Xiaomi and OnePlus Leap to Android 16 — While Samsung Waits on One UI 7
The Update Race Just Got Awkward
In the world of Android, updates have always been a bit of a popularity contest — and right now, Samsung might be feeling a little left out. While Galaxy users are still waiting on the rollout of One UI 7 (based on Android 15), Xiaomi and OnePlus have already made their first moves toward Android 16. Yes, really.
Xiaomi Fires First: Android 16 Developer Preview Drops
Xiaomi has officially released the Android 16 Developer Preview for two of its latest flagships:
- Xiaomi 15 — launched with Android 15, now getting its first major jump
- Xiaomi 14T Pro — originally launched on Android 14, now stepping up for its second big update
These phones cover two major chipsets — the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Elite and the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+. Xiaomi users running OS2.0.109.0.VOCMIXM (Xiaomi 15) or OS2.0.103.0.VNNMIXM (14T Pro) can flash the dev preview now. Flash back to Android 15/HyperOS 2? Also supported.
OnePlus Isn’t Sitting Out
Meanwhile, OnePlus has gone even further. The OnePlus 13 became the first non-Pixel phone to receive Android 16 Beta 2 — a move that says: “We’re not waiting for anyone.” And yes, that includes Samsung.
Even better? OnePlus confirmed that the OnePlus 13 and 13R will get 4 Android OS updates and 6 years of security patches. Translation: they’ll be supported through Android 19. Flex achieved.
Meanwhile at Samsung: Still Waiting for Android 15
Now let’s talk about Samsung. One UI 7 — based on Android 15 — was expected to roll out globally in April 2025, with rumors swirling around an April 7 launch. But many users, including those with flagship devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 series, are still stuck hitting “Check for update.” Some territories (like Korea and Germany) may have started seeing it. U.S. users? Still waiting.
Here’s the Update Breakdown
| Brand | Latest Beta | Devices Involved | Base Android |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | Developer Preview | Xiaomi 15, 14T Pro | Android 16 |
| OnePlus | Beta 2 | OnePlus 13, 13R | Android 16 |
| Samsung | Not fully rolled out | Galaxy S24 / S23 / Z Fold 5 | Android 15 (One UI 7) |
What’s Going On with Samsung?
Samsung’s update strategy is generally slower but stable. They roll updates in waves by region, carrier, and model. It’s methodical — but frustrating for power users watching Xiaomi and OnePlus jump to the next-gen Android while Samsung’s top-tier devices are still waiting for last year’s software.
Final Thoughts: Speed Isn’t Everything, But…
Xiaomi and OnePlus are clearly playing the Android early-access game — and winning attention while doing it. If you’re a developer or just obsessed with being on the bleeding edge, their latest flagships look more future-proof than ever.
Samsung will catch up — it always does — but right now, it’s sitting in the backseat of the update race. And fans are starting to notice.
One thing’s clear: the Android 16 era is already here — just maybe not for everyone.
