Android 13 is finally here here, and it’s a pretty minor update from Google. Well, we say minor, but that’s only in comparison to the positively gargantuan number of changes that were in Android 12 — as well as Google’s policy of trickling out improvements to Android apps over the course of a year as soon as they’re ready. Android 13 is more of a tune-up to the engine that powers your phone than anything else. But it’s still one worth getting excited for.
Tablet and foldable owners will see the most benefits, along with some updates to Material You to improve Android’s customizability. There really isn’t much else to say about Android 13. It’s a very under-the-hood update whose value will only become clear in the months after its launch.
As for timelines, Google dropped Android 13 in August, with the Pixels getting it first and the likes of Samsung and Oppo following shortly after. Here’s when you can expect it to land on your phone.
What phones will get Android 13?
Although not every smartphone maker has announced its Android 13 availability plans quite yet, we expect Android 13’s release to be similar to Android 12, Android 11, and other previous versions. Google’s Pixel phones will be among the first to get the update, Samsung will follow soon after, and other brands will filter in over the coming months. We fully expect to see Android 13 updates from the likes of OnePlus, Xiaomi, and others, but pinning down exactly when those updates will be available is still a little tricky.
Google has announced that all Pixel devices from the Pixel 4 would get Android 13. This means the Pixel 4, 4XL, 4a, 4a 5G, 5, 5a, 6, 6a, and 6 Pro. The 3a and 3a XL have seen their final updates, while the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro will launch with Android 13 onboard. On August 15, Google announced the rollout of Android 13 to all supported Pixels, signaling the start of the updates.
Samsung
Samsung’s Android 13 update takes the shape of One UI 5. Samsung first began rolling out its One UI 5/Android 13 beta on August 5 in the U.S., Germany, and South Korea. The beta is currently only available for the Galaxy S22 series, but the final update will be available for a wide array of Samsung devices. More specifically, we expect every A-Series and S-Series Samsung phone released in the past four years to get One UI 5 and Android 13 pretty quickly, though the tablets and foldables will, as we’ve mentioned, benefit the most.
OnePlus
OnePlus has announced Android 13 and OxygenOS 13 for the OnePlus 8 and newer models, as well as the OnePlus Nord 2 and newer. The OnePlus 10 Pro and OnePlus 10T are slated to get Android 13/OxygenOS 13 first, and the 10 Pro has already received it, in beta at least. Other OnePlus handsets are set to follow soon after. As for precise timings, the OnePlus 10 Pro will get OxygenOS 13 “soon,” the OnePlus 10T will get the update “later this year,” and it’s anyone’s best guess when it’ll be available for older OnePlus smartphones.
Xiaomi, Oppo, and Realme
Xiaomi is currently testing Android 13 for the Xiaomi 12, 12 Pro, and Mi Pad 5, while Oppo has a preview program for its Find N and Find X running. Likewise, Realme has a beta program for the GT 2 Pro but has yet to announce a comprehensive launch list. As in previous years, we expect those to come out after Google has announced the final release of Android 13.
Should I download the beta?
If you’re impatient, Google has released Android 13 as part of a public beta for Pixel phones. Any supported Pixel can download Android 13 right this moment, allowing for a taste of what will be coming down the pipeline. With Android 13 all but done, it’s basically a painless and risk-free process. Some apps and games may not work properly prior to release, but those are few and far between in our testing.
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