The mobile operating system Android 7.0 Nougatreleased in 2016 was one of those rare updates that brought not just visual changes, but also fundamental architectural shifts. It was in this version that support for native multitasking through split screen was introduced, and the notification system was significantly redesigned. However, over time, the relevance of this platform is decreasing, and users are increasingly asking the question: “Android 7 - what kind of phones are these?” and is it worth staying on this version at all.
Understanding the list of devices that support Android 7is critically important for those who are planning to buy a used smartphone or are trying to extend the life of their current gadget. This year (2026) this OS is considered obsolete, and many popular services have already stopped supporting devices on this platform. However, millions of phones around the world continue to work on Nougat, providing basic functionality for calls and simple applications.
In this article we will analyze in detail which phone models have received an update to this version, what their technical features are and what risks are associated with using outdated software in modern realities. We will also look at ways to check the current version of the system and possible solutions to compatibility problems.
Technical features and innovations of Android 7
The transition to Android 7.0 marked an important stage in the evolution of Google's mobile platform. One of the key functions was the ability to run several applications simultaneously in Split-screenmode. This allowed users, for example, to chat in the messenger and simultaneously view a video or map, which previously required third-party solutions.
Another important change was the introduction of the Doze (battery saving) mode, which began to work more aggressively. The system learned to put background processes to sleep more deeply when the phone was lying still, which significantly increased the battery life of devices of that time. However, this required application developers to reconsider the logic of background services.
⚠️ Attention: The power saving mode in Android 7 may block receiving notifications from some instant messengers in real time. If you do not receive messages on time, you need to add the application to the exception list in the battery settings.
This version also introduced support for Vulkan API, which opened up new opportunities for mobile games with more complex graphics and optimized performance. For gamers of that period, this was a significant step forward, allowing them to run more demanding projects on mid-range devices.
If your phone runs on Android 7, try disabling animations in the “For Developers” section - this will visually speed up the interface on older devices.
Main manufacturers and lines of smartphones with support
The answer to the question “Android 7 - what kind of phones” covers a wide range of flagship and mid-segment devices from 2015–2017. The leader in the number of updated models has traditionally been the company Samsung, which updated almost its entire line of Galaxy S and Galaxy A of that time.
The company Google, of course, included its Nexus devices and the first Pixel in the list of supported ones. These smartphones were among the first to receive updates and ran on “pure” Android without unnecessary add-ons, which ensured high interface response speed even on not the most powerful hardware.
Chinese manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, Huawei i Meizu, also actively implemented this version, although often with a significant delay and as part of their own shells (MIUI, EMUI, Flyme). This sometimes led to the fact that the functionality of Android 7 on such phones was different from the stock one.
Below is a table with the most popular models that worked normally or were updated to this version:
| Brand | Model | Release year | Android version (max.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge | 2016 | 8.0 (Oreo) |
| Pixel / Pixel XL | 2016 | 10.0 (Q) | |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 3 / 3T | 2016 | 9.0 (Pie) |
| LG | LG G5 / G6 | 2016-2017 | 8.0 (Oreo) |
| Moto | Moto G4 / G5 Plus | 2016-2017 | 8.0 (Oreo) |
Security issues and risks of using outdated OS
Using a smartphone based on Android 7 in 2026 is associated with serious information security risks. Google stopped releasing security updates for this version several years ago, which means there are still unpatched vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
Malware created in recent years often targets exploits present in older versions of the system. Antiviruses may not be able to cope with protection at the system level if the operating system itself has holes in the architecture. This is especially true for banking applications and entering payment data.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use your Android 7 phone for online banking or storing important passwords. The risk of data interception through system vulnerabilities is critically high.
In addition, many modern applications are gradually abandoning support for API levels 24 and 25 (which correspond to Android 7). You may encounter a situation where, when you try to install a popular instant messenger or social network, the application store displays a compatibility error.
Why do banks block logins from old Androids?
Banking applications use security certificates and encryption protocols that require fresh patches in the system. On Android 7, these components are outdated, and the application cannot guarantee a secure connection with the bank server.
How to check the current version of Android on your device
If you are not sure which version of the system is installed on your phone, you can check this in a few seconds through the standard settings menu. The path may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell, but the logic remains the same.
You need to go to the Settingssection, then scroll down to the item About phone (or System). There you will find the line Android version. Clicking on this line several times in a row often launches an Easter egg with the version logo (for Android 7 this is usually a nougat or the letter N).
For For more detailed information, including build number and security patch level, you can use the engineering menu or special utilities. Enter the command in the settings menu via search or follow the path Settings → About phone → Software information.
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.releaseThis command, executed through a computer with ADBinstalled, will accurately show the digital value of the system version, which is useful when diagnosing compatibility problems.
☑️ Checking the system is up to date
Custom firmware options for extending the life of a smartphone
For enthusiasts who do not want to part with their favorite hardware, there is an alternative way - installing custom firmware. The developer community XDA Developers supports many devices running Android 7, porting them to more recent versions of the system, such as LineageOS.
This allows you to access the features of Android 10, 11 or even higher on devices that have officially settled on Nougat. However, this process requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery, which voids the warranty (if it was still valid) and carries the risk of turning the phone into a “brick.”
Before starting the procedure, you must make a full backup of your data, since all files will be deleted. It is also important to find a stable build specifically for your model, since there are no universal firmware.
⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial software may break the Samsung Knox security module or lose the Widevine L1 function, which is why streaming services (Netflix, etc.) will stop showing videos in high quality.
Custom firmware is the only way to get modern applications on an old phone, but it requires technical skills and is fraught with risks.
Frequently asked questions about compatibility and updating
Is it possible to officially update Android 7 to Android 10?
Officially, no. Manufacturers have stopped supporting these models. Updating is only possible manually by installing custom firmware, which requires skills and is not guaranteed for all models.
Why did WhatsApp stop working on my phone?
Messenger developers regularly increase the minimum requirements for the OS version. From 2026-2026, many services require a minimum of Android 8 or 9 due to changes in encryption and security protocols.
Is it safe to use an Android 7 phone for calls?
For regular voice calls and SMS, it is safe. The main risks relate to the Internet, entering passwords and installing applications from untrusted sources.
How do I know if my phone supports Android 7?
If the phone was released between 2015 and 2016 and has at least 2 GB of RAM, the likelihood of support is high. Exact information can be found on the manufacturer's website in the support section for a specific model.
Will updating to Android 7 slow down your phone?
On older devices with a small amount of memory (1-2 GB), the transition to Nougat could cause a slowdown due to increased system requirements. On devices with 3 GB of RAM or more, the difference is usually unnoticeable or even positive due to optimizations.