Android P Beta Is Available For Seven Devices Other Than Google's Pixel Smartphones

Whenever a new version of Android is released, Pixel and Nexus smartphones - which are maintained by Google - are the first ones to get it. However, flagship devices from other companies don't get the latest Android till after several months. Oreo was launched by Google in August 2017, and Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8+ received Oreo six months later in  February.

Google has for long been trying to address Android's update problems. Last year, Google introduced Project Treble which made changes to Android's framework and made it a lot easier for companies to update their devices to newer Android versions. Today at Google I/O, we got to see Treble work its magic. In addition to the Pixel/XL and Pixel 2/XL, the Android P beta is available for seven other devices. The list of devices includes:

• OnePlus 6 (Android P beta announcement by OnePlus)
• Essential PH-1 (Beta Link | Report Bugs | Support)
• Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S (Beta Link | Report Bugs | Support)
• Sony Xperia XZ2 (Beta Link | Report Bugs | Support)
• Nokia 7 Plus (Beta Link | Report Bugs | Support)
• Oppo R15 Pro (Beta Link | Report Bugs | Support)
• Vivo X21/UD (Beta Link | Report Bugs | Support)

The OnePlus 6 will be announced on May 16, so we will be seeing its Android P beta only after its launch. The Android P beta for the remaining devices can be found at the links mentioned adjacent to their names. We have also included links for reporting issues and getting support.

Interestingly, the Android P beta for the Mi Mix 2S is based on stock Android instead of MIUI. The same is true for Oppo R15 Pro and Vivo X21/UD. Like Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo ship their phones with customized Android skins. Oppo sells its phones with ColorOS, while Vivo uses Funtouch OS on its smartphones. Given that the Mi Mix 2S, Oppo R15 Pro, and Vivo X21/UD are currently powered by Android skins from their respective makers, a transition to stock Android for P seems unlikely. The Android P beta builds are intended for developers to test their apps, and this may be one of the reasons why the beta builds are based on stock Android. Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo may not have gotten the time to adapt their skins for P, while stock Android is already based on the new version of Android.

Source: Android Developers, The Keyword

[Featured image credit - Essential]

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.