With the new structure in the latest Android platform, it is expected that non-Google devices will get the Android Nougat much quicker than expected. In fact, speculations suggest that one third-party flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S7 series, may get Android 7.0 before the year ends.
SamMobile reports that leaked benchmark tests indicate that Samsung is already testing Android 7.0 Nougat for its current-generation flagships, the Galaxy S7, and S7 edge. However, the industry follower is quick to add that this is only the initial stage of testing, and it may take some time before the final version of the new Android platform rolls out to the new flagships.
Nonetheless, with Google already rolling out its Nougat update to its own lineups, it is only a matter of months before third-party devices start to receive the Android Nougat 7.0. A non-Nexus device, the LG V20, has already been launched, featuring Android Nougat 7.0 right out of the box. Meanwhile, rumors suggest that Google will be pushing for an October launch for its flagships, the Pixel and Pixel XL, reportedly already featuring an updated Android Nougat 7.1 version.
In addition, Samsung is likely to push for a quick Android 7.0 update to its current-generation lineups to further make up for its Galaxy Note 7 recall issue. Although the test is only in its initial stages, there are still a number of months left for Samsung to finalize its plans for an Android Nougat update to its lineups, starting with the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.
Meanwhile, the supposed test leaks also give a hint on what Samsung is planning for its Nougat update. The tests have reportedly started for the Exynos chipset variants of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. This may mean that the South Korea-based tech giant will be pushing out Android Nougat first to the unlocked, global variant of the flagships.
