X

Android version report card: How the top phones line up

Wondering if your recently purchased Android handset will be updated with Lollipop? Check out our handy chart which covers a variety of top smartphones.

Scott Webster
Scott Webster has spent the better part of his adult life playing with cell phones and gadgets. When not looking for the latest Android news and rumors, he relaxes with his wife and son. Scott also is the senior editor for AndroidGuys. E-mail Scott.
Scott Webster
2 min read

google-android-lollipop-9093-010.jpg
Enhanced lock-screen notifications are but one feature in Android 5.0 Lollipop. John Miller/CNET

Formally announced in mid-October, Android 5.0 Lollipop is set to launch with new Nexus devices on November 3.

For customers anxious to get their hands on the latest from Google and its hardware partners the next few weeks should prove quite fun. But, those who recently purchased a handset will also be interested in Android 5.0's tasty new features . This will be even more so if you picked up a flagship model.

We have compiled a handy chart which outlines the top smartphones of 2013-2014 and listed their respective expectations. For the sake of keeping things simple, we'll refer to some of these models in a broad sense and not break down individual carrier versions. Just know that even the manufacturers which have promised Lollipop have not provided exact release dates.

Model Current Version Getting Lollipop?
Google Nexus 5 4.4.4 KitKat Confirmed
Google Nexus 4 4.4.4 KitKat Confirmed
HTC One M8 4.4.4 KitKat Confirmed
HTC One M7 4.4.3 KitKat Confirmed
Samsung Galaxy S5 4.4.4 KitKat No announcement
Samsung Galaxy S4 4.4.2 KitKat No announcement
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 4.4.4 KitKat No announcement
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 4.4.4 KitKat No announcement
LG G3 4.4.2 KitKat Confirmed
LG G2 4.4.2 KitKat Confirmed
Sony Xperia Z3 4.4.4 KitKat Confirmed
Sony Xperia Z2 4.4.2 KitKat Confirmed
Moto X (2014) 4.4.4 KitKat Confirmed
Moto X (2013) 4.4.4 KitKat Confirmed
Moto G (2014) 4.4.2 KitKat Confirmed
Moto G (2013) 4.4.2 KitKat Confirmed

Note that there are plenty of other models and variants which should see Android 5.0 in due time. Sony, HTC, and Motorola were all quick to spell out a wider range of products which will pick up Lollipop.

In terms of other phones or tablets, the general rule tends to be newer and more popular devices get the update first, followed by carrier-exclusive products. International and unlocked smartphones can sometimes receive new versions weeks ahead of those offered by wireless providers.

CNET contacted LG and Samsung for more official comment, however neither had anything to share at this time. We will update the post as new devices are confirmed or begin to receive their Lollipop updates. In the meanwhile, I suggest following your favorite hardware maker or carrier on social media. It's often there that companies will first confirm updates.