Android 13 is available on Pixel phones and in beta on Samsung, OnePlus, and more. Android 13 on the Nothing Phone (1) isn’t coming soon.
Carl Pei’s startup introduced the Nothing Phone 1 this year. A new device from the OnePlus co-founder received positive first impressions. Nothing highlights the device’s unusual design, “glyph” illumination interface, and solid software.
The Nothing Phone 1’s update commitment isn’t great. Three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates are promised. Google’s latest Pixels get three years of major Android updates and five years of monthly security patches, while Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones get four.
Android Authority hasn’t confirmed that the Phone 1 will get Android 13 in 2023. Phone 1 owners will have to wait for the stable release.
Now, firm founder Carl Pei has announced that a beta programme is coming to the Phone 1 (h/t: Phandroid). Android 13 beta is expected “before the end of the year” for Nothing aficionados.
This timescale is frustrating because Nothing will be behind rivals in releasing Android 13 for new smartphones. A young firm like Essential was able to quickly upgrade its debut phone in 2018.
You must also question the long schedule for stable and beta versions as Nothing’s Android is stock. It’s not like they’re running MIUI or One UI, which demand more work and resources for upgrades.
Pei’s claim that it didn’t want to rush things is understandable. Moreover this is significant given OnePlus’s past problematic releases. We hope the release window is a worst-case situation.