The question of which one is Android installed on your smartphone Honor 20 Liteoften arises among users who want to check the relevance of the system or evaluate the possibilities of installing new applications. This model, released in 2019, was initially based on the base Android 9 Pie with a proprietary shell EMUI 9. However, during the life cycle of the device, the manufacturer released several major updates that significantly changed the functionality and security of the gadget.
Today, owners may encounter different firmware versions depending on the region of sale and the time of last synchronization with servers. Understanding the current OS version is critical for the correct operation of banking applications and modern services. If you haven’t gone into the settings for a long time, perhaps your phone is already running on a more recent platform that you didn’t even know about.
Initial version and evolution of the firmware
At the start of sales Honor 20 Lite supplied with an operating system Android 9.0on top of which it was installed shell EMUI 9.1. This was a standard solution for the budget segment of that period, ensuring stable operation of basic functions. The interface then still retained the features characteristic of pure Android, but with noticeable changes in the control panel and notification center.
Shortly after the release, Huawei, which owned the Honor brand, began sending out updates. The first major step was to upgrade the version to Android 10 with the transition to EMUI 10.1. This update brought a system-level dark theme, improved gesture controls, and new privacy features. For many users, this update was the decisive factor in extending the life of the smartphone.
It is worth noting that the update process was not simultaneous for all regions. Users from Europe and Russia often received patches earlier than device owners from the Asian market. Therefore, the answer to the question “which Android for Honor 20 Lite” can vary from 9 to 10, depending on exactly when the phone was purchased and whether it was updated manually by the user.
⚠️ Attention: Some batches of smartphones released at the end of 2019 could immediately come with a pre-installed version of Android 10. Always check the build number in the settings, and not only the year of purchase.
How to check the current version of Android
To get accurate information about the software of your device, you need to go to the system menu. This is a simple procedure that will take no more than a minute, but will provide comprehensive data on the state of the firmware. Do not trust third-party applications from the store; built-in tools provide accurate information. Menu navigation may vary slightly depending on the version, but the general algorithm remains the same. You will need to find the section responsible for information about the phone. It will indicate not only the Android version, but also the security patch number, which is also important for assessing the security of the device.
Menu navigation may vary slightly depending on version EMUI, but the general algorithm remains unchanged. You will need to find the section responsible for information about the phone. It will indicate not only the Android version, but also the security patch number, which is also important for assessing the security of the device.
Follow the following steps to check:
- 📱 Open the application
Settingson the main screen. - 📜 Scroll to the bottom of the list and select
About phone. - 💾 Find the line
EMUI version—the version number will be indicated below it or next to it Android. - 🔍 For detailed information, click on the item
Build numberseveral times in a row.
If you see version EMUI 10.1.0, it means your smartphone is based on Android 10. If it is displayed EMUI 9.1.0, then the core of the system is Android 9. Remember the build number, you may need it when contacting support or searching for specific instructions on the forums.
Upgrade options to EMUI 12 and Android 11/12
Many users hope to see the latest versions of the operating system on their Honor 20 Lite e. Official support for the model has ended at version Android 10. Despite rumors and unofficial ports, Huawei has not released updates to Android 11 or Android 12 for this particular device.
However, in some regions, users have reported receiving interface updates to EMUI 12. It is important to understand the technical nuance: updating to EMUI 12 on Honor 20 Lite does not change the version of the Android kernel, it remains at level 10. This is a cosmetic and functional shell update that changes the design of icons, the control panel and adds some features from HarmonyOS, but does not raise the version of Android itself.
The process of checking for available updates is as follows:
- 🔄 Go to
Settingsand select sectionSystem and updates. - ☁️ Click on item
Software update. - 🔘 Tap on the button
Search for updates. - ⬇️ If the system finds the package, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install.
The lack of official support for new versions of Android is due to hardware limitations of the processor HiSilicon Kirin 710F and the manufacturer’s policy to support budget lines. However, the security of the device is maintained by regular patches for the current version.
Before installing a major update, be sure to back up important data via HiSuite or cloud storage to avoid loss of information in the event of a failure.
Comparison of characteristics of software versions
Differences between versions of the operating system on Honor 20 Lite essential from a user experience and security perspective. The transition from the ninth to the tenth version brought not only visual changes, but also a deep reworking of power management and application access rights.
The table below shows a comparison of the key features of different firmware versions available for this model:
| Characteristics | Android 9 (EMUI 9.1) | Android 10 (EMUI 10.1/12) |
|---|---|---|
| Gesture control | Basic, with buttons | Full screen, without buttons |
| Dark theme | Absent or partial | System, for all applications |
| Privacy | Standard resolutions | One-time resolutions, microphone control |
| Performance | Stable | Optimized (GPU Turbo 3.0) |
As you can see In comparison, using an outdated version Android 9 deprives the user of many modern safety and comfort features. This is especially true for managing application permissions, which in modern conditions is a critical parameter for protecting personal data.
⚠️ Attention: If your phone offers an update to EMUI 12, carefully read the description before installation. In some cases, the new interface may work slower on older versions of hardware.
Why does not the update arrive?
Often updates do not arrive due to unstable Internet or a full update service cache. Try clearing the cache of the "Software Update" application in the application settings or change the connection type from Wi-Fi to a mobile network.
Problems after updating and their solutions
Updating software is always a risk, especially for devices that are several years old. Owners Honor 20 Lite sometimes encounter increased battery consumption or slowdown of the interface after switching to EMUI 10.1. This is due to the fact that the new system takes time to index files and optimize for the current state of the drive.
If you notice strange behavior of the phone immediately after the update, do not panic. In most cases, the system stabilizes within 2-3 days of active use. However, there are methods that will help speed up this process and eliminate possible software errors.
It is recommended to perform the following steps to stabilize operation:
- 🔋 Let the phone completely discharge and charge it to 100% when turned off.
- 🗑️ Clear the system cache through the menu Recovery Mode.
- 📲 Remove unused applications that might not adapt to the new version Android.
- 🔄 Reboot the device once a day in the first week after the update.
In more complex cases, when there are constant reboots or application errors, a full reset to factory settings. This is a radical measure, but it is guaranteed to eliminate conflicts between old data and the new version of the operating system.
☑️ Actions before resetting
Security and application support
The relevance of the version Android directly affects the smartphone’s ability to run modern applications. Banking apps, instant messengers and government services are gradually increasing the minimum requirements for the operating system. For Honor 20 Lite availability Android 10 is the necessary minimum that will allow you to comfortably use the device for at least another couple of years.
On version Android 9 some new applications may simply not be installed from Google Play, giving a compatibility error. In addition, security patches for Nine are no longer released, which makes the device vulnerable to new types of malware when surfing the Internet.
If you are still using EMUI 9.1, it is strongly recommended to force check for updates. Even if the automatic search does not find anything, you can use the application HiSuite on your computer. It often sees updates that do not arrive “over the air” (OTA) to the smartphone itself.
⚠️ Attention: Installing firmware from third-party sites (not through official Huawei/Honor servers) can lead to loss of warranty and turn the phone into a “brick”. Use only official update methods.
Having Android 10 on the Honor 20 Lite is a critical condition for continuing to safely use banking applications and modern services.
Is it possible to officially install Android 11 or 12 on the Honor 20 Lite?
No, official support for the model has ended on the Android version 10. Updating to EMUI 12 only changes the shell, but not the Android kernel version. Installation of newer versions is only possible through unofficial custom firmware, which is not recommended for ordinary users.
Why does the phone slow down after updating to EMUI 10.1?
In the first days after the update, the system performs background application optimization and file indexing. This creates a load on the processor. Usually the problem resolves itself within 2-3 days. If not, try clearing the cache or resetting the settings.
How to find the exact firmware build number?
Go to Settings -> About phone -> Build number. The full version code will be indicated there, for example, 10.1.0.150. This information is useful when searching for solutions to problems on the forums.
Will Google Pay work on the latest version of Android for this model?
Yes, since the Honor 20 Lite is certified by Google and has Google Play services installed on it. If you have Android 10 and a valid security certificate, contactless payment should work correctly.