The latest version of Android was launched officially on October 4, 2021 that emphasizes much on privacy and interactivity. The Beta release already depicted some refreshed notifications, better support for screenshots, and its one-handed mode. Google launched the software update for older pixel phones; however, it hasn’t confirmed which phones will be compatible.
The announcement for Android 12 new features was made on Google IO 2021 and soon after, the Google Pixel 6 was launched with which Android 12 became available for older pixel phones also. Devices from major phone companies like Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, RealMe, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi will get this latest version by this year. As it takes much time for smartphone manufacturing companies to bring Android 12 to their devices, you should not be surprised if your specific handset doesn’t get an update to Android 12 till the end of 2022.
Compatibility List for Android 12
The latest version of Android will roll out for majority of devices that were launched in the previous year though, some may wait for longer time for it. As there was no compatibility list launched by Google, we expect that every modern pixel handset (Pixel 3 onwards) will soon get compatible with it.
Speaking of the Beta version support, we can get some clues to which handsets will fall in frontline to get compatible with Android 12. This list is based on Beta version compatibility and Android 12 supported devices.
- Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 3 to Pixel 5 9 (including XL and A-series phones)
- Oppo Find X3 Pro
- Nokia X20
- OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro
- Xiaomi Mi 11 & 11 Ultra
- Xiaomi Mi 11i & 11 X Pro
- ZTE Axon 30 Ultra
- TCL 20 pro 5G
- Asus Zenfone 8
- Realme GT
- Vivo iQOO 7 Legend
- Sharp Aquo sense 5G
- Tecno Camon 17
Besides all these handsets, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 will also get the final Android 12 release as soon as possible. Google has already declared that devices from Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi will get Android 12 this year.
Android 12 Guide
Enhanced Privacy & Security
Google has made its best attempts to keep privacy at the center of Android 12. Making best use of Android Private Compute Core, it has certainly revitalized some privacy features that will make sure that apps and the phone are following the privacy settings enabled by you. The new privacy dashboard will give you an overall view of apps using the phone’s location, camera, contacts, and much more.
The latest version of Android will also ask for permissions for apps to use a feature of your phone and you can allow it for once or not at all. You can also choose to provide an approximate location to some apps. Android app development companies will need to consider these factors before creating apps that can perform effectively on Android 12-powered devices. You can now unlock a Chromebook using your phone and when using an app like camera, there will be a subtle UI hint that certain features of the camera are being used.
Other Features of Android 12
Lock Screen Clock: The first thing that you will notice while opening your Android 12-powered phone is the clock display. A large clock will be displayed at the center of the screen.
Pin Code Keys: When you swipe to unlock your phone, you will notice a fresh design of the Pin code keypad with round-shaped buttons and minimal pastel shades.
Notifications: The notification designing has also undergone sincere overhauling where you will notice a changed style of notification windows which are automatically grouped per app.
Instant Settings Shade: As you drop down quick settings and notifications from top of your screen, those little round toggles have been now replaced by large rectangular controls.
Enhanced screenshots: Android 12 comes with scroll capture update that allows you to capture that extra area of page that you can’t capture.
Share Sheet Image Edit: Just like marking up screenshots, when you want to share an image file, you will find a new “Edit” option that allows you to markup pictures before ending them to anyone.
Media Player Interface: An effective change in UI is its updated media control widget that appears in the drop-down menu when you play music. Google has enlarged it so that when you play music, you can tap the tiny little icon at widget’s corner and this brings a new playback location popup window.
App Shortcuts Menu: Another smart tweak into UIs where a new popup shortcut menu appears when you tap and hold an app’s icon. Mobile app development will certainly take great advantage of this feature.
Sharing of Wi-Fi Passwords: A much required and handy feature that allows you to quickly share your Wi-Fi details with people which are nearby or in the same room.
Widgets: Android 12 comes with completely redesigned widgets that offer adjustable window. The conversation widget will now show all recent conversations and photos with a memories widget that can surface memories from Google Photos on your home screen.
Tap Gesture for Pixel Phones: Android 12 comes with a double-tap gesture for Pixel phones where you can simply double-tap on the back of your Pixel phone to take a screenshot.
One-handed Mode: Now you can enable the latest one-handed mode feature that allows you to drag down from the bottom edge of the phone and it brings the app that you are viewing down halfway.
Apart from these major changes, there are various smaller security updates along with some enthralling changes that you will certainly love in Android 12.
