Android 16 is the next major update to Google's mobile operating system, anticipating a profound transformation in both design and functionality. The user community is eagerly awaiting this new chapter, especially after the first previews presented in the beta program and information leaked by developers and manufacturers. What exactly will the Android 16 compatible mobiles And what changes might we expect to see? This extensive compilation answers all your questions in depth, with Full lists, estimated deployment dates, key updates and tips to prepare your device.
Android 16 Release: Phases and Estimated Dates
The arrival of Android 16 will be, for the first time, faster than usual. Google has confirmed that the official rollout will begin in the second quarter of the year, with the stable version arriving first to the Google Pixel. For more details, you can consult All about Android 16 and its arrival in June. The update will then be rolled out in Phases to different brands, following a global strategy by waves and regions.
- Start of deployment: Second half of Q2 (Google Pixel family updated first).
- Stepwise continuation: Following weeks for Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, Motorola, Realme, Vivo and Nothing, among others.
- Update by region: Each manufacturer publishes a regional calendar adapted to each country.
This system ensures that the latest and most advanced models will be the first to receive the update, followed by mid-range devices and then entry-level devices.
Top new features in Android 16: What's really changing?
Android 16 isn't just an incremental update; it represents one of the biggest evolutions to the platform since Android 12. Notable features and functionality include:
- Complete interface redesign: Material 3 ExpressiveThis new visual language represents a significant advance, allowing for a unprecedented customization and unifying the aesthetics of the entire Android ecosystem, including Wear OS. Users will be able to customize colors, icons, widgets, and animations to create a unique experience.
- Double notification panel and quick accessThe notification center and shortcuts panel are clearly separated, with new animations and smoother, tactile navigation. Quick controls like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and system settings will be more accessible and intuitive.
- Advanced desktop modeWhen you connect your phone to external displays (monitors, TVs, or projectors), Android 16 offers an optimized desktop environment, very similar to a computer, making it easier to use windowed apps and perform true multitasking.
- Battery health indicatorThe system will display charge cycles, indicate the actual battery status, and recommend actions when necessary to preserve its lifespan.
- privacy sandboxThis advanced privacy suite improves control of ad tracking and allows users to more effectively manage app access to sensitive data.
- live updates (Real-time updates). Smart, dynamic notifications on the lock screen for package delivery, transportation, food delivery, and special events—no need to unlock your device or open the app.
- Optimized energy management and performance improvementsAndroid 16 reduces background consumption, improves RAM management, especially on lower-powered phones, and extends battery life even on older devices.
- Improvements for foldables, tablets, and large screensNew multitasking features and automatic interface adaptation to different formats, from traditional mobile phones to the latest generation of foldable devices and Android tablets.
- Improved photo picker and integrated search engine in appsThe new Photo Selection API allows you to access and search through recent images without leaving the current app.
- Improved night mode for third-party camera appsDeep CameraX integration allows apps like Instagram to use night mode and other advanced camera capabilities.
- Gemini AssistantAndroid 16 introduces Gemini, the new AI-powered assistant, replacing Google Assistant. This allows for more contextualized and natural responses, and its cross-platform integration (Android Auto, Google TV, WearOS, etc.) makes it one of the system's key features.
- Anti-theft and anti-scam toolsThe system can automatically restrict suspicious actions, protecting user safety.
- Support for new emojis and improved accessibility. Includes Unicode 16.0, new contrast options, language and unit selection, and advanced haptic controls.
- Pixel Feature DropsQuarterly updates with exclusive features and timely additions for Google mobile devices.
Additionally, Android 16 follows the tradition of dessert names, codenamed "Baklava." Its Easter egg and hidden games will appear in final builds and quarterly patches.
Google Pixel: Models compatible with Android 16
As with every update, Google Pixel is leading the process, and all devices that received Android 15 are confirmed for this new version. They will receive the update from the first official release day:
- Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Fold, Pixel 9a
- Pixel Fold (all generations)
- Pixel Tablets
- Pixel 10 and future generations unveiled after rollout begins
The Pixels also have Pixel Feature Drops, targeted quarterly updates that add experimental features sooner than other brands.
Samsung: Galaxy phones that will be updated to Android 16
Samsung has consolidated one of the most extensive update policies, in some cases even guaranteeing seven years of supportThe confirmed models (by policy or official indications/leaks) are:
- Galaxy S Series: S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE, S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE, S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge (when introduced)
- Galaxy Z Fold: Fold4, Fold5, Fold6, Fold7
- Galaxy Z Flip: Flip4, Flip5, Flip6, Flip7
- Galaxy A Series: A15, A16, A24, A25, A33, A34, A53, A54, A55, A56, A73
- Galaxy M Series: M34, M54
- Galaxy S21FE
- Galaxy Tablets: Recent Galaxy Tab S and A models, especially those with extended support (update TBC depending on release dates)
Samsung's rollout will be phased, starting with its flagships and gradually expanding to mid-range devices and tablets.
Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO: list of phones that will receive Android 16
Xiaomi, along with its sub-brands Redmi y POCO, incorporates Android 16 in its renewed layer HyperOS 3.0Although its catalog is extensive, the list of confirmed and highly probable devices includes:
Xiaomi
- Xiaomi Series 15, 15 Pro, 15 Ultra
- Xiaomi Series 14, 14T, 14T Pro, 14 Ultra
- Xiaomi Series 13, 13T, 13T Pro, 13 Ultra
- Xiaomi Series 12, 12T, 12T Pro, 12S, 12 Pro, 12 Ultra
- Xiaomi Mix Fold 2, 3, 4
- Xiaomi Mix Flip
- Xiaomi Pad 6, Pad 6S Pro, Pad 7, Pad 7 Pro
Redmi
- Note 14 Pro+ 5G, Note 14 Pro 5G, Note 14 (5G and 4G)
- Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Note 13 Pro 5G, Note 13 5G, Note 13, Note 12S
- Redmi 14, 14C, 14C 5G, 13, 13C, 12, 13S
- Redmi Pad SE, Pad Pro (including 5G)
POCO
- F6, F6 Pro, F7, F7 Pro, F7 Ultra
- X6, X6 Pro, X7, X7 Pro
- M6, M6 Pro (4G and 5G), M7 Pro 5G
- C65, C75, C75 5G
Xiaomi's update policy will initially favor flagship models and will progressively reach the mid-range and entry-level models, as can be seen in How to know if your phone will receive Android 16.
Motorola: terminals that will receive Android 16
Motorola has strengthened its support policy with recent releases. Confirmed or almost confirmed models include:
- Edge 50 (all variants: Ultra, Pro, Neo, Fusion)
- Edge 40, Edge 40 Pro
- Edges (2024)
- Razr 40, 40 Ultra, 50, 50 Ultra, Razr+ 2024
- Moto G85, G75, G55, G45, G35
- Motorola ThinkPhones
The rollout will be gradual, prioritizing high-end devices and expanding to mid-range and other confirmed devices. For more details, check out .
OnePlus: guaranteed update to Android 16
OnePlus ensures extended update cycles, allowing these models to be identified with secure access to Android 16:
- OnePlus 13, 13R
- OnePlus 12, 12R
- OnePlus 11, 11R
- OnePlus Open
- North 3, North 4
- Nord CE4, Nord CE4 Lite
- OnePlus Pad 2
The update typically arrives in waves, with the latest releases receiving it first. For additional details, see .
Realme: phones compatible with Android 16
Realme has not always been known for its speed in updates, but the following models are on its roadmap:
- GT 7 Pro, GT 6, GT 6T
- Realme 12, 12+, 12x, 12 Pro, 12 Pro+
- Realme 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro+
- Realme 14 Pro, 14 Pro+
Oppo: all models planned for Android 16
Oppo has prioritized its premium and upper-midrange models with this major update. The expected models (according to brand leaks and previous update history) are:
- Find X Series: X5, X6, X6 Pro, X7, X7 Ultra, X8, X8 Pro
- Find N Series: N2, N3, N3 Flip, N5
- Reno Series: Reno11, Reno11 Pro, Reno12, Reno12 Pro, Reno12 F, Reno12 FS, Reno13, Reno13 Pro, Reno13 F 5G, Reno13 FS 5G
- Models A: A5 Pro 5G, A5 Pro, A40, A60, A80
- Tablets: OPPO Pad 2, Pad 3 Pro
Vivo: International phones getting Android 16
Living maintains its update strategy for the models it distributes internationally, especially in the premium line:
- Vivo X Fold3, X Fold3 Pro
- X100, X100 Pro, X100 Ultra, X200, X200 Pro
- Live V40
The update will be distributed first to the higher ranges, for more details see .
Nothing: speed of Android 16 updates
Nothing has stood out as one of the fastest brands to offer major updates. The models confirmed and included in the Android 16 roadmap are:
- Nothing Phone (1, 2, 2a, 2a Plus, 3a, 3a Pro)
- CMF Phone 1
