As per a roadmap that was leaked back in September, Sony's Xperia X was supposed to get an Android 7.0 Nougat update come November. We're well into November now, and users have reported that they've started getting an email from Sony about the latest firmware, or at least users who signed up when Sony opened the beta program late September.
The email confirms that the beta version of the Android N will head to owners of the Xperia X Performance on Tuesday or Wednesday, meaning that users won't have to wait with bated breath for long to see how Sony will implement Google's latest operating system into its own Xperia line of smartphones. The firmware will be available over-the-air, rolling out to users enrolled in the beta program.
According to Xperia Blog, Sony isn't exactly intent on trying to mimic other manufacturers with far more customized builds since the company is trying to aim for a near-stock Android experience. So don't expect anything revolutionary or radical from Sony's Nougat build. It'll most likely mirror other handsets running on vanilla Android N, which is good news for many.
In fact, even with the previous Marshmallow update for Xperia handsets, Sony had a much more minimal approach, with slimmed down features instead of the bells and whistles of a custom Android UI that clog the overall Android experience. Since this is still a test run, it makes sense for Sony to keep things fairly toned down, so that it can focus on stability foremost and then potentially add custom features later if the build proves to be in good shape.
The Xperia X Performance is part of Sony's Xperia X line of smartphones released in June this year. The Xperia X performance is the more powerful sibling of Xperia X, which rocks a 5-inch Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 Triluminos display. Instead of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 that powers the Xperia X, the Xperia X Performance is loaded with a much faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 with 3 GB of RAM.
The phone comes with 32 GB of internal storage with expandable memory of up to 256 GB. Inside the Xperia X Performance is a 2,700 mAh battery to keep things all juiced up. It boasts an impressive 23-megapixel rear shooter and a 13-megapixel front shooter.
The Xperia X Performance's original price was $599, but it's now offered at discounted prices, down to $475. It's available for purchase on Amazon, Best Buy and B&H.
For those enrolled in Sony's beta program, have you started receiving the Nougat firmware? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!
