LineageOS 16 Update Brings Android Pie to 2014 Devices
Last updated June 14, 2021
- Older Android devices may finally get a breath of fresh air and new features, with LineageOS 16.
- Initially, 30 devices are supported, but more are bound to follow shortly.
- Android Pie has made leaps and bounds ahead in terms of security features and improvements.
Formerly known as the “CyanogenMod”, LineageOS is a custom Android build that people use as a “ROM” image to keep their phones up to date with the latest developments in mobile phone operating system technology. Having a device of still capable hardware that is stuck two or even three major Android versions back is one of the platform’s most significant problems and greatest sources of annoyance. Simply put, manufacturers don’t invest enough in pushing regular updates to their products, and so owners of even expensive models may find themselves using a phone that is full of exploitable security vulnerabilities soon after its purchase.
One way to remedy this problem is by using one of Google’s Pixel devices, but as these phones are expensive, they are not for everyone out there. The other option is to choose one of the phones that participate in the “Android One” program, but as those are few right now, they may not satisfy every possible need, taste, or user requirement. The third choice is using a custom ROM like LineageOS 16, which introduces Android Pie (version 9) to devices that have stopped receiving updates for years by now. Examples of the supported models include the Galaxy S5, Nexus 6, and OnePlus One, three devices that were released back in 2014!
The full list with the 30 phones that are initially supported by LineageOS 16 is given below:
- Google Nexus 6
- Google Pixel Ultra
- Huawei P20 Pro
- LeEco Le Pro3
- LeEco LeMax2
- Motorola Moto Z2 Force
- Motorola Moto X4
- Motorola Moto Z
- Oneplus One
- OnePlus 2
- OnePlus 3/3T
- OnePlus 5T
- Oppo Find 7
- Samsung Galaxy S5 (8 models)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 (two 2016 models)
- Sony Xperia XA2 and XA2 Ultra
- Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
- Xiaomi Mi Note 3
- Xiaomi Poco F1
- ZUK Z1
Now, more models are bound to be added onto the above list, but for now, the owners of the aforementioned devices may update to Android 9.0 Pie and take advantage of the multiple security features and improvements that were introduced with Google’s latest OS version. Before installing a custom ROM like the LineageOS 16, make sure that you backup all of your essential data, as the system partitions will be formatted, meaning that all information stored on your device will be wiped.
Are you using a custom ROM? Share your opinion and experience details in the comments section below, and don’t forget that you have the power to help us spread the word by liking and sharing this post on our socials, on Facebook and Twitter.
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