To start working on new firmware, you need a special tool - PDK (Platform Development Kit). This tool is created by Google for each new version of Android. Once the PDK is ready, Google sends it to Samsung and other smartphone and tablet manufacturers.
Then Google announces a new Android for users, and Samsung starts working on the firmware. On average, its creation takes 6 months, but the exact release date is unknown.
Samsung can't start working on the firmware until it receives the necessary tools from Google.
You can't get the firmware right away as soon as you hear about it - it needs to be adapted for a specific smartphone or tablet.
Why is the exact release date of the new firmware unknown?
Before answering this question, let's consider what the firmware consists of. The firmware consists of several parts:
Source- a new Android with basic functions, which is created by Google. This part cannot be immediately installed on any smartphone or tablet, because adapting the code to a specific device requires at least drivers.
If we imagine the creation of firmware using the example of building a building, then the source code is the frame of the new structure.
Drivers- help connect Android and the components that make up a smartphone or tablet: processors, memory, buttons, connectors, sensors and other chips. Drivers are written by chip manufacturers - Samsung and companies that produce only certain parts.
If manufacturers do not write a driver for at least one chip for the new firmware, the device will not be able to work normally with it. If the manufacturer of the mobile network communication chip does not write a driver, the smartphone will not be able to make calls. If the camera manufacturer does not write a driver, the smartphone will not take photographs. The firmware will not be released until all manufacturers write working drivers. Creating drivers takes 2 - 4 months.
Drivers are the cement for connecting the frame (Android) and the foundation (components), without it the building will collapse.
Device manufacturer services- are responsible for the appearance of the desktop, menu items, programs, unique applications and functions. Without them, all tablets and smartphones would look the same and have the same set of functions. This part of the code is written by Samsung.
Services are finishing materials: facing bricks, wallpaper, tiles, paint, parquet.
After all the parts are ready, Samsung's task is to combine them and make them workable. At this stage, the firmware is thoroughly tested to find and eliminate all errors. The total number of tests is several thousand times.
The final firmware must be approved by Google - it’s like accepting a building by a state commission. If she doesn't like something, the process continues until the desired option appears.
Nobody gives the exact date of the firmware appearance, because: a) several companies are working on it; b) the process lasts until complete adaptation and elimination of errors.
For which smartphones and tablets will the firmware be released?
New firmware is released for flagship devices within 18 months from the moment they go on sale.
Flagship devices are smartphones and tablets of the Galaxy S, Galaxy Tab S, Galaxy Note series, and some mid-segment models.
New firmware is not released for all devices.
Over time, firmware for a certain device is no longer released.
Below is a preliminary list of models that will receive updates to Android 9 (Pie), with approximate dates. Model list and release dates are subject to change.
Already received the update:
How to find out that new firmware has been released
If new firmware is available for your smartphone or tablet, a notification will appear at the top of the display.
A similar notification will appear if you connect the device to your computer and run the program Smart Switch.
If there is no notification, then: a) the firmware has not yet been released; b) there is something wrong with the device (the current firmware is installed incorrectly or modified, the device is not for sale in Russia). In the first case - wait, in the second - contact service center.
Where to download new firmware
Samsung does not publicly release firmware. New firmware is installed through the device menu or program Smart Switch.
The firmware cannot be downloaded from the Samsung website.
How to update firmware
We have made detailed instructions in a separate article.
How to return to the previous firmware
Officially, without loss of warranty - no way. Therefore, we recommend that you make an informed decision before upgrading.
Changes in the new firmware
Not all changes that are in the source code will necessarily appear in the new firmware. A detailed list of changes appears before downloading each new firmware.
Changes that can be made.
And as it usually happens, Android users are starting to wonder whether their smartphones will get the opportunity to update, or whether Android 8.0 will only be available on newer devices. After the quarter, only a small portion of Android users were able to update, but at the same time, the majority are still using older operating systems.
Thanks to the efforts of Sammobile, a list of Samsung devices has been compiled that will be able to update to the latest OS version. Samsung smartphones of different segments are widespread in many markets, and the company, no matter how you feel about it, tries not to forget even about its old devices.
Let's start with the sad news. The following devices do not have the necessary characteristics to fully run Android 8.0 Oreo, so they will not be updated:
- Galaxy S5 series - received system updates twice (updated to Marshmallow)
- Galaxy Note 5 – just like the S5, updated twice
- Galaxy A series (2016) – updated twice (on Nougate)
- Galaxy J3 (2016) – did not receive updates, is unlikely to ever receive them
- Galaxy J2 (2016) – did not receive updates, is unlikely to ever receive them
- Galaxy J1 – due to the low price segment to which it belongs, is not updated
These devices will be able to update to Android 8.0 Oreo:
- S8/ s8+ are flagships, so an update is natural (soon)
- S8 Active - same thing
- Note 8 is another flagship that will receive a major update for the first time
- Note FE - first update
- S7/ S7+/ edge/ active – last year’s flagships that will receive a second major update
- A8 / A8+ (2018) – fresh solutions in the mid-segment that will definitely receive Android 8.0
- A7, A5, A3 (2017) - Samsung smartphones that are not yet outdated will receive a second major update
- J7 / J5 (2017) / Pro – affordable smartphones will also not be left out
- J7 Max is the first major update
- C9 / C7 Pro – they won’t leave them either
- Tab S3 – and even a tablet
There are a number of devices whose fate Samsung has not yet decided. Technically, the devices will be able to run the new version of the operating system, but they will work at the limit of their capabilities. In addition, they have recently received OS updates:
- Galaxy S6 series – leaks and rumors persistently hint at updates, updated twice
- A9 Pro - updated twice, but may also get Android Oreo
- A8 (2016) – quite possible
- J7 (2016) – one major update on the account has
- J5 (2016) – with one major update
- J3 (2017) – unlikely, but there is a chance
- Tab S2 VE (2016) – there are chances
- Tab A (2016) – not yet clear
- J7 Prime (OnNxt) – there is a high probability that it will be updated
If any of the devices is not on this list, this means that it will not receive the update.
The Android 8.0 Oreo operating system was released by Google. The next wave of updates for smartphones from different manufacturers will begin soon. Read about which devices will be updated to G8 on Trashbox.
Android 8.0 for Google Pixel and Nexus
Smartphones and one tablet from these lines will definitely receive a stable version of Android 8.0 Oreo, since . The list of lucky winners looks like this:
- Nexus 5X.
- Nexus 6P.
- Nexus Player.
- Pixel C.
- Pixel.
- Pixel XL.
Before the final release, two more test builds will be released. It’s safe to say that for all representatives of the Nexus line on this list, the update to the “eight” will be the last. Their active life cycle is already coming to an end - only security system updates remain. Thus, 2017 will be the year of the complete death of the Nexus line.
Android 8.0 for Samsung
Android 8.0 for Samsung smartphones will definitely see the light of day, but many popular gadgets will remain without the latest version. As always, the update will come with a long delay - you can’t expect anything else from the Koreans.
The list of Samsung devices supporting Android 8.0 may look like this:
- Galaxy S8/S8+.
- Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge / S7 Active.
- Galaxy A3/A5/A7 (2017).
- Galaxy A3 / A5 / A7 / A9 (2016) - unlikely.
- Galaxy J5/J7/J7 Prime (2017).
- Galaxy C9/C9 Pro.
- Galaxy Note 7 Fandom Edition.
- Galaxy Note 8 (not yet presented).
- Galaxy Tab S3.
At the same time, you can be sure that the new flagship phablet Galaxy Note 8, which will be shown at the end of summer 2017, will receive Android 7.0 Nougat, and not G8.
Gadgets like the Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy J3/J5 will be left behind as they are either too cheap or their life cycle has already expired.
Android 8.0 for Nokia
Nokia, or rather HMD Global, in collaboration with Google, proudly announced that all its new products based on the Android operating system will be updated to the next major version - 8.0. In addition, devices under the Finnish brand will have speeds at the level of Google Pixel, Nexus and BlackBerry.
Android 8.0 update list for Nokia:
- Nokia 3.
- Nokia 5.
- Nokia 6.
- Nokia 8
Android 8.0 for Xiaomi
Android 8.0 on Xiaomi is a sore subject for owners of gadgets from this Chinese manufacturer. The guys from Xiaomi regularly update their MIUI firmware, adding new features to it, but are too lazy to switch to new versions of the system. But still, MIUI 9 based on Android 8.0 will definitely see the light of day and many Xiaomi devices will receive this update:
- Mi 6 / Mi 6 Plus.
- Mi 5S / Mi 5S Plus.
- Redmi Note 4 (most likely Snapdragon only).
- Mi Max / Mi Max 2.
- Mi Note 2.
- Mi Mix.
The rest of the smartphones will either receive MIUI 9 based on Android 7.0, or will remain on their “sixes”.
Android 8.0 for Sony
Many Sony smartphones in the new Xperia X lines have acquired MediaTek processors, which will certainly greatly affect the update policy. Nevertheless, the Japanese have always been famous for their good support, although after the release of the “Seven” they lost a lot.
Exact list of Android 8.0 for Sony:
- Xperia X.
- Xperia X Performance.
- Xperia XZ.
- Xperia X Compact.
- Xperia XZ Premium.
- Xperia XZs.
- Xperia XA1.
- Xperia XA1 Ultra.
- Xperia XA1 Plus.
- Xperia Touch.
Android 8.0 for LG
This Korean company mainly tries to release updates faster than Samsung. The list of LG gadgets supporting Android 8.0 is unlikely to be long, but delays are unlikely:
- G6 / G6+.
- Q6 / Q6α / Q6+.
- V10 / V20.
Android 8.0 for Motorola
Under the wing of the Chinese Lenovo, Motorola with Moto smartphones no longer offers the excellent support that it used to. Updates come with a delay, some devices do not receive the latest version of the system at all, but there are no interface add-ons - only pure Android.
Android 8.0 on Motorola:
- Moto Z.
- Moto Z Droid.
- Moto Z Force Droid.
- Moto Z Play.
- Moto Z Play Droid.
- Moto Z2 Play / Z2 Force.
- Moto X4.
- Moto G4 / Moto G4 Plus.
- Moto G5 / Moto G5 Plus.
- Moto G5S / Moto G5S Plus.
Android 8.0 for Huawei
In June 2017, Chinese tech giant Huawei confirmed that the company is working on optimizing the latest Android 8.0 for its smartphones and tablets. A detailed list of updated gadgets was not disclosed. It probably looks something like this:
- Huawei P10 / P10 Lite / P10 Plus.
- Huawei Mate 8 (unlikely).
- Huawei Mate 9 / Mate 9 Pro / Mate 9 Porsche Design.
- Honor 8 / 8 Pro.
- Honor 9 / 9 Pro.
- Huawei Nova / Nova Plus (unlikely).
- Huawei Nova 2 / Nova 2 Plus.
- Huawei Y3/Y5/Y7.
Android 8.0 for HTC
The gradually fading manufacturer HTC has already announced that its flagships will have not only Android 8.0, but also the next Android P. This mainly applies only to the latest U-series. Thus, Android 8.0 on HTC will most likely be released on these gadgets:
- HTC U11.
- HTC U Ultra.
- HTC U Play.
- HTC Desire 10 Pro.
- HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle.
- HTC 10/10 Evo.
Android 8.0 for OnePlus
This large Chinese company has not yet announced its plans to release Android 8.0 for its smartphones. However, we can confidently expect that these Chinese will not let their customers down by updating as many gadgets as possible in a timely manner. Among them may be:
- ZTE Axon 7 / Axon 7 mini / Axon 7S.
- ZTE Blade V7 / V7 Lite / V8.
- ZTE Axon Pro / Axon Elite / Axon mini.
- Nubia Z11.
- Nubia Z17.
Android 8.0 for BQ
The Spaniards from the BQ company (not to be confused with the Russian BQ-mobile) have always taken a responsible approach to updating a small fleet of devices. Representatives of BQ have already confirmed to the editors of Trashbox that two smartphones under this brand will definitely receive the next “green robot”: The estimated release date for the updates is the end of 2017.
The list is far from final - other BQ devices will probably be included in it. It’s just that these two gadgets came out quite recently and are the flagships of the BQ brand.
The article is being actively refined and updated with new information.
Next update Android will.
Update: Motorola has confirmed that most of the latest phones will receive the update soon, including the Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus, which were initially delisted for the update (a marketing mistake). It has now been confirmed that the Essential Phone will be updated to Oreo in the next few months.
Android Oreo is the official name of the next version of Google's popular mobile operating system, available now for select devices.
In terms of core features, Oreo focuses on speed and efficiency. For most smartphones updated to Android 8.0, otherwise known as Oreo, loading speeds will be as much as twice as fast as we've already seen on the Google Pixel. Additionally, updating your operating system will pay attention to background activity that drains your battery and mobile data.
While Oreo comes with subtle visual changes, there are a few that promise to be useful, including a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for apps like YouTube, Hangouts and others, and a redesigned notification layout that promises to make it easier to check notifications.
Below you will learn more about the best features available with the Android Oreo update. But first, check which phones are compatible with Google's software.
Didn't find your phone number? There's no reason to worry just yet as more manufacturers are approving their phones for updates day by day, including Essential, Huawei, Samsung, Motorola, LG, HDM Global (Nokia), Sony and others.
The list of supported devices will undoubtedly grow as time goes on, with the Google Pixel 2 launching on October 4th, for example.
Along with likely improvements to the Doze feature, which intelligently saves battery when the phone is idle, it's possible that Android Oreo could squeeze a few more hours out of your phone.
Contextual click options
Tried to copy an address in an email so you can paste it into Google Maps? Not anymore, says Android 8.0 Oreo.
Using machine learning, the OS can now recognize which application best matches the character sequence you're working with. Another example: the ability to highlight a phone number or insert it into a dial.
Responsive Icons
As the name suggests, Google has introduced strict design guidelines that developers adhere to in order to create a consistent visual style across more apps.
Additionally, these new app icons will be animated based on user interaction and... did you see the animation demo? Look. Looks amazing.
It looks like Google hasn't released these awesome icons yet, but we hope and look forward to seeing them in the next Android 8 update.
Improved audio performance
The Android Oreo update now offers native support for LDAC, a Bluetooth-enabled audio codec.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 is the first Android smartphone to come pre-installed with Bluetooth 5, a technology that will increase the bandwidth and speed limit of the wireless channel for your content and thus improve the quality of audio content transmitted wirelessly between your smartphone and headphones.
And while many devices will follow suit, audio quality on Android will be even better thanks to support for Android 8.0 Oreo LDAC, Sony's high-resolution Bluetooth audio codec.
In the Developer Options we already see plenty of options to customize the audio bitrate, and we expect more progress to be made in the future. This may be especially important for those users who are planning to buy the best wireless headphones.
This is great news, especially since the Google Pixel 2 doesn't have a headphone jack.
Notification points
Notification Dots are new to the Android Oreo update.
Ancient users who have been using iOS and some third-party launchers for many years are familiar with the notification shortcut on app icons on the home screen as a built-in Android feature.
Unlike iOS, Android Oreo doesn't tell you how many pending alerts there are within a given app, but now you know where to look, which is good.
New emoji
Here are the new emojis forAndroid 8.
Google has finally replaced the common emoji style from older versions of Android and is now offering round emojis for Android Oreo.
There are also new emojis in the form of fairies, mermaids, giraffes, wizards and many others.
Easter eggs
An Android update wouldn't be complete without Easter eggs. Oddly enough, Oreo also comes with a mini-game that continues the idea of Android Nougat.
But on Oreo, clicking and holding the OS logo takes you to a mysterious blank screen with only an octopus on it. This mini-game is quite simple and not much of a game.
You can drag the octopus around the screen and watch its tentacles float all over the place. That's all. This game appeared online before we even knew about Android 8's sweet new name.
Other functionsAndroidOreo
Google is pushing a number of features with the Android Oreo update that we've already seen, but that means we'll likely see more from each feature in the future.
Android Instant Apps - the way you can use apps without installing them, use your web browser instead - is getting a boost with Android 8, so expect to see more developer support soon.
Google is also including an auto-fill option in Android 8, so you'll be able to sign into some of your favorite apps faster.
There are new accessibility options, including simple audio controls and quick access from the navigation bar for functions such as zooming in or highlighting for dialogue.
Plus there are even more features like new downloadable fonts, background location restriction, parcel alert, new Wi-Fi assistant feature, a support window called Tooltips and notification categories so you can have more control over what you see .
We'll be adding new features to this section as Google demonstrates them and as new smartphones are released that are ready for the Android 8.0 Oreo update.
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Android 8 Oreo is considered the latest operating system, to which expensive flagship phones have already been updated, and, of course, Xiaomi has not been spared the innovations. Owners of these smartphones recently received a new update, but the popular brand does not stop there. How to update Android to 8.0 on Xiaomi, what is required for this, what device models are suitable - read in this article.
Please note: This article is still relevant, but new information has become available since it was published.
Navigation
Key differences between Android 7 and 8
Oreo has received quite significant changes, the most important of which is improved performance and speed. The developers claim that with the new operating system, the phone's operating speed will increase by 20-25%, and the battery will hold its charge much longer.
Of course, let's not forget about picture-in-picture mode (split screen), allowing you to watch videos on the main screen and simultaneously do any other things on your smartphone. What other innovations have affected Android, and are they very different from Nougat?
Communication with the assistant has been implemented, not only voice but also text requests are recognized. Now all sections are sorted by category, which allows the user to quickly and comfortably configure their device.
| Android 7.0 | Android 8.0 |
| It is now possible to respond via notifications without going to the messenger. | You can sleep notifications, add indicators to labels, the appearance of the panel has changed. |
| Improved Google Assistant performance. | Standard settings menu, only some new items have been added. |
| A standard update that forces you to spend a huge amount of time waiting for downloads. | Update files are downloaded quietly, the new version will be installed instantly when you restart the smartphone. |
| The “Doze” mode significantly saves battery by suspending background processes. | “Doze” has become even smarter, the system for receiving important notifications in sleep mode has been improved. |
Of course, it is almost impossible to list all the small innovations, but when working with the phone they are always very useful, and it is these “minor” options that help create an improved opinion about the operating system.
Over the course of 2018, owners of the smartphones below will definitely enjoy the latest Oreo. The first such thing was a smartphone Mi A1 , which partially already received a full update in January, but due to problems it was suspended.
Of course, Android 8 will definitely be released for new models released in 2017. This is predominantly a “fifth generation” line.
State employees Redmi
The MIUI 10 global firmware update to Android 8.1 was received by:
- Redmi 5
- Redmi 5 Plus
- Redmi Note 5A
- Redmi 5A
- Redmi Note 5A Prime
The official MIUI 10 firmware for Redmi 3 and Redmi 4 is based on Android 7.1. Information about the models of the third and fourth line has been confirmed; they will not receive Android 8 in Global Stable. However, some custom firmware can still offer you MIUI 10 based on Android 8.1 Oreo.
- Redmi 4X
- Redmi Note 4
- Redmi Note 4X
- Redmi 3S
- Redmi 3S Prime
- Redmi Note 3
Of course, the list of models changes frequently, and if you do not find your device in the list - don’t despair, maybe it just hasn’t been included there yet.
The situation is worse with phones for which the developers have already decided for sure that they will not receive updates to Android 8. Namely.
Will not receive:
- Redmi Note 2
- Redmi Note 3 (MediaTek)
- Redmi 2
- Redmi 2s
- Redmi 1s
- Mi Pad 2 (tablet)
- Mi Pad (tablet)
Mi flagships
We discussed the budget branch of Xiaomi smartphones - Redmi. Now let's talk about more expensive and high-quality devices - the line Mi. These flagships should be the first to receive the long-awaited update:
- Mi 5S
- Mi 5s Plus
- Mi Mix
- Mi Max 2
- Mi Mix 2, 2S
- Mi 5C
- Mi 8, 8 SE, 8 EE
- Mi Max
How to update Android to 8.0 on Xiaomi
The update has already been released for your model or do you want to know the algorithm of actions in advance? Then we suggest you carefully read this section. As in previous versions of MIUI, updating is possible in several ways - the official option (via “Settings”), and several unofficial ones, which usually require.
Unofficial methods
There are two methods suggested here: using MiFlash And TWRP recovery. When choosing the first method, you should download the firmware to your device, install the special MiFlash program on your computer and begin the procedure. You can find out more about the whole process in the article “”, where an entire section is dedicated specifically to the MiFlash application and working with it.
Installation via TWRP is a little more complicated, but it allows you to easily transfer phones to custom firmware. You will be able to read an article about this type of recovery soon on our website.
Official way
As soon as an official update is released for your model, try to install the new firmware using the method “Three dots”, in other words, using “Settings”. To do this, transfer the downloaded firmware to the device, go to the section "Updates", click on the ellipsis, indicate the path to the file and click "OK".
If you're lucky, you'll get an over-the-air update and your device will automatically update without any outside help.
Video instruction
Answers to popular questions
Xiaomi Mi 4 will receive an update to Android 8?
Unfortunately, the “fourth generation” Mi remains on Android 7. Perhaps the only way out will be custom firmware developed specifically for your model and running on Android Oreo.
As you can see, if the official update has been released, then updating Android to 8.0 on Xiaomi is quite simple. In order not to miss the long-awaited innovation, follow the latest news about Oreo for Xiaomi, check your model in the list, and your phone will always perform at its best! If you have any questions, feel free to write to us in the comments!
