Update (1/06/20 @ 11:20 ET): After seemingly dropping plans to update the ZenFone 4 to Android Pie, ASUS surprisingly rolls out another beta.
Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer Asus launched the ZenFone 4 back in late 2017, running Android Nougat out of the box. The device was then updated to Android Oreo shortly thereafter. Earlier this year, to the joy of ZenFone 4 owners worldwide, the company rolled out an Android Pie beta update for the device. However, the joy was shortlived, as Asus has now officially dropped plans for the Android Pie update.
As reported by Android Police, the Asus ZenFone 4 won't be getting an official Android Pie update after all. In a recent post on the company's ZenTalk forums, the company has revealed that in order to "preserve the system performance and stability of ZenFone 4(ZE554KL), ASUS does not have plans to further upgrade Android 9 (Pie), but will continue to maintain in Android Oreo."
Asus further noted that users could still install the last Android Pie beta release on their devices, however, the company would not support the release with routine updates. This news was met with strong criticism from the community, with users vouching to never buy another smartphone from the company.
The ZenFone 4 is the mid-range option in the company's lineup for 2017. It features Qualcomm's Snapdragon 630 Soc, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a 5.5-inch FHD display. The device has two cameras on the back (12MP + 8MP wide-angle), and an 8MP selfie shooter. The device is backed by a 3,300mAh battery. The device was launched alongside the ZenFone 4 Pro and the ZenFone 4 Max. As of now, we have no information on the company's plans to release updates for the other two devices.
Source: Asus | Via: Android Police
Update: Surprise Beta
After originally dropping plans to send a stable Android Pie update to the ZenFone 4, ASUS seems to have reversed its plans as they rolled out a surprise second Android Pie beta. The changelog is very short, but this was an unexpected update. It does fix an issue that some people had with random noise on phone calls and notification sounds. Download from the support site below.
Build number: WW-16.0620.1910.19
- Update Google security patch
- Fixed random audio noise issue on phone call and notification sound