Xiaomi 13T Pro and Poco F5 Receive HyperOS 3 Updates with Different Android Versions

Xiaomi 13T Pro and Poco F5 owners across the globe are reporting that a HyperOS 3 update is now being pushed to their devices. This rollout comes with an interesting twist - the two phones are receiving different versions of the update, reflecting their distinct positions in Xiaomi's product lineup and update policies.

Different Android Versions for Different Devices

The Xiaomi 13T Pro, as the flagship model, is receiving HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. This means users get the latest Android operating system along with Xiaomi's custom HyperOS skin. The update represents a full major version upgrade, bringing all the new features and improvements that come with Android 16.

In contrast, the Poco F5 is getting only the HyperOS 3 overhaul without the underlying Android 16 OS. This version is based on Android 15, meaning it's essentially a custom skin update rather than a full OS upgrade. This approach makes sense given that the Poco F5 has already received two major OS updates since its release. Xiaomi is now seeding only its custom skin on top without the latest Android, which is a common practice for devices that have exhausted their major OS update quota.

Previous Rollout Issues

This isn't the first time the Xiaomi 13T Pro has received HyperOS 3. The device actually got the update more than a month ago, but Xiaomi quickly rolled it back due to random bootloops and reboots. These stability issues affected a significant number of users, forcing the company to pause the rollout and work on fixes.

Hopefully, the issue has been resolved by now, and the new HyperOS 3 update based on Android 16 is stable enough for users to install it. Xiaomi typically addresses critical bugs before resuming updates, so the current rollout should be more reliable than the initial attempt.

How to Check for the Update

If you're a Xiaomi 13T Pro or Poco F5 owner and haven't received a notification about the update, you can check manually via the Settings menu. Navigate to Settings > About Phone > System Update to see if the update is available for your device. The rollout is likely happening in phases, so it might take a few days before all eligible devices receive the notification.

Pricing Context

The Xiaomi 13T Pro is currently available at competitive prices, with the 512GB/12GB RAM variant priced at €311.00 or £449.00, while the 1TB/16GB RAM model costs €304.99 or £474.75. The Poco F5, positioned as a more affordable option, is priced at €399.95 or $299.99 for the 256GB/8GB RAM variant, with the 256GB/12GB RAM model available for $294.99.

What This Means for Users

For Xiaomi 13T Pro owners, this update represents a significant upgrade with the latest Android features and HyperOS improvements. The Android 16 base ensures compatibility with the newest apps and services for at least another year.

Poco F5 users, while not getting the Android 16 upgrade, will still benefit from the latest HyperOS features, UI improvements, and security patches. The custom skin update should provide a refreshed experience even without the underlying OS change.

The different treatment of these two devices highlights Xiaomi's update strategy - flagship models receive full major OS updates while mid-range devices transition to feature-focused skin updates after their OS update quota is fulfilled. This approach allows Xiaomi to balance user experience improvements with development resources and device longevity considerations.

As always, users should back up their important data before installing any major system update, regardless of how stable it appears to be based on initial reports.