Android 14 officially released: See compatible phones and new features

Android 14 was officially launched by Google this Wednesday (4). The update, available in beta since February, promises greater customization of the operating system (OS), new animations, more interactive widgets, and improvements to battery management and security.

The system update came to Google’s own mobile phones today. However, brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme, Sony, Nothing, OnePlus are expected to release the update for some mobile 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’s a new toggle feature to switch between wallpapers and set custom shortcuts on the lock screen. This means the user can more easily access functions such as a QR code reader or applications such as Home.

The lock screen has also received an update and allows you to customize different fonts, widgets, colors and formats. Google claims that these options are artificial intelligence-based and can automatically adapt the lock screen when there is a change in the weather.

Another new feature is productive wallpapers created by Android.. The function will initially be available on the new Pixel 8 and 8 Pro but will reach other devices as well. The idea is to create images based on the user’s ideas.

Android 14 also offers support for Ultra HDR images, an improvement to photos. The company states that this new feature should take better advantage of HDR compatible displays.

Starting with Google Health Connect in Android 14, users’ health information will be stored only on their own devices and in an encrypted manner. Google claims that even the company itself cannot access them. The update also promises more transparency about how apps use your data.

For example, you will receive a notification when an app shares your location. The system will also show the option to use a six-digit code to unlock instead of a four-digit code.

On the accessibility front, Google claims to have improved the “pinch” gesture for zooming, as well as making it easier to change font and size in quick system settings. Better hearing options have also been added in the “Accessibility & Notifications” menu, allowing you to enable notifications that use the flash as an alert.

Mobile phones that will be updated to Android 14

However, not all mobile phones will receive Android 14. This is because system upgrade mainly depends on each manufacturer’s update policy.

SAMSUNG

For example, Samsung is offering up to four Android updates and five years of security updates for mobile phones released from 2021 onwards. For models released before this year, there are three Android updates and four annual security updates.

The strategy also depends on the mobile phone category. Entry-level models of the Galaxy A and M series can receive two system updates (and four years of security patches). On the other hand, some may receive up to four Android updates.

Compatible devices include:

• Galaxy S21, S22 and S23 series;

• Galaxy S Flip 3 and Z Flip 4 series;

• Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Fold 4 series

• Galaxy A72 or newer;

• Galaxy A52 or newer;

• Galaxy A33 or newer;

• Galaxy A23 or newer;

• Galaxy A13 or newer

• Galaxy A04s or newer.

You can see the full list of Samsung mobile phones that will receive the Android 14 update in this article.

Motorola’s

In Motorola’s case, most models receive at most two operating system updates – which is also the case with the recent launches of the Brasil Edge 40 and Edge 40 Neo. These are some models from the manufacturer that need to 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 Series;

• Motorola Edge 40 Line.

Xiaomi and Redmi

The update policy of Xiaomi and Redmi series can range from three to five years of updates. According to the launch period and rumors, some of the phones that can get Android 14 are:

• 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 models), 12X, 12S, 12S Pro and 12S Ultra;
• Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro.

Google

Google also offers a longer Android update cycle for mobile phones. For example, some older models are supported by four Android updates and five years of security patches. With the arrival of the new Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, the company now offers seven years of updates; but only for new models.

These are the Google Pixel devices that need to 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 Folding.

*This is a developing story and will be updated with new information.