The Nokia 9 PureView might be HMD Global's flagship smartphone, but it has now been confirmed that it won't be receiving the long-awaited Android 11 update due to incompatibility issues between the camera and the software. The Android One smartphone was originally released in early 2019 with a penta-camera setup on the back. The phone launched with Android 9 Pie out of the box and came with a promise of at least two OS upgrades.
According to Google, Android One phones will receive at least two years of OS upgrades and at least three years of monthly security updates. While a number of manufacturers that signed up for the Android One program have since left, the few remaining ones, including HMD Global, appear to be finding it difficult to actually update their smartphones in time, or even at all.
The Android 11 update was supposed to arrive in the second quarter of this year, according to an update rollout roadmap released back in October 2020. However, that didn't happen. In May of 2021, another update schedule was released with the suggestion that the Android 11 update would arrive for the Nokia 9 PureView some time in Q3 2021. The latest info from the manufacturer is that the OS upgrade won't be coming to the device at all. Apparently, the reason is down to “incompatibilities between the camera and the software that would have led to a compromised experience.” The official statement added that the phone will still continue to receive security updates.
Nokia's Android 11 Solution Is Another Phone
For those who want Android 11, Nokia 9 PureView owners are being offered the option to change to a Nokia XR20 and only pay 50% of the cost. The Nokia XR20 is a rugged 5G smartphone, powered by the Snapdragon 480 SoC, and priced at $549.99 in the U.S. For that cost, buyers also get 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Other notable features include 48-megapixel and 13-megapixel rear cameras, Gorilla Glass Victus protection, and a 4,630 mAh capacity battery that supports 18W wired and 15W wireless charging. The phone, which has an IP68 water-resistance rating, runs Android 11 out of the box with a promise of three OS upgrades (up to Android 14) and four years of security updates.
At $275, it is a pretty good deal, but considering HMD Global's struggle with updating the software of its devices, it may not be tempting enough for some to invest again in another Nokia smartphone. For those that are considering making the smartphone switch, Nokia 9 PureView owners are required to submit their IMEI number and email address before they can claim the discount.
Source: Nokia