Android 11: which devices are supported and how to update

The release of a new version of Google's mobile operating system always arouses keen interest among smartphone owners. Android 11 It became a landmark update that brought not only a design change, but also significant improvements in privacy, notification management and work with peripheral devices. However, the main question for millions of users remains compatibility: will their gadget receive the coveted update or will it remain on the old firmware version.

The distribution process Android 11 turned out to be uneven due to market fragmentation and the policies of various manufacturers. While owners of some flagships received the update almost immediately after the release in September 2020, users of other brands had to wait for months, and some models did not receive the new OS at all. Understanding which chipsets and models are included in the support list will help you assess the prospects of your device. Pixel and some flagships Samsung received the update almost immediately after the release in September 2020, users of other brands had to wait for months, and some models did not receive the new OS at all. Understanding which chipsets and models are supported will help you evaluate the prospects for your device.

In this article we will take a detailed look at the official list of smartphones that are guaranteed to receive or have received the ability to install Android 11. We will look at the features of updates from different vendors, technical requirements and answer frequently asked questions that arise when trying to upgrade a system. If you want to find out the fate of your phone, carefully study the data below.

Official list of Google Pixel smartphones

Traditionally, devices in the line Google Pixel become the first to receive new versions of Android. Google controls both the software and hardware of its phones, allowing it to avoid the latency experienced by other manufacturers. Support Android 11 has been provided for all models released since 2017, which is an excellent indicator of the longevity of the devices.

Owners of older models, such as the original Pixel and Pixel XL, unfortunately, were left out of this update, since their hardware platform is no longer meets modern safety and performance requirements. For devices that were current at that time, the update came “over the air” (OTA) and did not require complex manipulations with the bootloader.

Full list of Google devices that received official support:

• 📱 Google Pixel 5
• 📱 Google Pixel 4a (5G)
• 📱 Google Pixel 4a
• 📱 Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL
• 📱 Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL
• 📱 Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL

It is worth noting that for the series Pixel 3 this update was the last major release of the main version of Android, although security patches continued to arrive for some time. This is an important point for those who are planning to purchase a used device: Android 11 has become the final point in the development of software for these models on the part of the manufacturer.

Support for Android 11 on Samsung devices

The South Korean giant Samsung traditionally updates its devices within shell One UI. The release for smartphones of this brand was accompanied by the release of a version that brought visual changes to the quick settings panel and improved ergonomics for one-handed use. The range of supported devices turned out to be wide, covering both flagships and the mid-range segment. Android 11 for smartphones of this brand was accompanied by the release of a version One UI 3.0, which brought visual changes to the Quick Settings panel and improved ergonomics for one-handed use. The range of supported devices turned out to be wide, covering both flagships and the mid-range segment.

The update process on devices Samsung often depends on the region and telecom operator. In some cases, users are experiencing delays of several weeks compared to European firmware versions. However, the company kept its promises and provided a new OS for most popular models released two years before the release.

Key series that received an update to One UI 3.0 based on Android 11:

• 🚀 Flagships: Galaxy S20, S10, S9 and their versions Plus/Ultra/5G
• 📝 Business series: Galaxy Note 20, Note 10, Note 9
• 💎 Folding devices: Galaxy Z Fold 2, Z Flip
• 💰 Mid-segment: Galaxy A71, A51, A41, A31, A21s, A11

Particular attention should be paid to the fact that some budget models of the series Galaxy A and M could receive the update with a significant delay or not receive it at all in some regions. Always check that the information for your specific model is up to date in your phone settings.

⚠️ Attention: Before installing the update via Settings → Software update make sure that the battery charge is at least 50%. Interrupting the firmware process on Samsung devices may require flashing via a computer using Odin.

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones

Company Xiaomi and its sub-brands Redmi and Poco are known for their active update policy, although the speed of their distribution varies greatly. The shell MIUI 12 and the subsequent one MIUI 12.5 were based precisely on Android 11. This update brings significant changes to the interface, making it more transparent and animated, and also strengthens control over application permissions.

The list of supported devices is extensive, but owners of older models will have to be patient. Global firmware versions are often released later than Chinese ones, so users of imported smartphones could receive the update before official buyers in Europe or Russia. It is important to distinguish between stable versions and beta tests, which are not available to everyone.

Main categories of devices covered by the update:

• 🔥 Flagships: Mi 10, Mi 9, Mi Mix 3
• 📱 Poco sub-brand: Poco F2 Pro, Poco X3 NFC, Poco M2 Pro
• 🌿 Redmi: Redmi Note 9 Pro, Redmi Note 8, Redmi K20 Pro

How to install the update manually on Xiaomi?

If the OTA update does not arrive, you can download the full firmware package (Recovery ROM) from the official website and install it through the “Select package” menu in the “Update” application. To do this, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select the appropriate item.

Users should remember that switching to MIUI 12/12.5 could affect the autonomy of the device due to new background processes. After the update, it is recommended to reset the settings or carefully check the battery usage statistics in the section Settings → Battery.

OnePlus, Oppo and Realme devices

Brands included in the ecosystem BBK Electronicsdemonstrated high speed adaptation Android 11. For OnePlus this was a period of transition to the shell OxygenOS 11, which became more visually similar to ColorOS from Oppo, while maintaining performance. Realme UI 2.0 was also based on this version of Android, offering improved functions multitasking.

Owners of devices OnePlus starting with the model 6 and later were able to appreciate new features such as screen recording with system audio and improved power management. The company tried to support its devices for 2-3 years, which was a good indicator for Chinese brands at that time.

Brand	Shell	Examples of models	Update status
OnePlus	OxygenOS 11	8, 7, 6, Nord	Completed
Oppo	ColorOS 11	Find X2, Reno 3, A92	Completed
Realme	Realme UI 2.0	X50 Pro, 6 Pro, 6i	Completed
Vivo	Funtouch OS 11	X50, V20, Y20	Partially

Interestingly, some models Oppo i Realme received the update even faster than the flagships of competitors, thanks to the optimization of testing processes within the holding. However, users of budget models of the series A i Y sometimes had to wait for the release up to six months after the announcement of the system.

Technical requirements and compatibility issues

Why did some powerful smartphones not receive Android 11? It's not just a matter of manufacturers' policies, but also technical limitations. The new version of the OS places increased demands on the amount of RAM, storage speed and processor capabilities, especially in the context of working with data encryption and new drivers.

One ​​of the main reasons for refusing to update is the incompatibility of chipset drivers. Processor manufacturers such as Qualcomm or MediaTekonly provide driver support for a certain time. If the smartphone manufacturer did not manage to adapt the shell before the chip support ended, releasing an update becomes technically impossible or economically unfeasible.

In addition, there are problems with certified Widevine L1 for DRM content. With custom interventions or on older devices, the protection level may drop to L3, which limits viewing of HD content on streaming platforms. This is an indirect, but important aspect of compatibility.

⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial firmware (Custom ROM) on devices that have not received an official update may lead to loss of warranty and inoperability of banking applications (Google Pay / Mir Pay) due to the integrity of the bootloader.

If your device is not officially supports Android 11, but has an unlocked bootloader, enthusiasts can suggest alternative ways. However, for the average user, the risks of data loss and unstable operation outweigh the benefits of new interface features.

How to check and install the update

The process of checking for a new version of the system is standardized for most Android devices, although the names of menu items may vary slightly depending on the shell. Before starting the procedure, it is strongly recommended to create a backup copy of important data using cloud services or local storage on a PC.

The standard algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Connect your smartphone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the application Settings.
3. Find the section System or About phone.
4. Click on the item System update or MIUI/One UI version.
5. Press the button Check for updates.

If the system reports that you are using the latest version, but you know exactly what is available for your model Android 11the update may be coming in stages. In this case, you can try clearing the cache of the Google Play Services application or wait a few days. Sometimes manually running a check through the engineering menu helps, but this requires caution.

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This command (does not work on all devices) can reset application settings to factory settings without deleting user data, which sometimes eliminates errors checking for updates. Use it only if you are confident in your actions.

Device owners Huawei should take into account the lack of Google services, which makes the update process dependent on the store AppGallery and application HiCare (or Support). For them, the procedure may differ from the standard Android path.

What to do if the update freezes during the installation stage?

If the installation process is stuck on the logo or progress bar for more than 30 minutes, try performing a forced reboot by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds. If the phone does not turn on, you will need to enter Recovery mode (usually volume up + power) and select Wipe Cache Partition. Do not select Wipe Data if you want to save files.

Is it possible to roll back from Android 11 to Android 10?

Officially, this option is rarely provided and only for a short period after the update is released (usually 14 days) through the recovery menu. In other cases, a rollback requires a complete flashing of the device via a computer with the loss of all data. Be careful when deciding to upgrade.

Does Android 11 affect the speed of an older smartphone?

On devices with 4 GB of RAM or less, the new system may run slower due to heavier background processes and improved animations. If your phone was running at its best on Android 10, upgrading to 11 may worsen the battery life and performance situation.

Why doesn't my powerful phone have Android 11?

The lack of an update is often due to the end of support from the chipset manufacturer or the company's decision to focus on new models. Even flagships have a limited software lifecycle, which is usually 2-3 years for most brands except Google and Samsung.

Do you need to reset after updating to Android 11?

A hard reset (Factory Reset) is not a mandatory requirement, but is recommended to eliminate possible cache conflicts of old applications with the new system. If you notice strange behavior of your phone or quick battery drain after an update, a factory reset often solves these problems.