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Here's when your Nokia phone will get the Android 11 update

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Nokia 5.3
Nokia 5.3 (Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • HMD Global has shared the timeline for its Android 11 rollout.
  • The Nokia 8.3 will receive the update first, followed by the Nokia 2.2, Nokia 5.3, and Nokia 8.1.
  • Nokia's 2019 phones will get the Android 11 update in Q1 and Q2 2021.

Google released Android 11 a month ago, and while we haven't heard from HMD Global about when Nokia phones will be updated, the Finnish manufacturer shared the Android 11 rollout schedule. The first set of Nokia phones will receive the Android 11 update before the end of the year, with older devices scheduled to make the switch to the latest version of Android in Q1 and Q2 2021.

Android 11 rollout schedule for Nokia phones

Nokia Android 11 update timelin

Source: HMD Global (Image credit: Source: HMD Global)

HMD Global will roll out the Android 11 update in four waves. The first wave of devices will get the update later this year and extending into Q1 2021, and include the Nokia 8.3 5G, Nokia 2.2, Nokia 5.3, and Nokia 8.1. Here's the full breakdown:

Nokia Android 11 first wave (Q4 2020 - Q1 2021)

  • Nokia 8.3 5G
  • Nokia 2.2
  • Nokia 5.3
  • Nokia 8.1

Nokia Android 11 second wave (Q1 2021)

  • Nokia 1.3
  • Nokia 4.2
  • Nokia 2.4
  • Nokia 2.3
  • Nokia 3.4

Nokia Android 11 third wave (Q1 - Q2 2021)

  • Nokia 3.2
  • Nokia 7.2
  • Nokia 6.2

Nokia Android 11 fourth wave (Q2 2021)

  • Nokia 1 Plus
  • Nokia 9 PureView

A key differentiator for HMD is the fact that its phones run Android One, making them eligible to receive timely updates. So in that context, it is puzzling to see that the Nokia 7.2 won't get the update until the end of Q1 2021 — six months after the release of Android 11.

Basically, if you want a guaranteed update to Android 11 on a Nokia phone before the end of the year, the Nokia 8.3 5G is your best option. That phone is now available for $699, but if you're spending that kind of money, you may as well get the Pixel 5, which also costs $699 on Amazon. The Pixel 5 launched with Android 11 and is guaranteed to receive three Android version updates.

Google Pixel 5 render

Google Pixel 5

The Pixel 5 features a 90Hz OLED panel and a Snpdragon 765G chipset with Sub-6 and mmWave 5G connectivity. You also get 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, all-day battery life with 15W wireless charging, IP68 water resistance, and the best cameras you'll find in this segment.

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Harish Jonnalagadda
Harish Jonnalagadda
Senior Editor - Mobile

Harish Jonnalagadda is Android Central's Senior Editor overseeing mobile coverage. In his current role, he leads the site's coverage of Chinese phone brands, networking products, and AV gear. He has been testing phones for over a decade, and has extensive experience in mobile hardware and the global semiconductor industry. Contact him on Twitter at @chunkynerd.