The question of which operating system is the latest version of Android in 2020 requires a detailed analysis, since this period became a turning point for the entire mobile industry. It was in this year that Google introduced Android 11, marking the transition to a new era of notification and privacy management. However, many users still actively used devices based on Android 10, which also remained relevant for a huge fleet of smartphones.
Understanding the differences between these versions is critical for those who are planning to update their gadget or choose a used device on the secondary market. Android 11 brought with it fundamental changes in working with application access rights and dialog management in messengers, which radically distinguishes it from its predecessor. At the same time, Android 10 has established itself as a stable and optimized platform that has become widely used.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the chronology of the release of updates, the key technical features of each build and how they affected the user experience. You will find out which smartphones were the first to gain access to new functions and whether it is worth forcibly updating old devices.
Chronology of update releases in 2020
The year 2020 in the life of the Android ecosystem began with the dominance of the version Android 10 (API level 29), which was officially introduced back in September 2019. At that time, it was the most modern solution for flagship devices from Samsung, Xiaomi i Google. Most manufacturers began mass distribution of this firmware at the beginning of 2020, adapting their proprietary shells to new standards.
However, the turning point occurred in September, when Google officially announced Android 11 (API level 30). This event marked the transition to a new security paradigm, where control over user data became the number one priority. The release took place simultaneously with the presentation of the smartphone series Pixel 5, which became the first devices running on this OS out of the box.
The update process for third-party vendors took several months. Companies like OnePlus and Xiaomi quickly released beta versions of their shells (OxygenOS and MIUI) based on the new system by the end of the year. Owners of older models could count on receiving a stable build only at the beginning of 2021.
⚠️ Attention: Dates for receiving updates for specific smartphone models may vary significantly depending on the sales region and manufacturer's policies. Always check for an update in the section
Settings → About phone → System update.
It is important to note that support for previous versions does not stop immediately. Google continues to release security patches for Android 10 and even Android 9 over time, providing protection for devices that technically cannot upgrade to the latest version.
Key innovations of Android 11
The main innovation Android 11 was the redesigned system of notifications and dialogues. Now messages from instant messengers are placed in a separate block, which allows you to quickly respond to them without opening the application itself. This is especially convenient when using the “Bubbles” function, which allows you to communicate on top of other windows.
Significant changes have also affected media content management. A special widget has appeared in the quick settings panel for switching between tracks and controlling playback on connected devices. This simplified interaction with Google Assistant and third-party players.
From a security point of view, Android 11 introduced the concept of one-time permissions. Now, when granting access to the camera, microphone or geolocation, the user can select the "Only now" option. This prevents background data collection by apps you rarely use.
- 🔒 One-time camera and microphone permissions increase privacy.
- 💬 Dedicated section for dialogs in the notification shade.
- 📹 Built-in screen recording function without the need to install third-party software.
- 📱 Improved smart home control through the power menu.
The screen recording function in Android 11 is activated by long pressing the power button or through the quick settings panel. Sound can be recorded both from the microphone and from the internal speakers of the device.
Another important feature was the restriction of access to files in the storage. Applications can no longer uncontrollably scan the entire device memory, which protects personal photos and documents from leaks. Developers had to adapt their products to the new model Scoped Storage.
Comparison of characteristics of Android 10 and Android 11
For a clear understanding of the evolution of the operating system, let's consider the main differences between the two versions that are relevant in 2020. Android 10 became the first version to get rid of sweet names in honor of desserts, focusing on in numbers. She introduced a full-fledged dark theme and new navigation gestures.
Android 11, in turn, polished these features and added tools for better control over the device. If the tenth version focused on visual updating and adaptation to screens with cutouts, then the eleventh struck in the direction of privacy and communication.
| Characteristics | Android 10 (2019) | Android 11 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Notification management | Standard list | Division into dialogs and rest |
| Access permissions | Permanent or "Deny" | Added "Only now" mode |
| Screen recording | Only through third-party applications | Built-in system function |
| Smart Home | Separate application | Control panel in the power menu |
| 5G support | Basic | Optimized network switch |
Technical details of the API level
Android 10 runs at API level 29, which means compatibility with applications optimized for new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning standards. Android 11 (API 30) has tightened the requirements for the target API level for all applications on Google Play, which forced developers to update their software.
The difference is also noticeable in performance. Android 11 improvement in the task scheduler, which made it possible to more efficiently distribute processor resources between active applications. This is especially noticeable on middle-class devices.
List of devices that received an update in 2020
Not all smartphones received an update to Android 11 in 2020. First of all, priority was given to devices from the Google Pixelline, starting with the Pixel 2 model and ending with the latest Pixel 5. These gadgets were among the first to receive a stable build.
Among third-party manufacturers, the leaders were OnePlus i Xiaomi. The flagships OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro received an open beta version in June, and stable firmware in the fall. The company Xiaomi began deployment MIUI 12 based on Android 11 for series models Mi 10 and Redmi K20 Pro.
The company Samsung adhered to a more conservative strategy, releasing a stable shell One UI 3.0 based on Android 11 towards the end of the year and the beginning of the next. Owners could test the new product through the Samsung Members app. Owners of budget segment devices often stayed on or even throughout 2020. This is due to the long cycle of testing firmware by manufacturers for less productive hardware. Galaxy S20 And Note 20 could test the new product through the Samsung Members app.
- 📱 Google Pixel 2, 3, 4, 4a, 5.
- 🚀 OnePlus 8, 8 Pro, Nord.
- 🌏 Xiaomi Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro, Redmi K20 Pro.
- ⭐ Samsung Galaxy S20, Note 20 (One UI 3.0).
Owners of budget segment devices often remained on Android 10 or even Android 9 throughout 2020. This is due to the long cycle of firmware testing by manufacturers for less productive hardware.
The availability of an update depends not only on the year of manufacture of the phone, but also on the manufacturer’s policy. Brands with pure Android update faster than those who use heavy proprietary shells.
How to check and install the latest version
To find out what version of Android is installed on your device, you need to go to the system settings. The path may differ slightly depending on the model, but the logic remains the same for all devices.
Go to the menu Settings → About phone → Android version. This displays the current build number and the date of the last security update. If a new version is available, the system usually prompts you to install it immediately.
To force a check for updates, use the following path: Settings → System → System update → Check for updates. Make sure that the device is connected to a stable network Wi-Fi and charged at least 50%.
☑️ Preparing for a system update
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.releaseThis command for advanced users allows you to find out the Android version via USB debugging (ADB) if the system interface is unresponsive or damaged. This is useful when diagnosing problems with the firmware.
⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial firmware (Custom ROM) can lead to loss of warranty and disruption of banking applications (Google Pay/Samsung Pay will not work without root access and special settings).
Compatibility issues and version rollback
Sometimes after updating to Android 11 users experience unstable operation of some applications or rapid battery drain. This is due to the fact that the software has not been fully optimized for the new requirements of API level 30.
In such cases, the question arises about the possibility of rolling back to a previous version, for example, to Android 10. Officially, Google and most manufacturers do not support the downgrade function through the settings menu. This is done for security purposes to prevent the installation of vulnerable software versions.
You can return the old version only by completely flashing the device via a computer using tools like Odin (for Samsung) or Fastboot (for Pixel and Xiaomi). This process requires unlocking the bootloader, which will inevitably lead to the complete deletion of all data from the phone.
Why rollback is dangerous
When you try to install an old version over a new one without formatting the data, the device may become “bricked” due to incompatible partitions of the encrypted storage. New encryption keys are not suitable for the old system.
If you encounter critical errors after updating, try resetting your settings to factory settings before deciding to rollback. This often eliminates cache conflicts and returns stability to the system.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to install Android 11 on a 2018 phone?
It depends on the manufacturer. 2018 flagships, such as Samsung Galaxy S9 or OnePlus 6, received an update to Android 11. However, many devices in the mid-range and budget segment of that year remained at Android 10 or 9. Check the official support site for your model.
What to do if the update does not arrive over the air (OTA)?
Try clearing the cache of the Google Play Services application and the download manager. If this does not help, you can use the official utility from the manufacturer for PC (for example, Samsung Smart Switch or Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool) to force an update.
Does the Android version affect the speed of games?
Yes, Android 11 includes optimizations for game mode and graphics, which can increase FPS in some scenarios. However, on older devices, the new system may consume more resources, which will lead to the opposite effect.
Will WhatsApp work on Android 10 in 2020?
Of course. WhatsApp and other popular instant messengers support a wide range of Android versions. Problems may only arise with very old versions (below Android 4.4), but Android 10 is fully compatible with all current applications.
How to enable the dark theme in Android 11?
The dark theme is activated via Settings → Screen → Dark theme. You can also add the switch to the Quick Settings panel. Android 11 now has the ability to schedule the theme to turn on on a schedule (at sunset or at a specified time).