The mobile operating system Android 10 (originally known as Android Q) became a landmark release for the industry, bringing the long-awaited dark theme, improved gesture controls and enhanced privacy settings. For many users, the issue of compatibility of their device with this version of the software remains relevant, especially when purchasing used gadgets or assessing the need for an upgrade. Understanding exactly which models have received the official update helps to avoid problems with the security and compatibility of modern applications.
In this article we will analyze in detail the list of manufacturers whose devices have been certified to work with the “ten”. You will learn not only about flagships, but also about budget models that have received support. We will also look at the technical nuances of the update process and ways to check the current version of the system on your device.
It is worth noting that support for a specific OS version directly depends on the manufacturer’s policy and the hardware capabilities of the processor. If your phone has not officially received an update, this does not always mean the end of its life cycle, but requires a more careful attitude to installing software from third-party developers.
Official list of Google Pixel smartphones
Google is traditionally the first to release updates for its series devices Pixel. These smartphones are the benchmark for pure implementation and receive support for new features before anyone else. Owners of these models can be confident in stable operation and timely receipt of security patches. Android and receive support for new features before anyone else. Owners of these models can be confident in stable operation and timely receipt of security patches.
Android 10 support extends to a fairly wide range of Pixel devices, starting from the very first generation. This makes them one of the longest-lasting smartphone families on the market. Even older models continue to function correctly thanks to code optimization by Google engineers.
Below is a list of models that received the official update:
- 📱 Google Pixel (1st generation)
- 📱 Google Pixel XL
- 📱 Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
- 📱 Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
- 📱 Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL
- 📱 Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL
⚠️ Attention: Pixel 1 and Pixel 2 devices are no longer supported for major updates, but they remain on Android 10. Do not try to install beta versions of newer systems on these models through official channels, as this may lead to unstable operation.
Before updating your Pixel, make sure that your device has the latest available security patch for the current version of Android - this will reduce the risk of conflicts when installing new firmware.
Compatibility of Samsung Galaxy devices
The South Korean giant Samsung has updated a huge number of its devices to Android 10, covering both the flagship series Galaxy S and Noteand the mass segment of the series A. The process of distributing the update took several months and depended on the region where the device was sold.
The shell One UI 2.0, which is based on Android 10, brought significant changes to the interface, making one-handed operation more convenient. It is important for Samsung users to know that updates often come in waves, so the lack of notification immediately after release does not mean incompatibility.
Key series that received support:
- 🚀 Flagships: Galaxy S10, S9, S8 (and their Plus/Active versions)
- 🚀 Business series: Galaxy Note 10, Note 9, Note 8
- 🚀 Mid-segment: Galaxy A80, A70, A60, A50, A40, A30, A20, A10
- 🚀 Folding models: Galaxy Fold and Z Flip (first generation)
To check for updates on Samsung devices, you need to go to the menu Settings → Software update → Download and installation. The system will automatically contact the server and check the availability of a new version for your specific serial number.
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices
Brand Xiaomi actively implemented Android 10 into your devices through the shell MIUI 11 i MIUI 12. The list of supported phones here is very extensive, including both expensive flagships and ultra-budget Redmi models. However, the speed of receiving updates from Xiaomi is often inferior to Google and Samsung.
Owners of POCO devices, which are a sub-brand of Xiaomi, are also lucky to receive support. Models like POCO F1, despite their age, were included in the compatibility list, which extended their relevance in the market. This is an important factor when choosing a used smartphone.
List of popular models with support:
- 🔥 Xiaomi Mi 9, Mi 9T, Mi 9T Pro
- 🔥 Xiaomi Mi 8 and Mi 8 Lite
- 🔥 Redmi Note 8 and Note 8 Pro
- 🔥 Redmi K20 / K20 Pro
- 🔥 POCO F1 and POCO X2
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi devices, updating to Android 10 often requires unlocking the bootloader when manually installing the firmware via Fastboot. The official over-the-air (OTA) update does not require such actions, but may arrive with a delay.
How to speed up receiving the update on Xiaomi?
In the "About phone" menu, quickly press 10 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer menu. Then, in the advanced settings, you can try changing the region to India or Indonesia - sometimes updates for these regions arrive earlier than for the global version.
Smartphones from other popular brands
In addition to market leaders, many other manufacturers have updated their lines to Android 10. Companies like OnePlus, Nokia, Sony and Motorola demonstrated high loyalty to users, providing support even for models of previous years.
Especially worth noting is the brand OnePlus, which is famous for its update speed. The flagships OnePlus 6 and 6T were among the first to receive the “ten” rating after the Pixel. Nokia devices running Android One also received a clean version of the system without unnecessary add-ons.
Compatibility table for popular models of third-party brands:
| Brand | Supported series | Update features |
|---|---|---|
| OnePlus | 6, 6T, 7, 7T, 7 Pro | Fast release, OxygenOS |
| Nokia | 4.2, 5.1 Plus, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1 | Pure Android (Android One) |
| Sony | Xperia 1, 5, 10, XZ3 | Stable operation, long-term support |
| Motorola | Moto G7, G8, One Action | Close to stock interface |
Devices based on Snapdragon 800 series processors (e.g. 855, 845) have the best compatibility with Android 10 thanks to Project Treble drivers.
How to check the Android version and availability of updates
Before searching for compatibility lists on the Internet, it is advisable to check the status of your device directly in the system. It will only take a minute and will give an accurate answer about the current state of the software.
Go to the settings of your smartphone and find the section About phone or System. The Android version number will be listed there. If it says 9 or lower, you need to initiate checking for updates manually through the corresponding menu item.
Sometimes automatic updates do not work due to a full system application cache. In this case, it is recommended to clear the cache of the Google Play Services or Download Manager application through the menu Applications → Special access → All applications.
☑️ Check before updating
Compatibility issues and custom firmware
If your phone doesn't officially support Android 10, it's not always a dead end. Enthusiasts and the developer community often create custom firmware based on LineageOS or Pixel Experiencethat allow you to install a new system on unsupported devices.
However, installing such software requires unlocking the bootloader and having certain technical skills. In this case, the risks increase: the warranty may be lost, the camera or banking applications may not work due to SafetyNet protection.
⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the manufacturer’s warranty. You perform all actions at your own peril and risk. Be sure to make a full backup of your data before starting the procedure, since the process is often accompanied by a complete reset of the device.
Installing custom firmware usually requires a computer with a set of tools installed ADB i Fastboot. The command to enter bootloader mode is as follows:
adb reboot bootloaderAfter that, through the bootloader menu, you can install a custom recovery (for example, TWRP), through which the Android 10 system image is already installed. This path is only suitable for experienced users.
What is SafetyNet?
This is a system integrity check mechanism from Google. If you have unlocked the bootloader or installed custom firmware, SafetyNet may not pass the test, causing Google Pay, banking applications and some streaming services to stop working in high quality.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I update my phone to Android 10 if the manufacturer has stopped supporting?
Officially - no. If the manufacturer has excluded your model from the list of updated ones, the server will not offer a new version. The only option is to install custom firmware from independent developers, which requires unlocking the bootloader.
Will Android 10 slow down an old smartphone?
On devices with less than 4 GB of RAM and older processors, switching to Android 10 may lead to decreased performance due to increased system requirements. On modern devices with 6+ GB of RAM, the difference is unnoticeable.
Will my data be saved when updating to Android 10?
When updating with the official over-the-air (OTA) method, all data, photos and applications are saved. Resetting to factory settings occurs only when manually flashing it through a computer or installing custom versions of the software.
Why does my Xiaomi not receive an update, although the model is on the list?
Updates are distributed in stages. It is also important to check the device region in the settings. Sometimes changing the region to a standard one (for example, Russia or Global) speeds up the appearance of the update notification.