Sunday, October 30, 2016

Android 7.0 Nougat update: overview for smartphones and tablets

androidpit android n
When will your device receive Android Nougat? / © ANDROIDPIT

When will the Android 7.0 Nougat update be released?


Android 7.0 Nougat launched on August 22, 2016. Google made the announcement on its dedicated blog, which confirmed all of Nougat's new features, as well as the rumor that the LG V20 would be the first device to run the new software.


Click on one of the links below to find out when your device will be updated with Android Nougat.


Jump directly to:

Android Nougat update: Samsung


It's still early days in Android Nougat land, and manufacturers are reluctant to make concrete promises at any given time, let alone this far in advance. However, normally, Samsung maintains a two-year update window on devices, so it's a safe bet to assume that the Android Nougat will be making its way to all Samsung Galaxy S6 and S7 variants. The Galaxy S5 is a less safe bet. The Galaxy S4 has not seen an update to Marshmallow, so Android Nougat may be the S5's turn to fall behind.


Samsung was not so hot on the Marshmallow update front, so you could wait up to six months for the Galaxy S7 to get Android Nougat. We'll update this page as soon as we learn more.

AndroidPIT Samsung galaxy s7 4
The S7 is sure to be one of the first Samsung devices to see Android Nougat. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android Nougat update: Google


Pixel


A few days after the release is for the Google Pixel devices (codenamed Sailfish and Marlin) the respective system images became available for download. These images help developers reset the device to factory settings by using a computer.


However, it is necessary that the bootloader of your smartphone can unlock.

The OTA updates, so incremental improvements can be downloaded from Google. These provide individual patches and do not require unlocking the bootloader.

The binaries consist of the vendor-Image and drivers for camera, sensors and other devices with closed source drivers. CyanogenMod for Google Pixel moves one step closer.

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The Google Pixel and Pixel XL. / © AndroidPIT

Nexus


The Android Nougat update for Nexus devices has been released, but it could take some time for the update to hit your specific device. Google has posted some of the factory images online, so you can get it loaded up already if you'd prefer to flash it yourself. The latest news is that factory images will appear for the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 LTE in the coming weeks. While there was some speculation that these devices might not even get the update, Google has confirmed that the rollout for these devices is about to begin. Regarding Nexus devices you can get Nougat on already, here are the links:

The Nexus 5X, 6P and Pixel C are now available for the Android 7.1 Developer Preview. In order to get it, you can enroll in the Android Beta program. If you're a bit more advanced, you can flash it to your device manually. Head to the Android Developer page for the links.

Android 7.0Android 7.1
Nexus 5NoNo
Nexus 5X YesPreview
Nexus 6 YesNo
Nexus 6PYesPreview
Nexus 7 (2013)NoNo
Nexus 9YesNo
Pixel CYesPreview
Nexus PlayerYesNo
Google PixelNoYes
Google Pixel XL NoYes

Android Nougat update: HTC


HTC has taken steps to streamline its development process in an attempt to ensure more timely Android updates. So our hopes are high that by the time the new years rolls around, HTC 2016 devices will bear Android 7.0 Nougat inside them.


The day after Android Nougat was detailed at Google I/O, HTC announced that the new firmware would be making its way to the HTC 10, One A9 and One M9. The announcement also made it clear that more devices would receive the update, but this confirmation would come later in the year, "when Google ships Android Nougat to manufacturers."


Life is about to get a little sweeter. Android N will be coming to the HTC 10, HTC One A9 and the HTC One M9. pic.twitter.com/XzOEwTCVlU

— HTC (@htc) May 18, 2016
Android 7.0Android 7.1
HTC 10YesNo
HTC One M10YesNo
HTC One A9YesNo
AndroidPIT HTC 10 Hands on 5081
The HTC 10 will come with Android 7.0 Nougat. / © ANDROIDPIT

Android Nougat update: Sony


Sony has confirmed which of its Xperia devices are set to receive the Android 7.0 Nougat update in a post on its blog. Now, the Xperia X Performance is available to receive the Android 7.0 beta update shortly. The Xperia blog released a screenshot from an email sent to a beta program enrollee from October 31, 2016. The email says that the over-the-air update will be delivered in the next 48 hours. We'll let you know when the update goes live for everyone.


"We will make Android 7.0 Nougat available for: Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z4 Tablet, Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, Xperia Z5 Premium, Xperia X, Xperia XA, Xperia XA Ultra and Xperia X Performance," said Sony.


A presentation slide from Sony Slovakia leaked the company's roadmap for when some of the Sony devices could receive the Android Nougat update. This was leaked by GSMarena and is transcribed in its entirety below.

  • The Xperia X Performance and XZ could receive the official Android Nougat update soon.
  • The Xperia X and X Compact could come around November.
  • The Xperia Z5 series along with the Z3+ and Z4 tablet might be around December.
  • The Xperia XA and Ultra would be the last and could happen in early 2017.

The Japanese company also recently opened registration for the Android Nougat beta program, but unfortunately only for the Xperia X Performance. According to PhoneArena, the beta program is only available in a few European countries. We will let you know when it becomes available in the US.


That said, Sony's recent movements to a more stock-like Android interface does provide a glimmer of hope. Stay tuned.

androidpit xperia z3 compact vs xperia z5 compact 9
Sony was one of the first manufacturers to discuss an Android Nougat rollout schedule. / © ANDROIDPIT
Android 7.0Android 7.1

Xperia X Performance, XZ

November 2016No
Xperia X, X CompactNovember 2016No

Xperia Z5/ Z5 Premium / Z5 Compact,


Z3 + Z4 tablet

December 2016No
Xperia XA, UltraSpring 2016No

Android Nougat update: LG


LG was one of the first manufacturers to produce the Marshmallow update last year, bringing its LG G4 up-to-date with Android 6.0 as early as October in some regions. This year, LG is going one step further: the LG V20 will be the first smartphones to run Android Nougat.


Launching on September 6 in San Francisco, the V20 will run Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, suggesting it will include a relatively stock Android-like interface. The precise release date is yet to be confirmed but Google confirmed that it will be the first device running the new Android interface – an honor traditionally reserved for Google's Nexus devices.


As for LG's current flagship, the G5, the Korean manufacturer is releasing an Android 7.0 beta for owners living in South Korea. This is not part of Google's Android beta program, but is instead an LG-built firmware with the company's skin slapped on top. Although this beta isn't much benefit to those of us living elsewhere in the world, this is a sign that the LG G5 is sure to have a global rollout of Nougat in the very near future. If you'd like to check it out, register to become a beta tester here.

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LG is usually quick off the line, and we expect no less for the LG G5. / © ANDROIDPIT
Android 7.0Android 7.1
LG G5YesNo
LG G4YesNo
LG V10 YesNo

Android Nougat update: Huawei / Honor


Huawei is generally quick to make promises and slow to fulfill them. The company's track record of rolling out updates is, shall we say, not excellent. You can expect its latest flagships to receive an update to Android Nougat, but whether that will be before Android O is released is the real question.

Android 7.0Android 7.1
Huawei P9YesNo
Huawei P9 PlusYesNo
Huawei P9 LiteYesNo
Huawei GX8Yes No
Huawei Mate 8YesNo
Huawei Mediapad M3YesNo
Honor 8YesNo
Honor 7 No No
Honor 5CYesNo
Honor 5XNoNo

Android Nougat update: Lenovo / Motorola


Lenovo is now running things over in Moto land, but given the near-stock nature of the devices' software, there is little reason why timely updates should not continue as usual. The roll out of Marshmallow did see some upsetting exclusions, however, but it looks like Lenovo has decided to be a little more proactive with the Moto family for Nougat.


According to Droid-life, a spokesman for Motorola said that Android 7.0 Nougat could be deployed on the Moto Z and Moto G4 lines in the fourth quarter of 2016. The Motorola source did not specify the exact models. We therefore assume that these could be: the Moto Z, Moto Z Force, Moto Z Play, Moto G4, and/or Moto G4 Plus. We'll let you know as we get more information.

Android 7.0Android 7.1
Moto ZYesNo
Moto Z PlayYesNo
Moto G4YesNo
Moto G4 PlusYesNo
Moto G4 PlayYesNo
Moto X StyleYesNo
Moto X PlayYesNo
Moto X ForceYesNo

Android Nougat update: OnePlus


During an AMA (ask me anything) session on ​​Reddit, Tuesday, September 27, the Chinese manufacturer was asked the question that has been on the minds of many OnePlus fans: when will the OnePlus 3 run Android 7.0 Nougat? The company did not respond with a precise date but said it is "actively working" to update this super-powerful device as soon as possible.


If you are the impatient type, you can pick up an unofficial CyanogenMod ROM made available by XDA, but you might be a bit frustrated by bugs and limited functionality.

Android 7.0Android 7.1

OnePlus 2

NoNo
OnePlus XNoNo
OnePlus 3YesNo

Android Nougat update: Xiaomi


Xiaomi hasn't confirmed when handsets like the Mi 5 and Mi Max will get the update to Android Nougat, but MobiPicker says those devices will get the new OS before the end of the year. Other devices, like the Redmi and Note ranges will likely not be updated until early 2017.


Bad news for owners of the Mi 2, 2S, Mi 3 and Mi 4 though, as the hardware doesn't live up to the requirements for Nougat.


How to install Android Nougat manually


Install the Android Nougat update on the Sony Xperia Z3


Google had previously hinted that the Android Nougat Developer Preview might make its way to non-Nexus devices, and shortly thereafter, Sony announced official support for the experimental software on the Z3 (D6603 and D6653 models) through its Xperia Companion application.

android n sony xperia Z3
Android Nougat on the Sony Xperia Z3: officially supported. / © ANDROIDPIT

The Xperia Companion app makes installing the Android Nougat Developer Preview a pain-free procedure. However, before you proceed, be aware that all your data will be wiped and the software is not stable. If you want to install the software, it would be wise to make a backup of your device first.


We tried the update out on an Xperia Z3 here in the offices and can confirm that installing it is a breeze. All it requires is a Windows or OS X computer and few moments of patience.

sony xperia z3 n preview
After a few minutes, Android Nougat on the Xperia Z3 is good to go. / © ANDROIDPIT

The first thing you need to do is grab the Xperia Companion software and install it on your computer. Open Xperia Companion and hold down the ALT key while clicking on Software repair. Press on Next until you can select Android Nougat Developer Preview. While your device is disconnected from your computer, turn it off and wait at least five seconds. Then press and hold the Volume down key. Keep holding it and connect your device to your computer via USB.


When the software begins flashing, you're best off not touching the device at all. Just leave it until everything is finished.

sony xperia android n
Android Nougat on the Xperia Z3 gets you a quasi-stock experience. / © ANDROIDPIT

You can return your device to factory settings at any time by doing the same as above but without holding the ALT key when pressing on Software repair. Beware once more that all your data will be wiped.


Android Nougat on Nexus devices: over-the-air


Google says that Android Nougat is rolling out over-the-air to Nexus devices right now, but that availability would be dependent on individual devices and carriers. You might have tried to get it sooner rather than later by entering Google's beta program, but you can now either wait for the Nougat Nexus OTA update to arrive, or download the factory image when it's published. Either way, you'll be able to run Nougat on your Nexus device very, very soon


Android Nougat on Nexus devices: factory images


You can now install the Android 7.0 Nougat developer preview on your Nexus device with Google's factory images, found here. To install a factory image, you need a PC running a recent version of the Android Platform Tools, and your smartphone must have an unlocked bootloader. The process for flashing the image remains the same as how it was done with the Android Marshmallow Developer Preview.


The Android 7.0 Nougat developer preview was made available for the following Nexus devices:

  • Nexus 5X
  • Nexus 6
  • Nexus 6P
  • Nexus 9
  • Nexus Player
  • Pixel C
  • Android One

We'll update this page with more manufacturers and devices as they are announced. Until then, let us know which device you want to see Android Nougat on.

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