Pixel Phones Get Android’s Big Redesign: What’s New
Yes, more Pixel phones are finally receiving Android’s big redesign, known as Material You, which was introduced with Android 12. This update brings a fresh, personalized look with dynamic color theming, larger rounded UI elements, and new widgets, and it’s now rolling out to a wider range of Pixel devices, not just the latest models.
Background: What Is Material You?
Material You is Google’s design language that debuted with Android 12 in 2021. Unlike previous Android versions, which had a fixed color scheme, Material You introduces dynamic color: the system extracts colors from your wallpaper and applies them across the entire interface—quick settings, notification shade, settings menus, and even third-party apps that opt in. The design also features larger, more rounded buttons, softer shadows, and a more spacious layout. Initially, this redesign was exclusive to Pixel phones, but Google has gradually expanded it to other Android devices through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
Which Pixel Phones Are Getting the Update?
Google has confirmed that the Material You redesign is rolling out to all Pixel phones that support Android 12 or later. This includes:
- Pixel 5 and 5a
- Pixel 4a and 4a (5G)
- Pixel 4 and 4 XL
- Pixel 3a and 3a XL (limited to Android 12, not 13)
Older models like the original Pixel and Pixel 2 have reached end-of-life and will not receive the update. If you have a Pixel 3 or later, you can check for the update by going to Settings > System > System update.
How to Get the Redesign on Your Pixel
If your Pixel hasn’t automatically updated yet, you can manually check for the Android 12 or 13 update:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll to System and tap System update.
- Tap Check for update. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions.
- Make sure your phone is charged above 50% and connected to Wi-Fi before downloading.
Once updated, you’ll see the new design immediately. To customize the colors, long-press on your home screen, tap Wallpaper & style, and choose a color palette. You can also enable or disable dynamic color for certain apps in their individual settings.
Common Problems and Fixes
Some users have reported issues after updating:
- No dynamic color options: If the color palettes don’t appear, ensure your wallpaper is not a solid black or white image. The system needs a colorful image to extract colors from.
- Battery drain: The new animations can be slightly more demanding. If you notice faster battery drain, try restarting your phone or checking for a follow-up update.
- App compatibility: Some older apps may not support Material You theming. They will still work, but they won’t change colors. Check for app updates in the Play Store.
- Update not showing: If your phone is eligible but the update isn’t appearing, it may be rolling out in stages. Wait a few days or try manually checking again.
How to Choose Between Android 12 and 13
If you’re on a Pixel 4 or newer, you’ll likely get Android 13, which builds on Material You with more granular theming options (e.g., themed app icons) and improved privacy features. Android 12 is the base version of the redesign. For most users, the choice is simply whether to install the latest update. If you value the newest features, go with Android 13. If you prefer stability and your phone is older, Android 12 is still a solid choice. Both offer the core Material You experience.
Comparison: Material You vs. Previous Android Design
The redesign is a significant departure from the flat, grid-like look of Android 11. Key differences include:
- Color: Dynamic color vs. fixed blue/gray accents.
- Shapes: Rounded, pill-shaped buttons vs. sharp rectangles.
- Widgets: New, more customizable widgets with dynamic color support.
- Notifications: More translucent and rounded, with a dedicated media player card.
While some users initially found the new look too soft, many appreciate the personalization. The redesign also improves one-handed use by moving key elements lower on the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Pixel 3 get Material You?
Yes, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL received the Android 12 update, which includes Material You. However, they will not get Android 13, so they won’t receive later refinements like themed app icons.
Why haven’t I gotten the update yet?
Google rolls out updates in phases, often over several weeks. If your phone is eligible, you can manually check in Settings > System > System update. If it’s still not there, it may be a carrier-specific delay or your phone might be too old.
Can I turn off the dynamic color feature?
Yes, you can. Go to Settings > Wallpaper & style, and select a static color palette instead of the dynamic one. This will keep your interface a fixed color regardless of your wallpaper.
Does Material You affect battery life?
The redesign itself is not known to significantly impact battery life. However, the new animations and widgets may use slightly more resources. If you notice issues, try reducing animation scale in Developer Options or updating your apps.
Will third-party apps automatically match my wallpaper?
Only if they are updated to support Material You. Many popular apps like Google Messages, Gmail, and Chrome already do. Others may need a manual update or may never support it. You can check the app’s update notes or settings.
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