In the world of mobile technologies, the life cycle of the operating system is limited, but many users still actively use devices based on Android 9.0 Pie. This version, released in 2018, became a landmark thanks to the introduction of gesture controls and adaptive battery saving. However, the issue of compatibility remains relevant for those who are planning to purchase a budget device or are trying to extend the life of their current gadget.
Support for this OS depends not only on the desire of the manufacturer, but also on the technical characteristics of the processor and the amount of RAM. Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei other giants have taken different approaches to updating their lines. Some flagships have even received newer versions, while budget models are stuck at this level forever.
Understanding which devices run on this platform will help you avoid disappointment when buying a used device or when trying to install custom firmware. It is important to consider that over time, the number of available applications for this version of the system will be steadily decreasing.
Key features of Android 9 Pie and hardware requirements
The release of the ninth version of the mobile operating system from Google brought a number of significant changes to the interface and work with resources. One of the main innovations was a function Adaptive Batterythat uses machine learning to optimize the energy consumption of rarely used applications. This made it possible to significantly increase battery life even on devices with modest batteries.
For stable operation of all new functions, a certain minimum equipment was required. Usually we were talking about processors of the Snapdragon 600 series level or equivalents from MediaTek, as well as the presence of at least 3 GB of RAM. Devices with 1-2 GB of RAM often had difficulty multitasking in this environment.
⚠️ Warning: Some manufacturers may have limited updates to older models, even if the hardware was technically capable of installing Android 9, in order to stimulate sales of new devices.
It is also worth noting the introduction of an improved notification system and support for notches in the screen (notches), which became a standard for the design of the device. period. Digital Wellbeing helped users track time spent in applications, laying the foundations for modern digital hygiene.
Before buying a used phone, be sure to check the security version in the settings, as old patches may leave vulnerabilities.
Official list of Google Pixel and flagship smartphones
Ruler Google Pixel always received updates first. Smartphones in this series are the standard of pure Android and are guaranteed to support all the functions of the ninth version at the time of release. Owners of these devices could count on the fastest interface operation and the absence of unnecessary pre-installed software.
Flagship models from other vendors also received the update en masse. For example, the series was updated to One UI based on Android 9, which radically changed the visual style of the shell. Samsung Galaxy S9 And Note 9 was updated to One UI based on Android 9, which radically changed the visual style of the shell. Huawei P20 Pro and also moved to this platform, receiving new camera functions. Honor 10 also switched to this platform, receiving new camera functions.
- 📱 Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL
- 📱 Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+, Note 9, S8 (late update)
- 📱 OnePlus 6, OnePlus 6T, OnePlus 5T
- 📱 Sony Xperia XZ2, XZ2 Premium, XZ3
It is important to understand that for these devices the update often came with a new proprietary shell. This meant that the user received not just a new version of the kernel, but also a completely redesigned interface, settings and system applications.
Mass segment: Xiaomi, Honor and Motorola
In the middle price segment the situation was more diverse. The company Xiaomi actively updated its bestsellers, such as Redmi Note 5 and Mi A2. The latter model was part of the Android One app, which guaranteed receiving clean updates directly from Google without delays on the part of the manufacturer.
The brand Honor (a subsidiary of Huawei) also did not lag behind, transferring the popular models of the Honor 8X and Honor 10 Lite series to Android 9. Users noted an improvement in the smoothness of the system and the emergence of new navigation gestures, which became an alternative to traditional buttons.
Motorola has traditionally been famous for its loyalty to users in terms of updates. Moto G6, G7 and One series received a timely update. The clean My UX shell ensured high response speed even on not the most powerful hardware.
| Brand | Popular models with Android 9 | Shell type |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | Redmi Note 5, Mi 8, Mi A2 | MIUI 10 / Android One |
| Honor | Honor 8X, Honor 10, Honor Play | EMUI 9.0 |
| Motorola | Moto G7, Moto One Power | My UX (almost clean) |
| Nokia | Nokia 7.1, Nokia 6.1 Plus | Android One |
Cost take into account that in the budget segment the update could arrive with a delay of several months or even a year after the official release of the platform. This was due to the need to deeply adapt heavy shells to the specific characteristics of processors.
Why did some phones not receive the update?
Manufacturers often skimp on drivers for older processors. If Qualcomm or MediaTek stops supporting the chip, the smartphone manufacturer technically cannot release stable firmware for the new version of Android.
How to check whether your device can be updated
If you already have a smartphone and want to find out if it can upgrade to Android 9, you need to use the system settings. The verification process is standard for most devices, although the names of menu items may vary slightly depending on the brand.
First, go to the main settings menu and find the section responsible for information about the phone. It is usually at the very bottom of the list or at the top, depending on the shell version. There you will see the current firmware version and build number.
Next you need to find the software update item. In the system, this often looks like a button with an arrow icon or an Android icon. Clicking on it initiates a check of the manufacturer's servers for new versions.
Settings → About phone → System updateIf the server responds that the device is running the latest available version, but you know that it is not Android 9, then there is no official update for your model. In this case, enthusiasts can consider installing custom firmware, but this requires unlocking the bootloader.
☑️ Checking the update
Risks of using an outdated version of Android
Operating a Android smartphone 9 in the current realities carries certain risks, the main one of which is security. Google stopped releasing regular security patches for this version several years ago. This means that any newly discovered vulnerabilities in the system will remain unpatched.
In addition, developers of popular applications are gradually abandoning support for old APIs. Banking applications, instant messengers and social networks may at any time stop launching or work correctly on devices with a system version lower than the required one.
⚠️ Attention: Using outdated versions of Android for online banking may be unsafe due to the lack of fresh certificates and encryption patches.
However, for basic tasks such as calls, SMS, listening to music or using as a navigator in the car, these devices are still quite useful. The main thing is not to store critical data on them and not to enter card data in dubious applications.
Android 9 is still functional for basic tasks, but requires caution when working with financial data due to the lack of security patches.
Alternatives: Custom firmware and LineageOS
For those who want To breathe new life into an old smartphone, there is a community of unofficial firmware developers. The project LineageOS is one of the most famous and allows you to install newer versions of Android on devices that the manufacturer has already abandoned.
The process of installing custom firmware is complex and requires technical training. You need to unlock the bootloader, install a custom recovery (for example, TWRP) and find a stable build specifically for your device model. Errors at any stage can lead to a broken phone.
However, the result is often worth the effort: the device receives the latest version of Android, fresh security patches and no unnecessary pre-installed junk. Many models that have officially settled on Android 9, thanks to enthusiasts, work on Android 11 or even 12.
Where to look for firmware?
The main source of unofficial firmware is the XDA Developers forum. There you can find instructions and files for thousands of smartphone models.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to install Android 9 on a phone that came out with Android 8?
It depends on the model. If the manufacturer has released an official update, then yes, through the settings. If not, then only through installing custom firmware, which voids the warranty and requires skills.
Will applications on Android 9 stop working in the near future?
Most popular applications still support this version, but the requirements are growing. After 1-2 years, many new versions of apps may require a minimum of Android 10 or 11.
Is it safe to use Internet banking on Android 9?
The risk is increased. The lack of recent security patches makes the system vulnerable to new types of malware. It is recommended to use a newer device for finance.
How can I find out the exact model of my phone to search for firmware?
Go to Settings → About phone. It will indicate the full model name and build number, which are needed to search on developer forums.