Android 14: All the new features, compatibility, and step-by-step installation instructions

Google has officially launched Android 14, making it one of the most anticipated updates to its mobile operating system.This new version introduces significant innovations in usability, security, privacy, and customization, consolidating the company's commitment to constantly improving the user experience. Despite a slight delay in availability due to the refinement of critical details, Android 14 is now available for download on a wide range of compatible devices, starting with Google Pixel models and gradually expanding to other brands.

Android 14 not only introduces aesthetic changes and new features, it also strengthens essential aspects such as security, personal data protection, and accessibility.This update, which has been meticulously polished during its pre-testing phases, aims to set a new standard in the Android ecosystem.

In this article you will discover, in detail, All the new features of Android 14, the current and expanded list of compatible devices, and the best guides to easily install or update your phone.Additionally, we'll integrate both our own information and the most comprehensive updates from other reputable sources to bring you the definitive content on the most significant update in the Android world.

The development and delay of Android 14: a necessary evolution

The release of Android 14 has been accompanied by a longer than usual testing period. Google has prioritized quality and stability, conducting multiple public betas and developer previews.This has allowed both engineers and the community to test, report bugs, and suggest improvements before the final release.

The initial release dates for the final version were adjusted as the company decided to incorporate new privacy features, address identified vulnerabilities, and optimize performance on an even wider variety of devices. The result: a more refined, robust and secure versionThis decision has generally been well received by users, who have noticed the difference when using the stable version after the beta phases.

During this process, the Android community has had access to demonstration images and videos that have provided a glimpse of the new features and improved system fluidity. Although the structural changes compared to previous versions are not revolutionary, the set of accumulated improvements does represent a notable advance in the daily user experience..

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Android 14: All the new features, improvements, and compatible phones

What's new in Android 14: Advanced customization, efficiency, and security

Android 14 incorporates a series of Advances and new features for both regular users and those looking to get the most out of the operating systemBelow, we offer a comprehensive and detailed rundown of the main new features, including all the key features officially announced and some expanded specifications from specialized sources:

• Controlling permissions on photos and videos: Now, when an app requests access to your gallery, you can grant permission to only certain images or videos, without having to grant full access. This strengthens your privacy and control over your personal data.
• Advanced lock screen customization: The system allows for more customization options with screen selectors, visual templates, monochrome themes, Ultra HDR images, and the ability to create wallpapers from your own photos, emojis, or even AI-generated ones using text descriptions on supported models. You can learn more about how to do this here. Create wallpapers with emojis on Android 14.
• Renewed and unified sharing menu: The sharing menu has been standardized to offer a consistent experience across all apps, also allowing you to customize shortcuts and prioritize frequently used contacts or apps.
• Accessibility improvements: Android 14 takes accessibility to the next level, allowing font sizes to be increased by up to 200% (surpassing the previous limit of 130%) and intelligently scaling text to avoid visual clutter. It also includes support for flash notifications (camera or screen), specifically designed for people with hearing impairments, and improved compatibility with hearing aid devices.
• Improved navigation and back gestures: A back gesture with a preview of the previous screen has been introduced, optimizing gesture navigation and making switching between apps more intuitive and faster.
• Permissions for alarms and smart management: Starting with this version, alarm, calendar, and clock apps must request explicit permission to access your alarm settings. This increases security against intrusive apps.
• Charging cycles and battery health: Some phones now include a charge cycle counter, and the ability to display the screen-on time since the last full charge is back, useful for optimizing usage and extending the device's lifespan.
• Greater energy efficiency and performance: Internal API changes improve energy efficiency, background task management, and large file downloads. Application launch is faster, and overall system stability is improved.
• Integrated Health Tools (Health Connect): Google integrates the Health Connect app by default. This app centralizes health data recorded by your phone and connected devices, accessing metrics such as steps, heart rate, and nutrition data, and syncs them between compatible third-party apps.
• Repair mode: Available on select devices, this mode isolates your personal data and apps so that service personnel can't access your private information if your phone is being repaired.
• Support for satellite connectivity: Android 14 prepares for the arrival of emergency satellite connections, allowing carriers to offer satellite Wi-Fi when traditional coverage is unavailable. This feature is in development for future devices.
• Flash notifications: The system can now use both the camera flash and the screen to indicate the arrival of important messages or notifications, improving visibility in noisy environments or for people with hearing difficulties.
• Blocking old apps: For security reasons, the installation of apps designed for Android versions lower than 5.1 is restricted, preventing outdated and vulnerable software from running on new devices.
• Only support for 64-bit applications: Android 14 drops support for 32-bit apps on many devices, prioritizing exclusive support for 64-bit apps to improve performance and security.
• Support for AV1 codec and lossless audio: The system boosts the adoption of the AV1 codec, optimizing streaming video compression and reducing data consumption without sacrificing quality. It also incorporates support for lossless (high-fidelity) audio on wired headphones.
• Ultra HDR support in images: Photos taken in 10-bit HDR now retain more visual information on compatible sensors, improving dynamic range and photo quality.
• Explicit choice of audio device type via Bluetooth: When pairing new Bluetooth devices, you can specify whether they are speakers, headphones, car kits, or other accessories, improving sound management and connectivity preferences.
• Improvements in language support and grammatical accessibility: Android 14 expands language support through the new Grammatical Inflection API, providing greater precision in languages ​​with grammatical genders and adapting interfaces for multilingual developers.
• Customizable measures according to region: European users living outside of Europe can configure the system using metric systems, calendars that start on Mondays, and other regional preferences regardless of the country of use.
• Privacy and permission management improvements: The system periodically reviews the permissions granted to apps, especially if their privacy settings change. Users receive notifications to revoke or revoke access to sensitive data.
• Disabling PIN pad animations: Ability to disable visual animations when entering the PIN on the lock screen, making it difficult for nearby observers to identify the code.
• Expanded Artificial Intelligence Support: Some devices include smart wallpaper generation, advanced text editing in messages, and new forms of AI-powered interaction, with features that will be rolled out to more models with subsequent updates.

These new features not only consolidate Android's leadership in customization options, but also represent a substantial leap forward in security and privacy, two aspects that users are increasingly demanding.

Update and install Android 14: step-by-step guide and recommendations

The update to Android 14 is primarily done via the official and secure OTA (over the air) route, where your device receives an automatic notification in the top bar. However, there are some important ways and recommendations to avoid issues and get the most out of the update:

1. Check the compatibility of your device: Before proceeding, make sure your phone appears on the list of compatible models published by both Google and manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, OPPO, Realme, and others.
2. Backup your information: Although the process is safe, it's always a good idea to back up your photos, contacts, and important files using Google Drive, your manufacturer's cloud, or a physical backup.
3. Access System Settings: Go to Settings > System > System Update and tap the Check for Updates button. If the update is available, a notification will appear to begin downloading and installing it.
4. Have enough battery or connect the device to the power to avoid critical interruptions in the middle of the process, as an incomplete update can render the phone unusable.
5. Avoid manual methods or installing unofficial ROMs, especially if you don't have experience or root access, as you could void your warranty or encounter performance issues.
6. Beta phase for advanced users: If you're interested in trying out Android 14 features before anyone else and your phone is on the list of supported devices for the beta, you can sign up for the Android Beta program from the Google Developers website, assuming you might encounter bugs or instability.

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Complete Guide to Update My Phone and Install Android 14: Steps, Lists and Solutions

Complete list of devices compatible with Android 14

Android 14 support expands every month with new confirmed models. Below, we've included the most comprehensive list possible, integrating models reported by both Google and major manufacturers, as well as those added by other specialized sources. This list is constantly being updated, so we suggest you save this article for future reference.

• Google Pixels: Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro
• Samsung galaxy: Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4, Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3, S23 Ultra, S23+, S23, S22 Ultra, S22+, S22, S21 FE, S21 Ultra, S21+, S21, A73, A72, A54, A53, A52, A52s, A34, A33, A24, A23, A14, A13, A04s, M54, M53 5G, M33 5G, M23, Tab S9, Tab S8, and other recent tablets.
• Xiaomi: Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro, 13T, 13T Pro, 12T, 13 Lite, 12, 12 Pro, 12X, 12S Ultra, 12S, 12S Pro, 12 Lite, 12T Pro, 11T, 11T Pro, Mi 11 Lite 5G, 11 Lite 5G NE, Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11 Pro, MIX 4, MIX FOLD, MIX FOLD 2, MIX FOLD 3, Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G, Note 12 5G, Note 12 4G, Note 12S, Note 12R, Note 12 Pro 4G, Note 12 Pro+ 5G, Note 11T Pro, Note 11T Pro+, K60, K60E, K60 Pro, K50 Ultra, K50 Pro, K50, K40S.
• LITTLE BIT: POCO M4 5G, M5, M5s, M4 Pro 5G, X4 GT, X5 5G, X5 Pro 5G, F5 Pro 5G, F5, F4, F4 GT.
• Motorola: Edge 2022, Edge 30, Edge 30 Fusion, Edge 30 Neo, Edge 30 Pro, Edge 30 Ultra, Edge 40, Edge 40 Pro, ThinkPhone, Moto G13, G14, G23, G53, G73, G84, Razr 40, Razr 40 Ultra.
• Really: Realme 9 Pro, 9 Pro+, 10, 10 5G, 10 Pro, 10 Pro+, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro+, C55, GT 5G, GT Neo 3, GT Neo 3T, GT2, GT2 Pro, Narzo 60, Narzo 60 Pro, Narzo N53, Narzo N55.
• OPPO: A1 Pro, A38, A58, A58 5G, A78, F23, Find N2, Find N2 Flip, Find N3 Flip, Find X5 5G, Find X6, Find X6 Pro, Reno 8 Pro, Reno 8 T, Reno 8 T 5G, Reno 9, Reno 9 Pro, Reno 9 Pro+, Reno 10, Reno 10 Pro
• OnePlus: 8T, 9, 9 Pro, 10 Pro, 10T, 11, Nord 2T, Nord 3, Nord CE 2 Lite 5G, Nord CE 3, Nord CE 3 Lite.
• Nothing Phone: Phone (1), Phone (2), Phone (2a).
• Honor: 70, 90, 90 Lite, Magic V2, Magic Vs, Magic4, Magic4 Pro, Magic5, Magic5 Lite, Magic5 Pro.

This list may vary slightly over the months as each manufacturer releases the stable version of Android 14 for more models and markets. Keep in mind that, within each range, availability may depend on factors such as country, carrier, hardware variant, or even each manufacturer's custom update plan.

Android 14 versions, beta phases, and evolution

The development of Android 14 has been transparent and participatory. Below, we review the main phases, versions, and improvements incorporated at each stage:

• Developer Preview: First developer versions, focused on testing and preparing apps, with design changes and initial advanced features.
• Public betas (Beta 1 to Beta 5.3): Each beta release brought bug fixes, improved performance, stability, and security, and introduced features such as lock screen customization, new APIs, camera and battery improvements, and flash notification integration.
• Final and stable version: After more than half a year of testing, the stable version was released for the first Pixels, followed by the remaining makes and models on schedule.
• Progressive updates: Manufacturers are adopting Android 14 with new features and customizations based on the system, so final features may differ slightly between brands.

This strategy has allowed Android 14 to reach the public as a mature, balanced version free of serious errors, prepared to coexist with a wide variety of devices and brands.

If you're looking to optimize your experience, always refer to the official instructions that accompany the OTA update and check for any new features your manufacturer announces for your specific model, as they may include additional customized features.

The arrival of Android 14 marks a turning point in the evolution of the operating system, consolidating its leadership position in customization, privacy, and performance. Users will enjoy a more intuitive, secure, and flexible platform, capable of adapting to both the most demanding users and those seeking simplicity and reliability in everyday use. Stay tuned for future updates, as Android continues to evolve with new versions and features designed for the future of mobile devices.