Owners of mobile devices of the Chinese brand Vivo often wonder when their gadgets will receive the coveted operating system update. The transition to Android 13 was a landmark event for the ecosystem, bringing many changes to privacy, interface design and notification management. Vivo implements its updates through a proprietary shell Funtouch OS (for the global market) or OriginOS (for the Chinese domestic market), so the timing of firmware releases may vary significantly depending on the region.
The update process does not occur instantly for all devices at the same time. The company's engineers conduct thorough testing of new features on various hardware platforms to ensure stable operation. If you own a flagship or mid-budget model released in the last two years, the likelihood of receiving an update is extremely high. In this article, we will analyze in detail which models are confirmed for the update, and also consider the nuances of installing the new software version.
It is worth noting that receiving an update depends not only on the smartphone model, but also on the regional firmware version. Global devices often receive updates with a slight delay compared to their Chinese counterparts. Additionally, some low-end series may not be supported due to hardware limitations or manufacturer upgrade policies for entry-level devices. Let's take a detailed look at the situation with support Android 13 in the Vivo line.
Official list of flagship Vivo models for update
Flagship series are always a priority for software manufacturers. Smartphones of the X i X Pro line are the first to have access to beta versions and stable releases of the new operating system. This is due to the use of top Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek Dimensity processors, which provide the necessary computing power for new functions. In particular, the series was among the first to receive confirmation for the update. Users of these devices can expect a full range of features
In particular, the series Vivo X80 And X70 I was among the first to receive confirmation for the update. Users of these devices can look forward to a full range of features Funtouch OS 13including improved widgets, a new control panel and advanced privacy settings. The list also includes earlier flagships, such as X60, which indicates the company’s loyal policy towards owners of premium devices.
To check for the presence of an update on your device, you need to go to the settings menu. Typically the path looks like this: Settings → System → System update. If a new version is available, you will see a notification with the package size and a list of changes. In some cases, the update may arrive in stages, so do not panic if the update has not yet appeared on your device.
⚠️ Attention: Before installing a major system update, it is strongly recommended that you back up your important data. Despite the stability of the firmware, there is always a minimal risk of failure during the installation process.
Updating mid-budget smartphones of the V and S series
The middle segment of the market is the most massive, so support for these devices is critical for the brand. Smartphones of the V and S series were also included in the list of devices receiving Android 13. Models released in 2021 and 2022, such as V25, V23 and S15, have already begun to receive stable firmware versions in various regions.
A feature of the update for this segment is the optimization of the interface for less productive hardware. Vivo engineers are trying to preserve the visual component of the new shell, but may disable some resource-intensive animations or artificial intelligence functions so as not to reduce the speed of the device. This allows you to extend the life cycle of the smartphone and provide the user with a relevant interaction experience.
Owners of series devices V should pay attention to regional differences. In some countries, the update may arrive later due to the need for certification by local telecom operators or regulators. It is recommended that you manually check for updates regularly rather than relying solely on automatic notifications.
If the update does not arrive automatically, try clearing the System Update app cache in Application Settings. This often helps to force a server check.
Below is a table with a sample list of mid-range models confirmed for the update. Please note that the list may be updated as new firmware versions are released for specific markets.
| Series | Models | Update status | Shell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivo V25 | V25 Pro, V25 5G | Stable version | Funtouch OS 13 |
| Vivo V23 | V23 5G, V23e | Stable version | Funtouch OS 13 |
| Vivo S15 | S15, S15 Pro | Beta / Stable | OriginOS 3 / Funtouch |
| Vivo V21 | V21 5G | In development | Funtouch OS 13 |
Support for the budget line of the Y series
Budget smartphones of the series Y traditionally receive updates from the greatest delay or do not receive them at all if the device is too old. However, Vivo's policy has changed in recent years, and some popular entry-level models have still received the honor of receiving Android 13. We are talking about devices released no earlier than 2021.
Models like Y33s, Y55 and Y75 are in the area of attention of developers. For these devices, the update is often “security” in nature, that is, the main changes concern security patches and minor interface improvements, without a global design change. This is a reasonable approach that allows you to keep your device up to date without the risk of slowdowns.
If you have a budget smartphone, you shouldn’t expect a new version to appear instantly. The testing process on weak hardware takes longer. In addition, the amount of available internal memory may become a limitation: before installation Android 13 make sure that you have at least 4-5 GB of free space.
⚠️ Attention: Budget models may not receive all the features of the new OS. Some visual effects or multitasking features may be cut to ensure stable performance.
Why are budget phones updated later?
Manufacturers need to adapt the code for less powerful processors and less RAM. Errors on budget devices are more common, so the testing stage is delayed.
The iQOO sub-brand and its compatibility with Android 13
The sub-brand iQOO, owned by Vivo, is focused on performance and gaming. The brand's devices are also getting the Android 13 update, often even earlier than Vivo's mainstream models, thanks to its focus on speed and new technologies. The shell here is called Funtouch OS (in the global market) or OriginOS Ocean (in China).
The flagship iQOO models, such as iQOO 9, iQOO 8 and iQOO Neo 6, are already working on the basis of the new system. Gamers will appreciate improved game mode optimization and reduced input lag. Proprietary features such as fast game launch and temperature control have been redesigned for better compatibility with the Android 13 kernel.
It is important for iQOO users to monitor notifications in the application iManager. Often it is through this system application that information about the availability of new firmware comes. The installation process is similar to the main Vivo models, but the bootloader interface may differ in the brand's proprietary animation.
The iQOO sub-brand often receives updates faster than the main Vivo line due to its focus on performance and fewer regional firmware modifications.
How to check and install the update manually
Sometimes automatic checking does not works correctly due to cache or network connection problems. In this case, you can initiate the search for updates manually. This is a safe procedure that does not require connecting to a computer or using complex software.
First, make sure that your smartphone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Using a mobile network is not recommended, as the size of the installation package may exceed 3-4 GB, which will lead to significant traffic costs. Also, the battery charge must be at least 50%, or the device must be connected to a charger.
Follow these steps to check:
- 📱 Open the application
Settingson the main screen. - 🔄 Scroll down and select
SystemorSystem update. - 🔍 Click on the icon with three dots in the upper right corner (if available) and select
Check for updates. - ⬇️ If a new version is found, click the button
Download and install.
After downloading the file, the system will prompt you to restart the device. The installation process will take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the speed of the smartphone’s memory. During this time, the screen will be black or display the Vivo logo - do not touch the device or try to turn it off.
☑️ Ready for update
Possible problems after the update and their solution
Like any major update, the transition to Android 13 may be accompanied by temporary inconvenience. Users often report increased battery drain in the first days after installation. This is a normal phenomenon: the system performs background indexing of files and optimization of applications for the new kernel.
In rare cases, problems may arise with the operation of individual applications that have not yet been updated by the developers to be compatible with the new OS version. If an application crashes or does not work correctly, try clearing its cache or deleting and installing it again from the store Google Play.
If after the update the smartphone began to get very hot or slow down for more than a day, it is recommended to reset the settings to factory settings. Before this procedure, be sure to save all important data on external media or in cloud storage, as all information from the internal memory will be deleted.
⚠️ Attention: If after the update the device stops turning on (stuck on the logo), do not try to disassemble it yourself. Contact an authorized Vivo service center for flashing using special equipment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will older Vivo smartphones released in 2019 receive Android 13?
Unfortunately, the likelihood of receiving an update for devices released in 2019 extremely small. Typically, manufacturers support the latest versions of the device OS for 2-3 years. Exceptions are possible only for the top flagships of that period, but even for them, support is often limited to security patches.
Will the Android 13 update delete my personal data and photos?
When you install an over-the-air (OTA) update through settings, all your data, including photos, contacts and applications, is saved. However, we always recommend making a backup copy in case of unexpected failures during the installation process, which could theoretically lead to data loss.
What is the difference between Funtouch OS 13 and OriginOS 3?
Essentially, these are the same system based on Android 13, but with a different interface and a set of pre-installed services. Funtouch OS is focused on the global market and uses Google services, while OriginOS is designed for China and has a unique widget design and integration with local ecosystems.
Can I roll back to Android 12 if I don’t like the new version?
Officially, the rollback (downgrade) function on Vivo smartphones is not provided for ordinary users. Returning to the previous version is only possible through a service center using special software, which often leads to complete loss of data and voiding the warranty in case of incorrect actions.
Why am I not receiving an update notification, although my model is on the list?
Updates are distributed in waves. Even if your model is confirmed, the server may send packets to different users at different times to avoid congestion. Try checking for updates manually in the settings or wait a few days.