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Android 16 is officially listed for Google Pixel 6 and newer Pixel phones, the Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Samsung delivers it through One UI 8.0, while OnePlus delivers it through OxygenOS 16; both publish compatible-device lists. For Motorola and many other brands, check the exact model and sales region rather than relying on a brand-wide claim. Android 17 is now newer than Android 16, so check whether your device has a newer supported update before installing. Compatibility checked September 23, 2026; availability can change by market and carrier.
What “can install Android 16” means
A device may appear in an Android 16 beta program without receiving the stable release. It may also be possible to load a developer image or community ROM onto hardware that its manufacturer does not officially support. Those are not the same as an official stable update.
- Stable manufacturer update: The maker has released Android 16, or an Android 16-based interface, for that exact model. Availability may still depend on country, carrier, or rollout timing.
- Beta: A pre-release build intended for testing. It can have bugs and may require extra steps to leave the program.
- Manual official image: Google provides Pixel images and a flashing tool for supported Pixel models. Manual installation is more technical than an over-the-air update and can erase data.
- GSI or custom ROM: A developer or community installation, not proof of official support. Features and basic functions may not work reliably.
Google’s Android 16 download page separates Pixel downloads from partner betas, emulator images, and Generic System Images (GSIs). Treat each category separately.
Google Pixel phones and tablets
Google’s official Android 16 list includes these devices:
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
- Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a
Google provides the stable update through the regular Pixel update channel and also offers official manual-install options. The official list and download page is the best reference for current supported models and installation choices. Pixel 5a and earlier are not on the list; Google says those older models no longer receive Android version or security updates.
Eligibility does not mean every Pixel has the same time left in its support window. Google’s policy provides seven years of OS and security updates for Pixel 8 and later, measured from the model’s U.S. Google Store availability date. Pixel 6 through Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold receive five years from their U.S. availability date. See Google’s Pixel update policy for details.
Samsung Galaxy devices: Android 16 through One UI 8.0
Samsung distributes its Android updates through One UI. Its U.S. support page lists the following devices for One UI 8.0, Samsung’s Android 16-based release. This is a U.S. list; regional models, carriers, rollout dates, and available features can differ.
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- Galaxy Z: Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Flip7 FE; Z Fold6, Z Flip6; Z Fold5, Z Flip5; Z Fold4, Z Flip4.
- Galaxy Tab S: Tab S11 Ultra, Tab S11; Tab S10 Ultra, Tab S10+; Tab S10 FE+, Tab S10 FE; Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9+, Tab S9; Tab S9 FE+, Tab S9 FE; Tab S8 Ultra, Tab S8+, Tab S8.
- Galaxy A: A56 5G, A54 5G, A53 5G, A36 5G, A35 5G, A26 5G, A25 5G, A17 5G, A16 5G, A15 5G.
- Other tablet: Galaxy Tab A11+.
One UI 8 eligibility does not promise that every Android 16 feature—or every Galaxy AI feature—will be available on every model. Samsung notes that some AI features are limited or unavailable on certain devices. Check the Samsung One UI 8 compatibility and update page for its current U.S. list and instructions.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
OnePlus devices: Android 16 through OxygenOS 16
OnePlus lists these devices as compatible with OxygenOS 16:
- OnePlus 13, 13R, 13s, Open, 12, 12R, 11 5G, 11R 5G, 10 Pro 5G
- OnePlus Nord 5, Nord 4, Nord 3 5G, Nord CE5, Nord CE4, Nord CE4 Lite 5G
- OnePlus Pad 3, Pad 2, Pad, Pad Lite
The company says updates roll out in batches and timing varies by model, country, and carrier. Carrier-exclusive versions can follow a separate schedule, and OnePlus describes its list as non-exhaustive. A compatible listing is not a promise that the update is already available to every owner. Check the OxygenOS 16 device list and your region’s OnePlus update channels.
Motorola and other Android brands
Motorola: Do not infer eligibility from a family name such as Edge or Moto G. Use Motorola’s Software Upgrade checker, select where the device was purchased and the carrier or retail channel if requested, then look up the exact model. Motorola warns that upgrade plans, timing, and features can change.
Xiaomi, HONOR, OPPO, realme, vivo, iQOO, and Lenovo: Google lists selected devices from these brands as Android 16 beta partners. Beta participation alone does not confirm a stable release for that device. Check the manufacturer’s support information for your country and exact model before assuming the update is available.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
For Sony, ASUS, Nothing, TCL, Nokia/HMD, ZTE, and other brands, do not assume support without an exact manufacturer announcement or support listing. A phone being new, powerful, or compatible with a beta or GSI does not establish stable-update eligibility.
How to check for and install the update
Google Pixel
- Open Settings.
- Tap System, then Software update.
- Review the status and follow the on-screen steps if an update is offered.
Google’s Pixel update instructions cover checking for updates. For manual installation, start with Google’s Android 16 page and use only the image for your exact Pixel model.
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings and tap Software update.
- Tap Download and install, then the available update-check option.
- If offered, tap Download now and follow the prompts.
To check what is installed, open Settings > About phone > Software information and review both Android version and One UI version. Labels can vary by carrier. See Samsung’s instructions.
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OnePlus and Motorola
On current OxygenOS builds, check Settings > System & updates > Software update; menu wording can vary by software version. For Motorola, use the upgrade checker for the exact model and purchase channel, then check the phone’s software-update settings for an offered OTA.
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
If the update is missing
A listed model may not receive the update on the same day as another version of that model. Manufacturers use staged rollouts, and carrier approval, regional firmware, and sales-channel variants can affect timing. The phone may also be running a beta track, may need an intermediate update, or may already have a newer Android version.
- Find the exact model number in Settings; a commercial name alone may hide a regional or carrier variant.
- Check the installed Android and manufacturer-interface versions.
- Connect to Wi-Fi, charge the phone, and make sure there is enough free storage.
- Restart and check again; install any pending update if one is offered.
- Verify the model and region on the manufacturer’s official page or checker.
- If nothing is offered, wait for the official rollout rather than flashing firmware intended for another model or region.
Before any manual installation, back up important data. An ordinary OTA update is the simplest route; manual flashing carries more risk and may wipe the device.
Can an older or unlisted phone run Android 16 another way?
Google describes GSIs as images for testing and validation on supported Treble-compliant devices—not as ordinary consumer upgrades. A GSI or unofficial ROM may lack proprietary drivers, manufacturer features, or dependable updates, and could have problems with functions such as cameras, biometrics, or cellular service. It is not equivalent to official support or a safe way to turn a beta listing into a stable update.
Do not install a Pixel factory image on a Samsung, Motorola, or other non-Pixel phone. Pixel images target specific Pixel hardware. For another brand, use its firmware and instructions for the exact model, or treat any community ROM as experimental.
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Should you buy a newer phone just for Android 16?
Not necessarily. First ask whether your current phone still receives security updates and whether it meets your needs. If Android 16 is the official update offered for it, install that update rather than waiting for an unannounced Android 17 schedule. If Android 17 is already supported on your model, the more useful question is which current version and security support it offers.
If you are replacing a phone, compare the stated OS and security-update period, exact regional and carrier variant, remaining support life, and warranty or repair options—not just the Android version at launch. Google publishes a direct Pixel device list and update policy; Samsung and OnePlus publish their own compatibility information but note rollout variation. For Motorola, verify the precise model and sales channel in its checker. No single Android version guarantees that every feature will work on every device.
Since Google announced Android 17 on June 16, 2026, Android 16 is no longer the newest major Android release. See the Android 17 announcement; for device availability, rely on the relevant manufacturer’s current listing.
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