With the full version of Android Nougat ready for release, tech makers like Sony Mobile have started releasing their lists of devices that will get the new platform. However, although the flagship is barely two years old, Sony Mobile has not included the Xperia Z3 in its Nougat-capable devices.
However, it seems that Sony Mobile has no say on the matter. According to XperiaBlog, the new Android platform has an updated list of requirements for devices to be supported. One of the requirements is an updated certification for Google's Compatibility Test Suite (CTS). In the CTS update, Google now requires devices for Android N and above to support either Vulcan or OpenGL ES 3.1. Unfortunately, the Sony Xperia Z3 uses an Adreno 3XX graphics, integrated in all Snapdragon 800 and 801 chipsets. The Adreno 330 GPU in the Xperia flagship only supports OpenGL ES 3.0.
This is why in the Android Nougat list announcement, Sony Mobile only listed the platform as available for flagships starting with the Xperia Z3+ (essentially the Z4 smartphone). Meanwhile, flagships released after the Xperia Z3+, up to the new premium Xperia X Performance, will definitely receive an Android Nougat 7.0 update. If the rumored upcoming Xperia XR and Xperia X Compact releases with Android Marshmallow, it is expected that the two flagships will also receive Android Nougat at a later date.
However, since Google has already released the source codes for the new Android Nougat platform, it is only a matter of time before custom ROMS will launch. Since some custom ROMs can be installed for devices not included in the Android version update list, it can be expected that a custom Android Nougat firmware will release for the Xperia Z3.
The Xperia Z3 is Sony Mobile's flagship for 2014, releasing with Android 4.4.4 KitKat as its Android platform.
