Updating the operating system is always a significant event for the owner of a smartphone, providing access to new features and improved security. Android 12, codenamed Snow Cone, brought a radical change in visual style called Material You, as well as significant improvements in the field of data privacy. However, not all devices released in previous years were able to switch to this version of the software.
Many users are wondering whether their gadget will be on the list of lucky ones or whether it’s time to think about buying a new device. Support depends not only on the brand, but also on the specific model, amount of RAM and the manufacturer's firmware update policy. In this article we will analyze in detail the list of compatible devices, features of the transition and technical nuances that are worth knowing about.
It is worth noting that the stable version was released for different manufacturers at different times. If for Google Pixel the update was one of the first, then Chinese brands like Xiaomi or Realme adapted the shell to the new system much later. Let's find out which devices have received official support.
Flagship lines Google Pixel and Samsung
Google traditionally provides the longest and fastest support for its devices. Almost all smartphones in the series Pixel, starting with the third model, received the ability to install Android 12. This applies to both basic versions and models with the XL or A prefix. The owners of these devices were the first to appreciate the new widgets and smooth animations.
The situation with the South Korean giant Samsung also looks optimistic for owners of relatively recent models. The company has expanded its update policy, including in the list of support not only the series flagships Galaxy S, but also popular folding smartphones. However, owners of entry-level budget line series Galaxy A should check the update status carefully, as some models remained on the previous version.
To update Samsung devices, you need to go to the menu Settings → Software Update → Download and Install. The system will automatically check for a new version for your specific serial number. If an update is available, you will see a corresponding notification.
⚠️ Attention: Before installing a major update on Samsung devices, make sure that the battery charge is at least 50% to avoid failure during the bootloader partition flashing process.
Make a backup copy of important contacts and photos to cloud storage before starting the update, even if the manufacturer guarantees data safety.
Support among Chinese brands: Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus
Chinese manufacturers often use their own add-ons over pure Android, such as MIUI, ColorOS or OxygenOS. This complicates and lengthens the process of adapting a new version of the operating system. However, many popular models still received the coveted update, albeit with a delay of several months.
In the ecosystem Xiaomi support Android 12 is implemented in the MIUI 13 shell. The list of devices turned out to be quite wide and included not only flagships, but also mid-price segment smartphones. Users received improved privacy protection and a new control center design.
The brand OnePlus, which recently joined forces with OPPO, is also actively updating its fleet of devices. Models released in 2020 and 2021 have switched to the new OS en masse.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 11, Mi 10 and series T have received stable firmware.
- 🚀 OnePlus 9, OnePlus 8 and series Nord are updated to the new version.
- 🎨 Realme GT and series Realme 8 also included in the list of compatible ones.
List of compatible devices in the table
So that you do not have to look for information on different forums, we have collected the main popular ones models that are guaranteed to receive an official update. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, but a selection of the most common devices on the market.
The presence of a model in the table means that the manufacturer has released a stable build. However, in some regions the firmware may be distributed in waves. If you do not see the update, it may not have reached your specific device yet.
| Brand | Device series | Shell version | Update status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6 | Pure Android | Available | |
| Samsung | Galaxy S20, S21, S22 | One UI 4.0/4.1 | Available |
| Xiaomi | Mi 11, Redmi Note 10 | MIUI 13 | Available |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 8, 9, Nord 2 | OxygenOS 12 | Available |
| Motorola | Moto G Power, Edge 20 | My UX | Partially |
Availability of the update depends on the regional firmware version (Global, EU, CN), so the status may vary even for the same model.
Technical requirements and hardware limitations
The transition to Android 12 requires certain computing resources. The new system is more demanding on the amount of RAM and storage speed. Devices with less than 4 GB RAM may be unstable or may not receive the update at all due to the risk of severe performance degradation.
The processor also plays an important role. Manufacturers often stop supporting devices based on outdated chipsets for which Qualcomm or MediaTek have stopped producing drivers. Without updated drivers, it is impossible to ensure the correct operation of the new security functions of the system kernel.
If your smartphone formally matches the year of manufacture, but has weak hardware, installing a new version through third-party methods can lead to overheating and rapid battery drain. Official support ends when the manufacturer believes that the hardware will not support the new functions without compromising the user experience.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to manually install firmware from another phone model, even if they have the same processor - this is guaranteed to break the device (bricked).
Why are old phones not updated?
It is beneficial for manufacturers that you buy new phones. Supporting old hardware requires developer resources that are easier to allocate to new models. In addition, new Android functions are often tied to specific camera modules or neural cores that are not present in older chips.
How to check and install the update manually
The process of checking for a new OS version is standard for most devices, but may have slight differences in the menu name. First of all, make sure that you have a stable network connection Wi-Fias the size of the update package can reach several gigabytes.
Go to the settings of your smartphone and find the section responsible for the system. In pure Android this is usually the "System" item, and in shells like MIUI - "About phone". Next, you need to find the button to check for updates.
Settings → About phone → MIUI version → Click on the logoIf the system finds a new version, the download will begin. Once the download is complete, the phone will prompt you to reboot for installation. This process may take from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the memory speed of your device.
☑️ Ready for update
Possible problems after the update and their solution
After switching to Android 12 some users experience increased battery consumption in the first days. This is normal, as the system takes time to index files and optimize background processes under new conditions.
Conflicts may also arise with older versions of applications that have not yet been adapted to the new privacy rules. If an application crashes or does not work correctly, try updating it via Google Play Market or clearing its cache in the settings.
In rare cases, a “bootlap” (cyclic reboot) is observed. If the phone cannot boot after the update, you may need to reset to factory settings via Recoverymode. This is an extreme measure that will delete all data from the device.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may change depending on the firmware version and system language, so check the current screenshots for your model.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to install Android 12 on a phone that has not received the official update?
Yes, this is possible using custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), but this will require unlocking the bootloader and technical skills. This will void the warranty and pose a security risk.
Why does my phone say an update is available, but the button is grayed out?
Most often this is due to a lack of free space in the internal memory. Free up at least 5-6 GB of space and try again. Also check to see if the date and time is automatically disabled.
Will the Android 12 update delete my photos and contacts?
When installing an over-the-air (OTA) update, user data is retained. However, it is always recommended to make a backup copy in case of unexpected failures during the installation process.
How to roll back to Android 11 if I don’t like the new version?
It is almost impossible to officially roll back the system version without losing data. You will need to completely flash the device via a computer using the manufacturer's official software, which will erase all data.