The cycle of Android development is a never-ending cycle, and this year, there was probably a lot more crunch time than usual. Google made the decision to shift the launch window back by a full quarter, which means that the space between Android 15 and Android 16's launch is notably shorter than usual.
In fact, Android 16's launch is closer than one might imagine, as Android 16 Beta 4, the final beta for the upcoming OS, has just been released. Typically, you'd only be able to download the beta and take it for a test run if you had an eligible Pixel device, but this year, for the first time, Google is letting other Android OEMs join the fun.
Unlike Usual, Select Devices From Major Android OEMs Are Eligible for the Android 16 Beta
Google Pixel users enjoy a lot of perks by virtue of choosing Android's developer as their smartphone manufacturer. They not only get the cleanest form of Android and the latest features, but they also get the software updates exactly as they come out, and that includes the beta versions of upcoming Android releases. For power users and those who like to tinker, that's a major perk that other OEMs simply can't compete with.
A few days ago, the fourth and final beta of Android 16 was released, and with it came a very unusual surprise. In essentially every year since Google Pixels have been a thing, the Android beta each year is only available on a select number of Pixel devices. People who have camped with other OEMs typically need to wait for their OEMs to get their respective Android 16-based skins prepped.
However, this year, Google has partnered with several major Android OEMs to permit the installation of the Android 16 beta on some of their devices. That means that this year, you don't need to have a Pixel before you can get to tinkering. That's pretty cool. If you're not a usual participant in beta programs, though, it is essential to know that there's some risk associated, so it is best to only try if you know exactly what you're doing.
Which Smartphones From Other OEMs Are Eligible for the Android 16 Beta Update
Most important is which manufacturers and which smartphones are going to be part of the pioneering batch of third parties to enjoy an Android beta. Samsung is the most notable exception on this list, but other major brands represent themselves.
The list below was compiled thanks to MlgmXyysd_bibilailai on Telegram. Using the respective links, you will be able to download the Android 16 betas, intended specifically for the phones listed.
- OnePlus: OnePlus 13 – [OxygenOS] [ColorOS for OnePlus]
- Xiaomi/Redmi: Xiaomi 15, Xiaomi 14T, Redmi K70 Ultra – [HyperOS (Global)] [HyperOS (China)]
- Honor: Honor Magic 7 Pro – [MagicOS (Global)] [MagicOS (China)]
- Vivo/iQOO: Vivo X200 Pro, iQOO 13 – [Funtouch OS] [OriginOS]
- Oppo: Oppo Find X8 – [ColorOS Global] [ColorOS]
- Realme: Realme GT 7 Pro – [realme UI (Global)] [realme UI (China)]
- Lenovo: Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus – [ZUI]
- Sharp: Listed by Google, but not included on the compiled list.
