Editorial Team · on 17 June 2026 · 8 min read · Last reviewed 17 June 2026
Android 13 smartphones are devices that run the latest stable version of Google’s Android operating system, version 13, launched in August 2022.
Think of Android 13 smartphones as the latest model cars: they come with all the newest safety features, design tweaks, and engine improvements, while older models might still run fine but lack the updates.
Key facts
- Android 13 introduced a Material You design, which personalizes the interface based on your wallpaper.
- It brought per-app language preferences, allowing users to set different languages for different apps.
- Android 13 smartphones require at least 2GB of RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 or equivalent processor.
- Google guarantees at least five years of security updates for Android 13 smartphones.
Which smartphones run Android 13 out of the box?
The first smartphones to run Android 13 out of the box were the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, launched in October 2022. These devices came with Android 13 pre-installed, showcasing the new Material You design and other features. The Pixel 7 introduced a new camera feature called “Magic Eraser,” which uses AI to remove unwanted objects from photos.
Other manufacturers quickly followed suit. Samsung released the Galaxy S23 series in February 2023 with Android 13, featuring a new “Expert RAW” camera mode for professional photographers. Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 12 series, launched in January 2023, also came with Android 13, highlighting a 200MP main camera.
OnePlus launched the OnePlus 11 in January 2023 with Android 13, emphasizing its “Alert Slider” feature, a physical switch for quickly changing notification modes. These examples show how Android 13 smartphones vary in features, even when sharing the same OS version.
What features do Android 13 smartphones offer?
Android 13 smartphones offer a range of new features focused on personalization, privacy, and performance. The Material You design dynamically adapts the interface colors based on the wallpaper, creating a cohesive look. For instance, setting a blue wallpaper can change the app icons, buttons, and other UI elements to shades of blue.
Per-app language preferences allow users to set different languages for different apps. This is particularly useful for multilingual users or those learning new languages. For example, you can set WhatsApp to Spanish while keeping the rest of the system in English.
Android 13 also introduced improved privacy features. The OS now requires apps to declare why they need certain permissions, making it easier for users to understand and control their data. Additionally, Android 13 smartphones support the new Bluetooth Low Energy Audio standard, offering better sound quality and battery life for wireless headphones.
How to check if your smartphone is compatible with Android 13
The first step to check compatibility is to look up your smartphone model on Google’s official Android 13 compatibility list. This list includes devices from various manufacturers that meet the minimum requirements. For example, the Google Pixel 4a is listed as compatible, while older models like the Pixel 3 are not.
If your device is not on the list, you can still check with your manufacturer’s support website. Some companies, like Samsung, provide detailed information about software updates for their devices. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S20 series received Android 13 updates, but only certain variants depending on the region and carrier.
Another way to check compatibility is to use the “Android Version” section in your device’s settings. This section often includes information about upcoming updates. However, this method is less reliable, as manufacturers may not always provide clear information about future updates.
Which Android 13 smartphones offer the best performance?
The Google Pixel 7 Pro offers top-tier performance with its Google Tensor G2 chip, which includes a dedicated AI processing unit. This chip enhances features like real-time language translation and advanced photo editing. The Pixel 7 Pro also comes with 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and app performance.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is another high-performance option, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and up to 12GB of RAM. It also includes a built-in S Pen, making it a great choice for productivity and creativity. The S23 Ultra’s camera system is also notable, with a 200MP main sensor and advanced AI features.
For a more affordable option, the OnePlus 11 provides excellent performance with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and up to 16GB of RAM. It also includes a 65W fast charger, allowing the device to charge from 10% to 100% in just 25 minutes. The OnePlus 11’s alert slider is another standout feature, providing quick access to notification modes.
How to update your smartphone to Android 13
Updating your smartphone to Android 13 is a straightforward process. First, make sure your device is compatible and that you have a stable internet connection. Then, go to your device’s settings and find the “Software Update” section. This section is usually located under “About Phone” or “System.”
Once you’re in the “Software Update” section, tap on “Check for Updates.” Your device will then connect to Google’s servers and check for the latest available update. If Android 13 is available for your device, you’ll see an option to download and install it. The first time I updated my Pixel 6 to Android 13, the process took about 20 minutes, including the download and installation.
After the update is complete, your device will restart, and you’ll be greeted by the new Android 13 interface. It’s a good idea to back up your data before updating, as the process can sometimes result in data loss. You can back up your data using Google’s built-in backup feature or a third-party app like Best Browser for Android Smartphones: Speed and Privacy.
Which Android 13 smartphones offer the best value for money?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro offers excellent value for money, with a starting price of around $250. It features a 120Hz AMOLED display, a 5000mAh battery, and a 67W fast charger. The Redmi Note 12 Pro also includes a 108MP main camera, providing high-quality photos and videos.
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is another great value option, with a starting price of around $350. It features a 120Hz Super AMOLED display, a 5000mAh battery, and a 25W fast charger. The Galaxy A53 also includes IP67 water and dust resistance, making it a durable choice.
For those looking for a more premium experience, the Google Pixel 6a offers a great balance of features and price. With a starting price of around $450, it includes a 6.1-inch OLED display, a 4680mAh battery, and an 18W fast charger. The Pixel 6a also features the Google Tensor chip, providing advanced AI features and smooth performance.
What are the differences between Android 13 smartphones and Android One smartphones?
Android 13 smartphones and Android One smartphones share many features, but there are some key differences. Android One smartphones are designed to provide a clean, stock Android experience with long-term software support. These devices often come with fewer pre-installed apps and a more streamlined interface.
Android 13 smartphones, on the other hand, may come with manufacturer-specific skins and additional features. For example, Samsung’s One UI adds various customization options and features like DeX, which allows you to use your smartphone as a desktop computer. See Smartphones with Stock Android: Clean OS Experience for more on this.
Android One smartphones typically receive at least three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates. In contrast, Android 13 smartphones may receive different update schedules depending on the manufacturer. For instance, Google guarantees five years of security updates for its Pixel devices, while Samsung offers four years of major updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices.
Which Android 13 smartphones are best for photography?
The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a top choice for photography, featuring a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 48MP telephoto camera. The Pixel 7 Pro also includes advanced AI features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone, which enhance photo quality and accuracy. The device’s Tensor G2 chip powers these features, providing fast and efficient processing.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is another excellent option for photography, featuring a 200MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and two 10MP telephoto cameras. The Galaxy S23 Ultra also includes advanced AI features like Scene Optimizer and Director’s View, which enhance photo and video quality. The device’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor powers these features, providing fast and efficient processing.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is a more affordable option for photography, featuring a 108MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. The Redmi Note 12 Pro also includes advanced AI features like AI Scene Detection and AI Beautify, which enhance photo quality. The device’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor powers these features, providing fast and efficient processing.
Android 13 smartphones offer a range of features and options for users. Whether you’re looking for the latest features, the best performance, or the best value for money, there’s an Android 13 smartphone for you. Be sure to check compatibility and update your device to take advantage of the latest features and improvements.
Frequently asked questions
Which smartphones are guaranteed to receive the Android 13 update?
Google confirmed that its Pixel devices from Pixel 4 onwards will get Android 13. Samsung committed to updating its Galaxy S series from S21, Z Fold/Z Flip from Z Fold 3, and select A series models. OnePlus promised updates for its 9 and 10 series, while Xiaomi will update its 12 series and some Mi/Redmi devices.
What are the key privacy features in Android 13?
Android 13 introduces per-app language preferences, themed app icons, and improved notification permissions. It also enhances the Privacy Dashboard, letting users see which apps access sensitive data. The Photo Picker API restricts apps from accessing all media files, focusing only on selected images.
How does Android 13 improve multitasking?
Android 13 refines the task management system with improved split-screen functionality. It allows users to drag and drop apps into split-screen mode more easily. The new taskbar on large screens, like tablets and foldables, enables quicker app switching and multitasking.
Can older smartphones upgrade to Android 13?
Most older smartphones won't receive Android 13. Manufacturers typically support devices released in the last 2-3 years. For example, Google stops updates for Pixels older than four years. Users with older devices can check their manufacturer's official support page for specific details.