Xiaomi is rolling out MIUI 9.5 to these 33 devices
What's the story
Xiaomi has announced it would be soon rolling out its latest MIUI 9.5 -the next version of Android-based firmware MIUI- to as many as 33 devices.
The Android 7.0 Nougat-based MIUI 9.5 Global Stable ROM update will be released gradually via over-the-air (OTA) method in three phases, starting from the last week of March.
Here's a complete list of the eligible smartphones.
Announcement
Xiaomi had earlier announced the launch of MIUI 9.0
Earlier in 2018, Xiaomi had said that they would be releasing the MIUI 9.0 version of the company's customized Android interface for as many as 40 devices, ranging from entry-level smartphones like Redmi 2A to flagship devices like Mi Mix 2.
However, Xiaomi soon came out with the announcement of MIUI 9.5 update, which would be available on 30+ phones by April-end.
Nougat-based versions
Both MIUI 9.0 and 9.5 based on Android Nougat
Xiaomi's MIUI 9.0 and MIUI 9.5 are both based on Android Nougat.
As Google gears up for the official launch of its next major OS update, Android P, Xiaomi will still be rolling out Android Nougat-based MIUI to its smartphones while many of its users are eagerly waiting for Android 8.0 Oreo.
Xiaomi takes more time to release updates as MIUI is "heavily customized".
Features
So, what's new in the MIUI 9.5 update?
One of the key features of the MIUI 9.5 update is the new "Notification Shade" with "Quick Reply" feature, which allows users to directly reply to the received messages from the notification panel without opening the Messages app.
A MIUI Forum post highlights that other features include App Vault, Optimized Mi Mover, New Mi Browser, and Full Display Gestures, among others.
Batch - 1
Xiaomi to release update to these devices in March
The first batch comprising of ten Xiaomi phones, will be updated in the last week of March.
The list includes the Redmi Note 3 Special Edition, Note 3 variant with Qualcomm SoC, Note 4, Note 4X, and Note 4 MTK (MediaTek SoC model).
Redmi 3S, Redmi 4A, and Redmi 4 Prime along with Mi Max and Mi Max Prime will also receive MIUI 9.5.
Batch - 2
These devices would get MIUI 9.5 update in early April
The second batch of Xiaomi smartphones that would receive the MIUI 9.5 update in early April comprises of thirteen devices.
Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A, Note 5, Note 5A, Note 5A Prime, Redmi 5 and 5 Plus, Redmi Y1 and Y1 Lite will be updated to the latest version.
Mi Max 2, Mi 5, Mi 6, and Mi Mix 2 are also on the list.
Batch - 3
Which Xiaomi devices would receive the update in mid-April?
In the third and final phase, another ten Xiaomi smartphones will be receiving the latest MIUI update via OTA method.
Among these devices are Mi Note 2, Mi Note 3, Mi 3, and Mi 4 smartphones.
Mi Mix, Mi 5S, and Mi 5S Plus are also on the list. Redmi Note 2, Redmi 4 and Redmi 4 handsets will also receive the update.
Release dates
Release dates can change, says Xiaomi
Xiaomi said, "Release dates are only estimated time and might be changed due to various reasons."
The dates may be postponed in case of bug; users need not worry if they don't receive MIUI 9.5 update in the specified period.
However, the best part is that Xiaomi is updating several older devices, released two or three years ago, unlike many other smartphone makers.