Android 14 was officially launched by Google on Wednesday (Oct 4). Available in beta since February, the update promises more customization of the operating system (OS), new animations, more interactive widgets, and improvements in battery management and security.
The system update arrives today on Google’s cell phones. However, brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme, Sony, Nothing, OnePlus, and others are expected to release the update for some of their phones in 2023.
New features of Android 14
One of the new features of Android 14 is to bring more customization to mobile phones. There is a new selector to switch between wallpapers and set custom shortcuts on the lock screen. This means that the user will have easy access to functions such as the QR code reader or apps such as Home.
The lock screen has also gained an update and allows you to customize different fonts, widgets, colors, and formats. Google states that these options are AI-based and can adapt the lock screen automatically, such as when there is a climate change.
Another novelty is the generative wallpapers created by Android. The function will initially be available on the new Pixel 8 and 8 Pro but will reach other devices. The idea is to create images based on the user’s ideas.
Android 14 also offers support for Ultra HDR images, an improvement focused on photographs. The company states that this novelty should make better use of HDR-compatible screens.
From Google Health Connect on Android 14, users’ health information will be stored only on the devices themselves and in an encrypted way. Google states that not even the company itself will be able to access them. The update also promises more transparency in how apps use your data.
For example, you will receive a notification when an application shares your location. The system will also show the option to use a six-digit code instead of four digits to unlock.
Inaccessibility, Google claims to have improved the “pinch” gesture to zoom, in addition to facilitating the change of font and size in the system’s quick settings. Better options for listening have also been added, allowing you to activate notifications that use the flash as an alert in the “Accessibility and Notifications” menu.
Phones that will be updated to Android 14
Not all cell phones, however, will receive Android 14. This is because the system upgrade depends mainly on the update policy of each manufacturer.
Samsung
Samsung, for example, offers up to four Android updates and five years of security updates for mobile phones released in 2021. For models released before this year, there are three Android updates and four years of security updates.
The strategy also depends on the category of mobile phones. Entry models of the Galaxy A and M lines can receive two system updates (and four years of security patches). On the other hand, some can receive up to four Android updates.
Among the compatible devices are:
- Galaxy S21, S22 and S23 line;
- Galaxy S Flip 3 and Z Flip 4 line;
- Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Fold 4 line
- Galaxy A72 or newer;
- Galaxy A52 or newer;
- Galaxy A33 or newer;
- Galaxy A23 or newer;
- Galaxy A13 or newer
- Galaxy A04s or newer.
Motorola
In the case of Motorola, most models receive up to two operating system updates — this is the case with the recent releases of Brazil Edge 40 and Edge 40 Neo. These are some models from the manufacturer that should be updated to Android 14:
- Motorola Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra;
- Motorola Razr (2022);
- Moto G13 or newer;
- Motorola G23 or newer;
- Motorola G53 or newer;
- Motorola G73 or newer
- Motorola Edge (standard version)
- Motorola Edge 30 line;
- Motorola Edge 40 line.
Xiaomi
The update policy of Xiaomi and the Redmi line can vary from three to five years of updates. Based on the release period and rumors, these are some of the phones that can receive Android 14:
- Mi 10, 10S, 10 Pro, 10 Ultra, 10T and 10 T Pro;
- Xiaomi 11, 11 Pro, 11 Ultra, 11 Lite, 11T Pro;
- Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro (all variants), 12X, 12S, 12S Pro and 12 S Ultra;
- Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro.
Google also offers a longer cycle of Android updates for your phones. Some older models, for example, have support for four Android updates and five years of security patches. With the arrival of the new Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, the company started to offer seven years of updates — but only for the new models.
These are the Google Pixel devices that should be updated to Android 14:
- Pixel 4a 5G;
- Pixel 5 and 5a;
- Pixel 6, 6a and 6 Pro;
- Pixel 7, 7a and 7 Pro;
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro;
- Pixel Tablet;
- Pixel Fold.
*This is a subject under development and will be updated with new information.
