The month of August is upon us, and while not every smartphone running Android OS will receive an update, a bunch are going to. Apart from the August security patch rolled out by Google which is then repackaged and sent out by other Android OEMs, some mid-range Android smartphones are also getting major software upgrades this month.
We take a closer look as the OTA update space, and help you look up the latest Android firmware updates, so you don't have to go through the trouble of doing it yourself.
OnePlus
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
Samsung
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, Galaxy A73 5G, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy S22, Galaxy F12
Nokia
Nokia G30, Nokia G50, and Nokia 5.4
Nothing
Nothing Phone 1
Google Pixel 6a
Realme
Realme GT 2 Pro
Xiaomi
Redmi Note 9
OnePlus
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G get OxygenOS 12
Last month, OnePlus released the first OxygenOS 12 Open Beta build for the budget-friendly OnePlus Nord CE 2, allowing customers to test out Android 12 before the stable launch. OnePlus has begun distributing the first stable build of OxygenOS 12, which is based on Android 12, for the device after a few weeks of testing on the beta channel.
The stable OxygenOS 12 release for the OnePlus Nord CE 2 has reportedly begun trickling out incrementally, according to a recent post on the OnePlus Community forums. The upgrade (software version C.05) includes all the features Google added to Android 12 as well as a few OnePlus optimizations and the July 2022 Android security fixes. Here are all the significant changes made:
- Key changes
- System
- Optimized desktop icons with improved textures, by using a design inspired by brand-new materials and uniting lights and layers
- Optimized AI System Booster to 2.1 to support the system to run smoothly even when the load is high
- Optimized software algorithm and improved face recognition to better identify the features and skin color of different figures
- Dark mode
- Newly added three adjustable levels, bringing a more personalized and comfortable user experience
- Shelf
- Newly added style options for Cards, making data contents more visual and easier to read
- Newly added access to OnePlus Scout in Shelf, allowing you to search multiple contents on your phone, including Apps, Settings, Media Data, etc
- Newly added OnePlus Watch Card in Shelf, to easily glance at your health status
- Work Life Balance
- Newly added Work Life Balance feature, allowing you to effortlessly switch between Work and Life mode via quick settings
- Newly supported automatic Work/Life mode switching, based on specific locations, Wi-Fi network, and time, also bringing customized App notification profiles according to the personalization
- Gallery
- Newly supported switching between different layouts with a two-finger pinch gesture, intelligently recognizing the best-quality pictures, and cropping the thumbnail based on the content, making the gallery layout more pleasing
- Canvas AOD
- Newly added diverse styles of lines and colors, for a more personalized lock screen experience with inspiring visuals
- Newly added multiple brushes and strokes and support for color adjustment
- System
Samsung
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
Not all Samsung mobile devices that are compatible with Android 12 have yet received the upgrade. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite 2021 is the most recent Galaxy gadget to support Android 12; yet, some people are still waiting in line.
In Germany and Hong Kong, Samsung is currently distributing Android 12 and One UI 4.1 for the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (SM-T225). Firmware version T225XXU1BVGB, which can be used to identify the update. The security patch from July 2022 is also included.
Once they press the notification or access "Software update" in the Settings app on their smartphones, Samsung users in eligible markets should be able to download the most recent version as per usual.
Galaxy A73 5G
The Galaxy A73 5G's most recent software update is firmware version A736BXXU2AVG3. For the time being, the update is accessible in a few Asian nations, including Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The August 2022 security patch, which resolves a number of privacy and security flaws, is only one aspect of the new version, which also strengthens the camera and wireless connectivity features. Additionally, it increases the device's stability and dependability.
Galaxy Note 20
A select number of smartphones, including the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S21, and Galaxy S22, have already received Samsung's latest security patch. The Galaxy Note 20 series is now receiving the update.
The carrier-unlocked Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra devices in the US are currently receiving the most recent software update. The firmware is now at version N98xU1UEU2FVG5 thanks to the recent upgrade. It includes the August 2022 security patch, which addresses numerous privacy and security-related flaws. Additionally, it might feature enhancements to device stability and general bug fixes.
Galaxy S22
The US versions of the Samsung Galaxy S22 series are currently receiving the August 2022 Android security patch. Initially, only carrier-locked devices running firmware version S90*USQU2AVG6 are eligible for the update. The most recent security update should soon be available for the unlocked versions of the phones as well.
Last week, Samsung was the first manufacturer to start seeding its devices with the August SMR (Security Maintenance Release). Along with the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S20, the Galaxy S22 series was among the first to get the update. The current flagships' initial distribution was restricted to the European continent. But now it has now spread to South Korea, the US, and parts of Latin America. Users in Asia can anticipate it as well.
Galaxy F12
Samsung is making sure that even its entry-level smartphones have received the Android 12 update before Google officially releases the Android 13 update. The Galaxy F12 is the most recent device to get the Android 12 upgrade, and the update is now accessible in India.
The firmware version for the Galaxy F12's One UI 4.1 upgrade, which runs on Android 12, is F127GXXU3BVG1. The June 2022 security patch is also part of the updated software.
The Android 12 upgrade features a new UI with a Material You-based Color Palette feature, new widgets, a new widget picker UI, an enhanced Dark Mode, and thicker brightness and volume sliders. Better animations and transitions are also brought by the new software, along with performance enhancements.
Nokia
Nokia G30 and Nokia G50, and Nokia 5.4 get Android 12
New Android 12 builds with the July and June security updates are now available for the Nokia G20, Nokia G50 5G, and Nokia 5.4. The Nokia G20 update is 124 MB in size. In the update, Android 12 Build V2.360 is included. Along with the June security update, a fresh Android 12 build is also being delivered to the Nokia G50 5G.
The Android 12 upgrade for Nokia 5.4 is being released out gradually. But keep in mind that service representatives could be mistaken because not all the information is given with them.
Austria, Belgium, Croatia (Vip, Tele2 network, now Telemach), Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, and should be the first markets to receive the update Nokia 5.4 has likely been sold in a few other markets in addition to Iceland, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Latvia. The update may, however, be released, but we are not seeing it because it requires some further market clearances.
Nothing
Nothing Phone 1 gets another software update
One of the most stunning mid-range low-cost phones now on sale is the Nothing Phone 1. With yet another update, Nothing is back to bring the Phone 1 up to OS version 1.1.2.
The third OTA for the Nothing Phone 1 is 35MB in size but contains a number of improvements. This time around, the Phone 1 receives some UI adjustments in addition to background updates like minor bug fixes and stability enhancements. One such illustration is a new toggle that makes the fingerprint symbol visible even when the phone is locked.
By limiting the display to the icon, users should be able to unlock their phones more quickly thanks to this innovation. Moreover, a Bluetooth codec problem related to volume has been fixed as well.
Google Pixel 6a gets Android 13 Beta Update
Google will bring the next generation of Android, Android 13 later this year. Android 13 is currently in beta testing for Pixel owners, and Google is now beginning to roll out the public beta for the recently released Pixel 6a. The Android 13 beta is currently available for download on the Google Pixel 6a and adds a plethora of new features. It was released in India last month. To sign up their Pixel 6a for beta testing, users may visit the website for the Android Beta Program. The website will provide suitable Android 13 beta device options once you check in with your Google account.
You may enrol in the beta programme and register your Google Pixel 6a to begin getting beta updates. Here is a detailed explanation on how to accomplish it:
- Head over to https://www.google.com/android/beta to find the Android Beta Program portal.
- View the eligible Google Pixel devices.
- If the page displays the Pixel 6a, click on "Opt in".
- Once you're finished accepting the terms and conditions, click "Opt in."
Once you have signed up for the Android 13 beta program, Google will send over an update to Android 13 beta, and once you receive it:
- To update the Google Pixel 6a system, go to Settings > System.
- You should be able to see the latest Android 13 Beta update available.
- Select the update to begin downloading to your Google Pixel 6a.
Realme
Realme GT 2 Pro get Android 13 Beta Update
Oppo and OnePlus started accepting participants for the ColorOS 13 public beta earlier today for the Find X5 series, Find N, and the OnePlus 10 Pro. Realme, which is a subsidiary of BBK Electronics and also offers an Android 13 early access programs for the Realme GT 2 Pro, is now following suit.
Realme just launched the Android 13 early access programme for its flagship Realme GT 2 Pro in a post on its user forums. Users have the chance to test out Realme's Android 13 version before the stable distribution thanks to the early access programme.
By choosing the Trial versions option in the Software Upgrade part of the device settings and entering the required information, you may sign up for the program and test out the update.
Xiaomi
Redmi Note 9 finally gets Android 12
For the Redmi Note 9, Xiaomi has begun rolling out MIUI 13, which is based on Android 12. The Redmi Note 9 is the only phone that can currently get the upgrade right now, but other Note 9 series phones will be able to get it shortly as well. The updated software now has a tonne of new features, enhancements, and security patches. To learn more about the Redmi Note 9 MIUI 13 upgrade, continue reading.
The Redmi Note 9 worldwide variant's V13.0.1.0.SJOMIXM firmware version of Android 12 has gone live. A wider rollout in other areas is expected to happen soon. Along with the new features, Xiaomi releases MIUI 13 through OTA with the July 2022 monthly security patch. The changelog verifies support for the new widgets system, speaking of features.
- MIUI 13
- New: A new widget ecosystem with app support
- Optimization: Improved overall stability
- System
- Stable MIUI based on Android 12
- Updated Android Security Patch to July 2022. Increased system security.
- More Features and improvements
- Optimization: Enhanced accessibility support for Phone, Clock, and Weather
- Optimization: Mind map nodes are more convenient and intuitive now
Wrapping Up
It surely was an eventful first week in the world of firmware updates, and we're expecting more to roll out as the month proceeds. Keep watching this space and we'll keep you posted on every new OTA update that Android brands roll out in August.