There are many sayings that “I want it, but I can allow it”. They are formulated in different words, but the essence does not change. This is now fully applicable to Android 12 and the vast majority of users who want Android 12, but can only afford the 11th version. And this, by the way, does not depend on the cost of the phone. Even the most top-end and expensive flagships have not received it yet. For Pixel, they also come out only starting from the third generation. But now something has changed, and thanks to the efforts of the developers, slightly more users will be able to install Android 12 on their smartphones, albeit with some restrictions.
The Pixel 2 XL can now be upgraded to Android 12 , but unofficially.
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Which phones can install Android 12
Indeed, if you have not heard yet, then only the owners of the following phones can install the final version of Android 12 for now:
- Google Pixel 3
- Google Pixel 3XL
- Google Pixel 3a
- Google Pixel 4
- Google Pixel 4XL
- Google Pixel 4a
- Google Pixel 4a 5G
- Google Pixel 5
- Google Pixel 5a
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
Can Android 12 be installed on Google Pixel 2 XL
New Pixel models are immediately equipped with this operating system, but so far there are so few of them in the total mass that this number can be neglected. But what about those with a Google Pixel 2 or 2XL ? People used to receive updates for many years, and now they are over. Unfortunately, Google will no longer support these models with Android updates, so their owners are out of luck. But there is a way out. I will provide a link at the end of the article, but for now I will tell you in more detail what is happening in general.
This phone is no longer supported by Google, but it is not abandoned by third-party developers.
Of course, just because Google isn’t releasing an official version of Android 12 doesn’t mean you can’t get it. The first unofficial Google Pixel 2 Android 12 firmware is now available for installation (via XDA-Developers ). However, at the time of this preparation, there is only a version for one of the models in the line – Google Pixel 2 XL. But if you have a regular Google Pixel 2, don’t be upset, because it will get its own version too. It’s just that its owners will have to wait for a little.
Who made Android 12 for older Pixels
As with most other custom ROMs, this is a community effort through the ProtonAOSP project. He is well respected in the community of firmware developers, and many users have already been able to successfully roll this build of Android 12 to their devices. But remember, if you want to follow their example, YOU DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK . Nobody will give you any guarantees. Therefore, if you are not confident in your abilities or are not ready to risk this particular phone, it is better not to even try.
It was once almost a reference camera. Now it has changed and got better, but competitors have tightened up.
Also remember that with this assembly you will not get everything the same as the owners of newer models – there will be limitations. First , you won’t get encryption support, which can be a hindrance for many. Second , SELinux will be set to a permissive value, which drastically reduces the security of the device.
Such a “left” version of the software simply cannot be different. She will definitely have her limitations and in any case she will lose in safety. Personally, I would not recommend installing such Android 12 on your main phone. But, if you have a Pixel 2 XL lying around somewhere and you are ready to take a chance, then you can give it a try.
The Pixel 2 XL is still usable, and it’s a good thing the software is released for it.
Where to download Android 12 for older Google Pixels
And now the most important thing. If you firmly decided that you will install everything described above, and you are not confused by the restrictions and risks, then you can click here to start installing this unofficial Android 12. As I said, it will appear for Pixel 2 a little later. And let me remind you once again that all actions are at your own peril and risk. Chur then not to say, “AndroidInsider, you put a pig on me.”
Let me just remind you that Android 12 was released in October this year and all manufacturers, even though they participated in the testing program, have not yet released the final versions for their devices.