Sony Xperia X Oreo rollout begins with January Security patch

Sony has finally started rolling the Android 8.0.0 Oreo to the Sony Xperia devices around the world. My device got the Oreo 8.0.0 update a few hours back and was amazed to see that the battery backup is improved. The update is around 1.2GB in size and bumps the device build number to 34.4.A.0.364. The device not only comes with the Oreo goodies but also brings the January security patch for the device.

Sony Xperia X Oreo update

The update is also available for the X compact smartphone starting today. The new software update looks as same as the Nougat 7.1.1 version but there are several changes in the system. The new update comes with the update settings menu, picture-in-picture mode, over 60 new emojis, signal reception, and many other changes and improvements as well.

The update is available OTA for the Xperia X (I am having the F5122 variant) and if you haven’t yet received the update notification, you can check for an update by navigating to settings>>about>>software update.

The camera app looks the same as the previous one but has some added features like Predictive Capture and the device now also has the Reworked app shortcuts and improved sound quality. Another thing I noticed is that the phone now charges faster compared to the Nougat version. The Oreo update was previously rolled out to the other Xperia devices as well including the Xperia XZ, Xperia XZs and X Performance smartphones.

The Sony Xperia X was announced in 2016 with a 5-inch Triluminous display with full-HD resolution and is powered by a 1.8 MHz hexacore Snapdragon 650 processor with 3GB of RAM and 32GB/ 64GB of internal storage options with both having expandable storage via MicroSD card slots with up to 200 GB. It now runs on the Android Oreo 8.0.0 OS and it supports Hybrid Dual-SIMs.

It is backed up by a 2620 mAh battery and features a 23-megapixel rear camera that comes with 1/2.3” Exmor RS for mobile sensor, Predictive Hybrid AF, Quick launch, 5x Clear Image Zoom, 24mm Wide Angle G Lens and F2.0 aperture.

It has a 13-megapixel front-facing camera with 1/3” Exmor RS for mobile sensor, Quick launch, 22mm Wide Angle Lens and F2.0 aperture. Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, NFC, WiFi. It measures 143 mm x 69 mm x 7.7 mm.

If there is one aspect that can not be reproached to Sony, with few exceptions, is the support offered to its terminals at the software level. The Japanese, unlike many other manufacturers, pampers most of the smartphones that make up its catalogue during most of its useful life, releasing frequent and prolonged updates, and most importantly: without neglecting the models more humble of his Xperia line.

Xperia Android updates

Today, the Japanese firm has decided to make public its new update policies, which makes very clear their plans regarding which devices will receive updates for at least two years, and which, probably, will be abandoned in old versions ahead of time. Sony has recently updated its smartphone update policy with providing 2 years of updates to following devices: Xperia XA1, Xperia XA1 Ultra, Xperia L1, Xperia XA1 Plus, Xperia XA2, Xperia XA2 Ultra, Xperia L2, Xperia X Performance, Xperia X, Xperia X Compact, Xperia XZ, Xperia XZ Premium, Xperia XZs, Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact.

According to Xperia Blog, Sony points out in its new policies that it intends to offer the best possible user experience, and therefore it is committed to providing system updates for a minimum of two years to its customers. most premium terminals. Although names are not given, there is no doubt that this segment is formed by the terminals of the XZ line.

Although two years may not seem like a very long period it is not-, we must not forget that few firms maintain support for their terminals during this period, and only the latest Google Pixels exceed it, since They are the only Android with guaranteed updates for a minimum of three years. But things change if we go down a step in the catalogue of Sony products.

Sony does not want to miss the opportunity to reveal their intentions in terms of security. The firm says that keeping the privacy of its customers safe is its main concern, and that’s why it ensures that it sticks to Google’s planning concerning Android security patches, released every month to correct vulnerabilities. Again, yes, the leading terminals will be assured of this type of update, while the rest will depend on the seriousness of the matter. Finally, Sony has confirmed which of its current terminals will receive the security patch focused on filling the Meltdown and Specter gaps.

The Japanese, maintaining the premise of providing a pleasant experience, point out that fewer top terminals will only receive updates if “their exacting standards” are met, and if “the hardware is capable of offering a stable user experience”.

Or what is the same: while the most expensive phones of the Xperia range have system updates insured for a minimum of two years since its launch, those cheaper, belonging to the intermediate ranges of the company’s catalogue, will only do so if there are no hardware limitations, or possible compatibility or stability problems that may appear during the tests that are carried out in the development process of each new version. So, in case Sony decides that a terminal is not ready to leap a new version of Android, will be anchored in the current edition.