The world of the mobile industry is changing rapidly, and owners of modern gadgets often wonder: will their device be updated? Switching to a new operating system is not just a change of numbers in the name, but receiving critical security patches, optimizing power consumption and access to new interface functions. Android 12 has become one of the most significant releases in recent years, bringing a radical design change codenamed Material You.
Many users mistakenly believe that old flagships are doomed to oblivion immediately after the release of the next generation of software. However, manufacturers such as Samsung i Googlehave significantly extended the support periods for their devices. In this article, we will analyze in detail which models confirmed receipt of the update, and which, unfortunately, were left behind.
If you are planning to buy a used phone or are simply waiting for the coveted notification on your current device, this information will be critically important for you. We analyzed the official roadmaps of vendors to give you the most accurate answer.
Official list of Google Pixel devices
The company Google traditionally sets the tone in the Android world, releasing updates for its devices first. Smartphones in the line Pixel are guaranteed to receive new versions of the OS within several years from the date of release. For Android 12, support covers a fairly wide range of models, including those that were released several years ago.
Owners of Pixel 3 series devices can breathe a sigh of relief, as even these models are included in the compatibility list. This demonstrates a high level of optimization on the part of the developers. However, it is worth considering that on older models, some heavy visual effects may work with limitations. Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro (full support for all functions) Google Pixel 5a, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 4a Google Pixel 4 XL and Pixel 4 Google Pixel 3a XL and Pixel 3a The Pixel 3 and 3 XL smartphones received an update, but this was their last major OS update. Further security support for them is limited in time.
- 📱 Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro (full support for all functions)
- 📱 Google Pixel 5a, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 4a
- 📱Google Pixel 4 XL and Pixel 4
- 📱 Google Pixel 3a XL and Pixel 3a
⚠️ Attention: The Pixel 3 and 3 XL smartphones received an update, but this was their last major OS update. Further security support for them is limited in time.
Updates for “pure” Android usually arrive in the fourth quarter of the year. Pixel users don't need to wait for custom firmware from enthusiasts, as OTA (over-the-air) updates come automatically. Just go to Settings → System → System updateto initiate the process manually if the notification has not yet arrived.
Before installing a major Android update, be sure to back up your important data to Google Drive, even if the process is considered safe.
Policy Samsung updates and the Galaxy line
The South Korean giant Samsung made a real breakthrough by revising its support policy. If previously budget models received one or two updates, now even mid-segment devices can count on the latest OS. The shell One UI 4.0, built on Android 12, brought many unique features not available on other smartphones.
The flagship Galaxy S series and folding Fold/Flip devices received priority support. Interestingly, the company began releasing updates for models released back in 2019. This is an unprecedented step for the industry, which forces competitors to catch up.
The update process on Samsung devices takes longer than on Pixel, due to the need to adapt the proprietary shell to each specific model. The rollout is happening in stages, starting with top models and certain regions.
Below is a table with key series confirmed to receive Android 12. Please note that some A-series models may vary depending on the region of sale.
| Device series | Models | Update status |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S | S21, S20, S10, S9 | Available |
| Galaxy Note | Note 20, Note 10 | Available |
| Galaxy Z | Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3, Fold 2, Flip | Available |
| Galaxy A | A52, A72, A51, A50, A32 | B process/Available |
To check for an update on your Samsung device, use the combination: Settings → Software update → Download and installation. The system itself will check the servers and offer to download the package if your model is on the priority list for your region.
Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones
The company Xiaomi is known for its fast the pace of updates being released, although the order in which MIUI firmware based on the new Android is released sometimes raises questions among the community. The shell MIUI 13 is based on Android 12 and focuses on protecting privacy and optimizing memory.
Unlike Samsung, Xiaomi often releases global firmware versions with a delay relative to Chinese releases. This is due to the need to certify Google services and adapt them to different legal standards in the countries where they operate. Owners of sub-brands Redmi and Poco are also included in the update app, but the timing may shift by several months.
- 🚀 Flagships: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11, Mi 10T Pro
- 🚀 Middle segment: Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco F3
- 🚀 Budget segment: Redmi Note 9S (in some regions)
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi devices with an unlocked Bootloader, installation of the official OTA firmware may be blocked or lead to a verification error. It is recommended to temporarily lock the bootloader before updating.
Users should be careful when choosing the firmware version. The global version (Global) and the version for China (CN) may have different release dates for Android 12. You can check the latest information in the application Services and feedback in the "Updates" section.
Why does the update not arrive to everyone at the same time?
Manufacturers use the method "rolling" updates. First, a small group of users receives the release to test stability. If no critical errors are identified, the mailing is expanded to the entire fleet of devices.
OnePlus and OPPO devices
The brand OnePlus, historically famous for the speed of updates, after merging with OPPO has somewhat changed its approach to software development. The transition to the shell OxygenOS 12 (which in some regions was unified with ColorOS) based on Android 12 became an important stage in the life of these smartphones.
Despite the integration of code bases, the flagship OnePlus models retained priority. Smartphones released in 2020-2021 received the update quite quickly. However, owners of older models such as OnePlus 6 or 6T found themselves in a difficult situation, as official support for them was stopped earlier than expected.
For OPPO devices, the situation is similar: the new models of the Find X and Reno series receive Android 12 with proprietary ColorOS 12 add-ons. The company is banking on smooth animations and new multitasking features specific to this version Android.
Checking for updates is carried out in the standard way via Settings → About device → System update. If you are the owner of OnePlus and do not see the update, make sure that you are not using a beta version of the software, which could block the transition to a stable release.
OnePlus and OPPO now use a single code base for their shells, which simplifies development, but may eliminate unique features OxygenOS, which fans of the brand are accustomed to.
Technical requirements and compatibility
The transition to Android 12 poses certain requirements for the hardware of the smartphone. The main load falls on the processor and the amount of RAM. New background blur algorithms, live wallpapers and a redesigned interface require more GPU and CPU resources.
The minimum requirement for comfortable work is 4 GB of RAM, although formally the system can run on 3 GB. However, in this case, aggressively killing background processes will make using the smartphone unpleasant. Processors of the Snapdragon 600 series and higher cope with the task adequately.
Support for the latest graphics accelerator drivers is also important. Chipset manufacturers, such as Qualcomm and MediaTekshould provide the necessary libraries to vendors. If the chip manufacturer has stopped supporting a specific crystal, the smartphone technically will not be able to receive an official update, regardless of the brand's wishes.
- 💾 Minimum 64 GB of internal memory to install the update package
- 💾 At least 4 GB of free RAM for stable operation
- 💾 Vulkan API support for new visual effects
Before installation, the system will automatically check compatibility. If the device does not pass any parameters, you will receive an error message. In this case, it is not recommended to try to force the installation through third-party utilities, as this may lead to the gadget being “bricked.”
How to check and install the update manually
If your device is on the supported list, but the treasured notification does not arrive for weeks, you can try to initiate a scan manually. Sometimes the servers are overloaded, or the queue for distribution has not yet reached your region or IMEI range.
The safest way is to use the standard settings menu. Go to the section System (or About device) and find the item Software update. Click the "Check for Updates" button. If the file is available, the download will begin.
Settings → System → Advanced → System update → CheckIt is important to ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection and a battery charge level of at least 50%. The unpacking and installation process may take from 15 to 40 minutes depending on the speed of the smartphone's flash memory. During this time, the device will reboot several times.
☑️ Preparing for the update
⚠️ Attention: Never interrupt the installation process by pressing the reset buttons or removing the battery (if it is non-removable). Interrupting the recording of the system partition may make the phone unable to boot.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to install Android 12 on a smartphone that has not received the official update?
Yes, it is possible through installing custom firmware (Custom ROM), such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery (TWRP) and technical skills. This will void your warranty and pose security risks.
Will the Android 12 update delete all my data and apps?
When updating over the air (OTA) through Settings, all data, photos, and apps are retained. A factory reset only occurs during a clean installation via a computer (Fastboot), which is usually required when switching between different versions of Android manually.
Why does my phone heat up after updating to Android 12?
In the first 24-48 hours after installing the new system, background indexing of files, optimization of applications and downloading of security updates occurs. This is normal behavior and causes increased power consumption and heat. Usually the problem resolves itself after a couple of days.
How to return to Android 11 if I didn’t like the new version?
You can officially go back only for a short period (usually 15 days) after the update through the recovery menu. Later, you will need to completely flash the device from the computer with the obligatory deletion of all user data.
Does the update affect the speed of the old smartphone?
On devices released 3-4 years ago, the new OS may work a little slower due to increased resource requirements. However, Android 12's memory management optimizations often compensate for this shortcoming, making the system run smoother in the long run.