Last week, Google released Android 7 Nougat into the wild. Packed with new features like multi-window support and bundled notifications, it provides a significant boost to speed and productivity compared to Android Marshmallow. If you’re hell-bent on upgrading to the new OS this instant, we name the best — and cheapest — Android 7-ready smartphones you can buy in Australia.
Google has already begun rolling out Android 7 Nougat to select Nexus devices. Other flagship phones are set to follow, although you could be in for a lengthy wait (particularly if your device came from a tardy telco.) While it’s possible to skip the install line via online trickery, many users will need to upgrade their existing phones to get the update.
If you fall into the above boat, you might be better off with one of Google’s first-party devices — in addition to having already received the Android 7 update, these phones are a little bit older and thus more affordable. With that in mind, here are some options to consider. We’ve also included telco plans, where available.
Nexus 6P
The Google Nexus 6P has been out for nearly a year now, but it remains a solid performer. Manufactured by the Chinese smartphone giant Huawei, it boasts an all aluminium body that packs in a top-end Snapdragon processor, a 4.7-inch quad HD display and USB-Type C. Originally retailing for $998, it can now be snapped up for under $600. Read Gizmodo’s hands-on.
Nexus 6P mobile plans
Nexus 5X
Like its 6P sibling, the Google Nexus 5X is nearing its one year birthday, which is a long time in smartphone years. Sporting a 5.2-inch display, a Snapdragon 808 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera and 27oomAh battery, it remains a good all-rounder. Originally retailing for $659, the Nexus 5X can be bought outright for around $350. Read Gizmodo’s review.
Nexus 6P mobile plans
Nexus 6
The Nexus 6 is definitely getting a bit long in the tooth — it originally debuted all the way back in 2014. Thankfully, its bloat-free, native UI is more than capable of running Android 7 despite its age. It comes with a massive 5.96-inch 2K screen, a speedy Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. When it first appeared in 2014, the Nexus 6 carried an RRP of $869. Curiously, it hasn’t depreciated as much as its younger siblings: expect to pay upwards of $400. Read the Gizmodo review.
Comments
4 responses to “The Best Android Nougat-Ready Phones You Can Buy Right Now”
Small error, accidentally put 4.7 inch for screen size of nexus 6p instead of 5.7 🙂
Also, the heading above the Nexus 5X mobile plans table says Nexus 6P mobile plans.
Just while we’re point out errors.
So, just Nexus phones then?
Yes, if you want Nougat on your phone right now. I agree the title is a little vague though it is clarified in the opening paragraphs.
Technically, pretty much any phone built in the past 3 years or so would be capable of running 7.0 so could be considered “Nougat Ready”. Though whether they’ll get it is another matter with OEMs tending to restrict updates to recent flagships (and often with significant delays).
CyanogenMod is already working on updating their OS so chances are many more phones will join the list in the next few weeks – months.