively updated. The list of supported phones includes popular models from the Reno and Realme GT series. It is important to note that for some models, the update may change the name of the shell or its visual style, as companies rebrand their software products.
Checking for updates on these devices is carried out in the standard way through the settings. Users are advised to have sufficient battery charge (at least 50-60%) and free space in the internal memory before starting the download and installation process.
The merger of the development teams of OnePlus, OPPO and Realme has allowed us to speed up the release of security updates and major versions of Android for the mid-price segment, which is a big plus for consumers.
Smartphones from other manufacturers: Sony, Motorola, Nokia
Not only Chinese and Korean giants are participating in the update race. Companies Sony, Motorola and Nokia (HMD Global) also have their own release schedules for Android 12. Sony has traditionally relied on “pure” Android with minimal changes, which simplifies the adaptation process, but their list of supported devices is often shorter than that of competitors.
Models Sony Xperia 1 and The last 5 generations are confirmed for update. Motorola, owned by Lenovo, tries to update its popular mid-budget models, such as the Moto Gseries, but the speed of updates may vary depending on the sales region.
Nokia, positioning itself as a brand with “pure” Android and fast delivery of patches, has included many models of the G, X and C series in the list of updated devices. However, However, owners of very budget models should be prepared for the fact that they may not receive Android 12 due to limitations on the amount of RAM.
For all of the listed brands, the general rule applies: the more expensive and newer the device, the higher the likelihood of receiving the latest software. Owners of smartphones released more than 3 years ago should no longer count on a major system update; only rare security patches are available to them.
☑️ Readiness for system updates
Custom firmware and alternative installation methods
If your smartphone is not on the official list support, this does not always mean the end of its life cycle. The community of independent developers (XDA Developers and other forums) often creates custom firmware based on Android 12 for devices that the manufacturer has no longer updated.
Installing unofficial firmware requires an unlocked bootloader and custom recovery installed (for example, TWRP). This process gives a second life to old flagships, allowing them to work on the current version of the system, but carries certain risks.
adb reboot bootloaderfastboot oem unlock
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
You should understand that when using custom firmware, you lose the warranty on the device (if it was still valid), as well as the ability to run some applications that require a high degree of security (banking applications, Google Pay/Wallet). Bypassing these restrictions is possible through Magisk and root-hiding modules, but this requires technical knowledge.
⚠️ Attention: Installation of third-party firmware is done entirely at your own peril and risk. Errors in the process can lead to a “bricked” device, which cannot be restored using software methods without contacting a service center.
Before deciding to take this step, it is strongly recommended to study the thread of your device on specialized forums, make sure that the assembly is stable and that there are working drivers for the camera, sound and communication module.
Is it safe to install custom firmware on the main one? phone?
Using custom firmware on the main device, where important data is stored and banking applications are configured, is not recommended for ordinary users. System instability, possible bugs in camera operation, or rapid battery drain can create significant discomfort. It is better to use this method on an old device for experiments.
Is it possible to return the official firmware after custom one?
Yes, in most cases you can return to the official software. To do this, you need to download the stock firmware for your specific model and region, and then flash it through Fastboot mode or the official utility from the manufacturer (for example, Mi Flash Tool for Xiaomi or Odin for Samsung). However, this action often leads to the complete deletion of all data from the device.
Why doesn’t my phone see the update, although it is in the list?
The delay may be due to regional distribution features (OTA comes in waves), modified software (the presence of root access or a modified system partition), or a full cache of the update service. Try checking for updates manually in the settings or clear the cache of the corresponding system application.
Will the Android 12 update delete all my data?
When updating over the air (OTA) through the standard settings menu, all user data, photos and applications are saved. However, if you perform a manual firmware installation via a computer or custom recovery, there is a high risk of data loss, so creating a backup is a mandatory step in preparation.
Will Android 12 slow down your old phone?
Android 12 is optimized better than previous versions, but new visual effects and background processes may consume more resources. Devices with less than 4 GB of RAM and older processors may experience slower performance. In such cases, installing lightweight versions of firmware (Lite versions) from enthusiasts may be the best solution.