Android 16 Phones: Which Devices Run It and What You Need to Know
"Android 16 phones" are phones that run Android 16, either because they shipped with it or because they received it as an update. Google released Android 16 on June 10, 2025, starting with the Pixel 6 and newer, and Samsung followed with One UI 8 from September 2025. Android 16 is no longer the newest version, since Android 17 arrived in June 2026, but most Android 16 phones are eligible for that next update too.
What is Android 16?
Android 16 is the major Android release that followed Android 15. It was codenamed "Baklava" and was the first version Google shipped in June rather than the autumn, a change meant to let phones launching later in the year come with the latest software. It introduced Live Updates for progress notifications, automatic notification grouping, the Advanced Protection security mode, better LE Audio hearing aid support and improved behavior on tablets and foldables. Its September 2025 QPR1 update brought Google's Material 3 Expressive redesign to Pixel phones.
Which phones run Android 16?
Google Pixel: Android 16 reached the Pixel 6, 6 Pro and 6a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro and 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, 8 Pro and 8a, the full Pixel 9 family including the 9a, and the Pixel Tablet on release day. The Pixel 10 series launched in August 2025 with Android 16 preinstalled.
Samsung Galaxy: Samsung's Android 16 software is One UI 8. It launched on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 in July 2025, then rolled out to the Galaxy S25 series from September 2025 and to older flagships such as the S24 and S23 families, recent foldables, tablets and many Galaxy A models over the following months.
Other brands: OnePlus (OxygenOS 16), Xiaomi (HyperOS), Motorola, Oppo, Vivo, Nothing and others updated their recent flagships and many mid-range phones during late 2025 and early 2026. Many phones launched in late 2025 and the first half of 2026 shipped with Android 16 out of the box.
Is Android 16 still a good version to be on?
Yes. Android 16 still receives security patches on supported phones, and its feature set is close to Android 17's. That said, Android 17 is now the latest version. Pixels from the Pixel 6 onward can already update to it, and Samsung's One UI 9 (Android 17) rollout began in September 2026. If your phone offers Android 17, it's worth installing for the newest privacy and security improvements.
Common misunderstandings about Android 16 phones
- "Phone 16" doesn't mean Android 16. Model names like Galaxy A16 or iPhone 16 have nothing to do with the Android version. Always check under Settings > About phone.
- Not every phone gets every version. Updates depend on each manufacturer's support policy. Some budget phones receive only one or two major upgrades.
- Some features need specific hardware. LE Audio hearing aid features, for example, need compatible Bluetooth hardware, and some visual effects are Pixel-only.
- Brands look different. One UI 8, OxygenOS 16 and HyperOS are all based on Android 16 but have their own designs and extra features.
How do I check whether my phone has Android 16 or 17?
- Open Settings.
- Tap About phone. On Samsung phones, tap Software information next.
- Look at "Android version."
To look for an update, go to Settings > System > Software updates on a Pixel, or Settings > Software update on a Samsung Galaxy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Pixel phones support Android 16?
The Pixel 6 and every newer Pixel, plus the Pixel Tablet. The Pixel 10 series came with it preinstalled.
Did the Pixel 8 come with Android 16?
No. The Pixel 8 launched with Android 14 in 2023 and received Android 15 and Android 16 as updates. It's eligible for Android 17 as well.
Can I downgrade from Android 16?
Not through normal settings. Downgrading requires flashing older firmware, which erases your phone and isn't recommended for most people.
Is Android 17 available for Android 16 phones?
For many of them, yes. All Pixels from the Pixel 6 onward can install Android 17, and Samsung is rolling out One UI 9 to its eligible Galaxy devices. Other brands follow their own schedules.