OnePlus, Poco, Realme and Xiaomi all announce Android 11 beta programs

Google has just released the initial beta of Android 11 to Pixel smartphones, albeit not the original Pixel or Pixel XL. Nonetheless, some OEMs have wasted no time in announcing plans to bring the first taste of the next version of Android to their devices too. Oppo was the first company to confirm that it would be releasing a ColorOS version of Android 11 Beta 1 for people to try. Oppo has only confirmed that the Find X2 series will be eligible for ColorOS Android 11 Beta 1, although it is yet to confirm when it plans to release the update.

Since then, four other OEMs have followed suit. At the time of writing, OnePlus, Poco, Realme and Xiaomi have all confirmed that some of their devices will be eligible to receive Android 11 Beta 1. Like Oppo, Poco, Realme and Xiaomi have implored fans to "stay tuned" for the announcement of when Android 11 Beta 1 will be made available to download.

By contrast, OnePlus has already released Android 11 Beta 11 for the OnePlus 8 series. Please be aware of the following issues before installing the beta update, though:

• All data will be cleared while flashing the build
• Face unlock is unavailable
• Google Assistant ("OK Google") does not work
• Video calling does not work
• Certain UI screens look less than desirable
• Some apps may not function as expected
• System stability issues

OnePlus also points out that it has released Beta 1 for app developers and other early adopters. Hence, we would not recommend installing the OxygenOS version of Android 11 Beta on your daily smartphone just yet. Anecdotally, the stock Android version has fewer issues than one that OnePlus has released, but some apps like Google Pay may not function.

Other OEMs like LG, Huawei, Nokia and Samsung are likely to release Android 11 beta programs too, eventually. However, it may be months before they do so.