Android 5.1 Lollipop Update Release Date for Sony Xperia Z2, Z3 and HTC One M8, M7

By Richard Waelty
Android 5.0 Lollipop
Android 5.0 Lollipop

An Android 5.1 Lollipop update for the Sony Xperia and HTC One series devices have yet to materialize. Oddly, the unlocked Google Play Edition for the HTC One M7 is receiving the Android 5.1 Lollipop over-the-air. This is the only HTC One device to be getting the update. We will examine the current Android update situation for the Sony Xperia Z3, Z2; HTC One M7, M8.

Xperia Z3 Lollipop Video Leaks, Android 5.1 for Xperia Z2 Still Missing

A recent video on YouTube apparently shows a user operating the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop on an Xperia Z3 device. The footage appears to have originated from Chilean wireless service provider Wayerless.

Sony has not confirmed an exact release date for the Android 5.1 Lollipop on Xperia Z3. Even so, there are signs suggesting that Sony is working to integrate Android 5.1 Lollipop to its flagship devices.

In April, Phone Arena reported that Sony was certifying Android 5.1 Lollipop on the Sony Xperia Z3 and Z3 compact. For now, the Japanese tech giant has not given a formal statement that can confirm the validity of this report.  

Currently, both the Xperia Z3 and Z2 run on Android 5.0.2. Admittedly, Sony was amongst the last of the major device makers to roll out the first generation Android Lollipop. Hence, consumers will need to exercise a degree of patience.

HTC One M7, M8 Update

So far, the only HTC device to be getting Android 5.1 is the One M7. Albeit, this is the unlocked version sold on Google Play. The One M8 Google Play Edition is expected to be getting Android 5.1 Lollipop very soon. Other than those devices, all other HTC phones will still be on the original Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Unlike Sony, HTC is skipping forward with the Android 5.1 Lollipop. The operating system is definitely coming to the HTC One M8 and M7. There is no official announcement from HTC's U.S. office at this time.

However, a tweet from HTC UK suggests that Android 5.1 Lollipop will at least be coming to the HTC M8 this August. It is unclear when the older M7 model is getting the Android 5.1 Lollipop. Even the rumor mill is silent.

Android 5.1 reportedly addresses bugs associated with Android 5.0. These include battery drain, forced reboot, and freezing apps issues. It also adds many new features alongside those of Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. These include refinements to the quick settings, screen PIN, and device security. In addition, HD Voice and Dual SIM support has been improved.

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