The release of a new version of a mobile operating system always arouses great interest among smartphone owners. Android 12 has become one of the most significant updates in recent years, introducing a revolutionary design Material You and improved privacy tools. However, the main question that worries users immediately after Google's presentation concerns compatibility. Not all gadgets released earlier will be able to access new functions due to hardware limitations or manufacturer policies.
In this article we will analyze in detail which phone models are guaranteed to receive the update and which will remain on the previous version of the system. We will analyze lists of official manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi and Googleso that you can know exactly the fate of your device. We will also consider the technical requirements necessary for the correct operation of the new functions, and give instructions on how to safely install the firmware.
Understanding the update process is critical for planning the purchase of a new gadget or preparing the current one for an upgrade. Updating to Android 12 requires at least 4 GB of RAM for stable operation of the interface. If your device meets the minimum requirements, the chances of receiving a new OS increase significantly, even if it is not on the initial announcement lists.
Official list of Google Pixel devices
The company Google traditionally supports its devices better than anyone else on the market, providing updates among the first. The flagship line Pixel received support for Android 12 immediately on the day of release of the stable version. Owners of these smartphones can expect to receive new features without delays or the need for manual intervention.
Support covers not only the latest models, but also devices released several years ago. This demonstrates the company’s high loyalty to its users and optimization of the system code. Below is a list of models that are guaranteed to receive or will receive the update: Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
- 📱 Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
- 📱 Google Pixel 5a 5G
- 📱 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
Owners of Pixel 3 and 3a were one of the last to receive the update due to limitations of the Snapdragon 670 processor, but Google still released the final version of Android 12 for them.
It is worth noting that for models in the series Pixel 3 this update was the last major operating upgrade systems. Once Android 12 is installed, these devices will only receive security patches for a limited time. If you're using one of these smartphones, it's a good idea to keep a close eye on support dates.
⚠️ Attention: Updates for Pixel 3 and 3a may be slower due to outdated hardware. Before installation, be sure to make a full backup of your data, since rolling back to Android 11 will require a full reset.
Support from Samsung and the Galaxy line
The South Korean giant Samsung has significantly expanded the support app for its devices in recent years. The shell One UI 4.0, built on Android 12, has brought many visual changes and performance improvements. The list of supported devices turned out to be impressive and included not only flagships, but also mid-segment models.
The update process on Samsung smartphones occurs in stages. First, the flagship series Galaxy S and Galaxy Zreceive the new system, then the turn comes to the series Galaxy A and other models. Versions for Europe and the US are often updated earlier than models for the Asian market.
Key series that received the update:
- 🚀 Galaxy S21, S20, S10 and Note 20 series
- 🚀 Folding smartphones Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3, Z Fold 2
- 🚀 Popular models of the Galaxy A series (A52, A72, A32, A51)
- 🚀 Budget hits Galaxy M and F series
To check the availability of the update on your device, you need to go to the settings menu. The path usually looks like this: Settings → Software update → Download and installation. If the system finds a new version, it will offer to download a package of about 2-3 GB. It is recommended to perform this procedure when connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Update status for Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones
The company Xiaomi is known for its rapid implementation of new versions Android through the shell MIUI 13. However, the diversity of the Chinese manufacturer’s model range creates difficulties with the synchronous release of updates. Flagship devices of the series Mi and Xiaomi usually receive the upgrade first, while budget models Redmi and POCO can wait several months.
The company's policy involves dividing devices into global and Chinese versions. Often, Chinese ROMs receive Android 12 earlier than global stable builds. Users who want to update as soon as possible sometimes have to wait for the official release in their region or use manual installation methods, which carries certain risks.
| Device series | Examples of models | Update status |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi flagships | Mi 11, Mi 10, Mi Mix 4 | Updated |
| POCO sub-flagships | POCO F3, POCO X3 Pro | Updated |
| Middle class Redmi | Redmi Note 10, Note 9 Pro | In progress / Partially |
| Budget segment | Redmi 9, Redmi 8 | Not supported / MIUI 12.5 |
Why do some Xiaomi not receive Android 12?
The manufacturer limits support for devices with less than 4 GB of RAM or older Snapdragon 600 series processors, since the new animations of MIUI 13 require more resources.
Owners of devices series Redmi Note 9 and newer should regularly check notifications from the system. Updates often come quietly, without loud announcements. If you have not received a notification, you can try a forced scan through the menu or application MIUI Downloader, but only if you are sure that the firmware version is compatible with your region.
Technical requirements and hardware limitations
The transition to Android 12 imposes certain requirements on the hardware of the smartphone. The new system uses more complex encryption algorithms and interface rendering, which requires computing power. Devices with a weak processor or small amount of RAM may be unstable or fail the compatibility test at all.
One of the key limitations is the processor architecture. Smartphones based on outdated chips that do not support the necessary security instructions or graphics accelerators are excluded from the list of supported ones. The amount of internal memory also becomes a critical factor: installing an update often requires 6-8 GB of free space.
Main technical barriers to updating:
- 💾 Insufficient RAM (less than 3-4 GB)
- ⚙️ Outdated processor architecture (old Cortex-A53 cores without support for new instructions)
- 📉 Small amount of free internal memory for unpacking the package
- 🔋 Wear of battery, which does not allow completing the long installation process
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to install Android 12 on a device not included in the official support list through custom firmware may lead to loss of warranty and disruption of banking applications (SafetyNet/Play Integrity).
Even if the phone is technically more powerful than the minimum requirements, the manufacturer may limit software updates to stimulate sales of new models.
How to check and install the update manually
If you are sure that your device is on the list of supported ones, but the notification has not arrived, you can try to initiate the scan manually. This method is safe and does not require rooting or unlocking the bootloader. However, before starting the procedure, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps.
First, make sure that the battery charge level is at least 50-60%. The update process can take from 15 minutes to an hour, and a sudden power outage at a critical moment of recording system partitions can turn the smartphone into a brick. Also free up memory space by deleting unnecessary videos or transferring photos to your computer.
Step-by-step guide for checking:
☑️ Preparing for the update
1. Open the application Settings on your device.
2. Scroll down to the section System or About phone.
3. Find the item System update or Software update.
4. Click the button Check for updates.
5. If an update is found, click Download and Install.
adb shell pm grant com.google.android.permissioncontroller android.permission.READ_PRIVILEGED_PHONE_STATEThis command (for advanced users with USB debugging enabled) can sometimes help reset the update check status on Pixel devices if the server check is stuck, but should be used with caution.
Common post-update problems and solutions
After installing Android 12, users may encounter a number of typical problems, such as rapid battery drain, case heating, or unstable operation of certain applications. This is normal for the first days after a major upgrade, as the system indexes files and optimizes databases in the background.
If problems persist for more than a week, you should check your power saving settings and update all applications via Google Play. Often software developers release compatibility patches for a new OS version some time after its release. Clearing the cache of apps that are behaving incorrectly can also help.
⚠️ Attention: If after updating your phone keeps rebooting or gets stuck at the logo, try booting into safe mode. Hold the power button, and when the power off icon appears on the screen, press and hold it until you are prompted to boot into safe mode.
What to do if the Internet is lost after the update?
Reset the network settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. This will not delete your personal data.
In rare cases, you may need to completely reset your device to factory settings. This is a last resort and deletes all data, so should only be used after a full backup has been created. A clean installation of the system often solves problems with conflicts with old configuration files and new system libraries.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to roll back from Android 12 to Android 11?
It is officially impossible to roll back without losing data. The downgrade process requires unlocking the bootloader and completely clearing the device memory (Wipe Data). In addition, many modern smartphones have downgrade protection installed, which physically blocks the installation of an old firmware version.
Why is my phone not receiving an update, although the model is on the list?
Updates are distributed in waves. The manufacturer can release firmware gradually for different regions or telecom operators in order to minimize the load on servers and catch critical errors in time. It is recommended to wait 1 to 3 weeks after the official announcement for your region.
Will the update delete my photos and contacts?
When updating through the settings menu (OTA), all user data is retained. However, there is always a minimal risk of failure during the process. Therefore, the “make a backup copy before updating” rule remains the gold standard of security.
Will older flagships (2018-2019) receive Android 12?
It depends on the manufacturer’s policy. Google and Samsung have updated many of their 2019 models. Xiaomi and other Chinese brands often limit support to 2-3 years for flagships and 1-2 years for the mid-range segment. The exact list should be found on the official support forum for your model.