There is nothing quite like having the latest version of a mobile operating system on your handset, but when it comes to Android, things get a little bit trickier. Some manufacturers do not seem to be too hot and bothered about releasing the latest version of Android as soon as possible, while others will need to work with mobile carriers in order to get the job done. Sony is not the fastest kid on the block to deliver Android updates to its users, but better late than never, right? It seems that the Sony Xperia XZ and Xperia X Performance will be on the receiving end of the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update pretty soon, where this particular update is said to arrive with build number 41.2.A.2.199 while being accompanied by the slew of April 1 Android Security patches. Now that should be pretty much as up-to-date as possible, right?

The Android 7.1.1 Nougat update is set to arrive with the standard slew of Android 7.1 features, and there has been no mention whatsoever of any kind of inclusions that would make these Sony smartphones stand out from the rest of the competition. If there is one particular feature that is worth mentioning, it would be this -- Android 7.1.1 Nougat’s app shortcuts have been made available for the Xperia X Performance and Xperia XZ, albeit this is achievable only via a compatible launcher as they will not function alongside the native Xperia Home launcher.

It is nice to see Sony try to keep up with the pace of new Android Nougat updates, taking into consideration how these two devices -- the Sony Xperia XZ and X Performance, happened to be among the first few devices to pick up the Android 7.0 Nougat upgrade some time in early December last year. Hence, to have Android 7.1.1 Nougat roll out to these two handsets is testament to Sony’s determination and drive that they would like to keep their flagship models up to speed where the latest mobile operating system updates and versions are concerned.

What about the Sony Z5 series? This particular series of smartphones began to pick up the Android 7.0 Nougat update only six weeks thereabouts after the Sony Xperia XZ and Xperia X Performance did. However, the roll out could be said to be a botched one, since it was stopped as there were bugs which were too serious to continue, and had to be fixed beforehand. If past history were to be an indicator of the future, then this might be a rough timetable as to when owners of the Sony Z5 series of smartphones too, will be able to get a taste of Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

It should not be long before you see an update notification appear on your Xperia XZ and/or Xperia X Performance. However, those who are impatient can always take a look at the software update page in order to perform a manual download.