📱 Android 16 Is Here — But Not Every Phone Makes the Cut

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Android 16 is officially rolling out, and as expected, it brings a fresh wave of features, performance upgrades, and deeper AI integration. But here’s the catch — not every smartphone will get it. So, before you get too excited about the new smart assistant tools, improved privacy controls, or system-wide customization options, it’s worth checking if your device is even eligible.

Let’s dive into what Android 16 offers, why some devices won’t get it, and which phones are officially supported.

🚀 What’s New in Android 16?

Android 16 isn’t just an incremental update — it reflects Google’s long-term vision for AI-first smartphones and a deeply personalized OS experience. Here are some headline features:

  • Smarter AI Suggestions: Leveraging on-device Gemini AI, Android 16 offers smarter reply predictions, proactive app suggestions, and adaptive battery enhancements.

  • Privacy Dashboard 2.0: Real-time alerts when apps access your location, mic, or camera, plus granular controls.

  • Custom Lock Screens: Users can now choose widgets, animations, and AI-generated wallpapers for their lock screens.

  • Battery Life Boosts: Optimization for background processes and smarter app hibernation lead to longer battery cycles.

  • Seamless Updates: Smaller, faster system updates with reduced reboot times.

📵 Not Every Device Gets the Update: Why?

As Android evolves, its requirements become more hardware-intensive. Android 16 is optimized for:

  • AI-enhanced chipsets (Tensor G3, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or later)

  • Devices with at least 6GB RAM

  • Stronger security hardware modules (TPMs)

That means many mid-range or older phones, especially those launched before 2022, won’t be eligible due to compatibility or performance limitations.

✅ Full List of Phones Confirmed to Support Android 16

Here’s the confirmed list of phones that are compatible with Android 16 (as of June 2025):

📱 Google Pixel

  • Pixel 8 / 8 Pro / 8a

  • Pixel 9 / 9 Pro (Pre-installed)

  • Pixel Fold 2

  • Pixel Tablet (2024 and newer)

📱 Samsung (One UI 7 Based on Android 16)

  • Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra

  • Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra

  • Galaxy Z Fold5 / Z Flip5

  • Galaxy Tab S9 / S9+ / S9 Ultra

  • Select Galaxy A-series (A55, A35)
    Note: Rollout may vary by region and carrier.

📱 OnePlus (OxygenOS 15 Based on Android 16)

  • OnePlus 13 / 13R

  • OnePlus 12 / 12R

  • OnePlus Open

  • Nord 4 (Beta rollouts expected in Q4)

📱 Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO (MIUI 16)

  • Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro / 14 Ultra

  • Xiaomi 13 Series

  • POCO F6 / F6 Pro

  • Redmi Note 13 Pro+

📱 Motorola, iQOO, Realme, Vivo (Selected Flagships)

  • Moto Edge 50 Ultra

  • iQOO 12 Series

  • Realme GT 6 Pro

  • Vivo X100 Series

🕰️ When Will You Get the Update?

  • Pixel users are already receiving stable Android 16 as of mid-June 2025.

  • Samsung & OnePlus expect their UI-based builds by late Q3 or early Q4 2025.

  • Mid-range and budget phones may get Android 16 Lite (a stripped-down version) or may remain on Android 14/15 indefinitely.

🤔 Not on the List? Here’s What You Can Do

If your device isn’t eligible, consider:

  • Custom ROMs: Devices with strong developer support (like older Pixel or OnePlus models) may get Android 16 through community ROMs.

  • Trade-In Offers: Many brands are now offering discounts for old phones when you upgrade to Android 16-ready devices.

  • Security Patches: Even if you don’t get Android 16, check if your manufacturer is providing the latest security patches — it's essential for safety.

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