The new Performance Class features help developers in tailoring Android apps for a much richer and more immersive performance.
With the release of the new Pixels as well as Android 12 fast coming, Google has set a new level of performance standards for Android OEMs. Google has already released Android 12’s Compatibility Device Document (which can be downloaded as a PDF form here) that OEMs must adhere for their phones to be compatible with Android 12. If a device fails to meet the necessary requirements stated in the CDD, or fail with Google’s Compatibility Test Suite, then those phones may lose access to the Google App Suite.
The CDD outlines the most basic requirements that benefits consumers. For example, the Android 12 CDD clearly states that all Android handheld devices, including tablets, must provide a home, back and recent apps function for all compatible displays. According to Google, devices considered to be “Handheld Devices” must have a 3.3in. screen (or 2.5in if the device was released before Android 11) and must have a battery. These include tablets as well.
In addition to the basic Android 12 requirements, Google has introduced the new “Performance Class” that divides phones depending on their performance. For example, Performance Class 12 is for “highest performing devices” which could mean flagship and gaming phones and could get the most premium features, aside those available from basic Android. And Performance Class 11, the second highest, are for older but still highly capable phone models and would get a “high quality experience” for Android 12. This class may apply to Higher midrangers (e.g. phones with Snapdragon 778G, Dimensity 1200 and so on). Phones that are not compatible with Performance-class requirements will get the basic Google Apps and Basic Android 12. It’s similar to Windows 10 Home and Pro wherein they’re both Windows 10 but have exclusive features that set them apart.
Performance class phones are forward-compatible and Performance class 12 phones are automatically compatible to be upgraded to Android 13. Because they are forward-compatible, phones initially launched under Performance Class 12 can remain under that performance class even when upgrading to the next version of Android, seen on the chart above.
Hardware Requirements (R and S) 
Performance Class 11 Camera Requirements 
Performance Class 12 Camera Requirements
Performance Class 11 and 12 have the following key requirements:
Performance Class 11 (Code R)
- At least 6GB RAM
- At least 400dpi and 1080p video resolution
- At least 12mp resolution rear-facing camera and can support up to 4K@30fps video.
- At least 4mp resolution selfie camera and can support up to 1080p@30fps video
- Write Performance (for storage):
- Sequential Write performance: at least 100MB/s
- Random Write performance: at least 10MB/s
- Read Performance (for storage):
- Sequential Read Performance: at least 200MB/s
- Random Read Performance: at least 25MB/s
Performance Class 12 (Code S)
- At least 6GB RAM
- At least 400dpi and 1080p video resolution
- At least 12mp resolution rear-facing camera with support up to 4K@30fps video
- At least 5mp resolution selfie camera with support up to 1080p@30fps video
- Write Performance:
- Sequential Write performance: at least 125MB/s
- Random Write performance: at least 10MB/s
- Read Performance:
- Sequential Read Performance: at least 250MB/s
- Random Read Performance: at least 40MB/s
In addition to the key requirements, the CDD also states that phones must have a camera2api JPEG latency of less than 1000ms as well as a camera2 startup latency of less than 500ms. In the CDD, Google has also implemented requirements for televisions and wearables.
The Performance classes are added specifically for developers to use, as it will make tailoring apps much easier not just on high-performance, high-spec phones but also for those lower-end budget Android phones, specifically those not under Performance 11 and 12 classes. If an app detects that your phone meets the Performance class 11 or 12 requirements, then that app may be able to run high-performance modes for a more immersive experience. Similarly, if the app detects that your phone does not meet the performance-class requirements, then the app may not be able to run high-performance modes and may even disable certain high-demanding features so that your phone will continue running smoothly and lag-free, as well as conserving power.
Source: XDA Developers, Android Developers, 9to5Google, Android 12 CDD
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