The Sony Xperia X now trumps the LG V20 by virtue of being the first non-Google smartphone that will receive the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update. After all, the LG V20 held the distinction of being the first non-Google smartphone to come with Android 7.0 Nougat right out of the box, and since then, it has not picked up the latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat update, unlike Sony’s efforts with the Xperia X.

This is certainly a pleasant surprise and a very nice way to kick off the year with a bang, to say the least. After all, Sony did announce earlier in November last year that their flagship Xperia X smartphone would be the latest handset that will play nice with Android 7.1.1 Nougat. Android 7.1.1 Nougat delivers Google’s “Concept” build of Android, placing it on par with the likes of other Nexus and Pixel devices from Google’s stable.

To be more exact, this latest release is specifically known as Android 7.1.1 Nougat MR1, and it is touted to come with build number 38.3.A.0.41. There are obviously new features that come with this update, including the restart button’s presence the power button is held down -- just like what is depicted with the Pixel from Google. Those who are impatient will also definitely appreciate the speedier startup time for the camera app, allowing you to capture precious memories in an instant, and the December 1, 2016 security patch that will obviously make life better and safer for the end user.

Oh yes, how can we not forget that Sony has also thrown in PlayStation 4 PS4 Remote Play functionality with this particular release. Do take note that Android 7.1.1 Nougat has not started to roll out to all of the other users of the Sony Xperia X just yet, since it will arrive as an update to the official software. For folks living across the pond, the Play Store will carry the Concept Installer for the Xperia X, and if you go ahead it with, it will place you on the “Experimental” release track.

One of the advantages of owning a Google device such as the Pixel and Pixel XL would be the ability to receive the latest operating system updates before other manufacturers roll theirs out. However, there is a price to pay in certain situations, such as selected Pixel and Pixel XL devices, including the older Nexus 6P handsets from Huawei that have installed the latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat update and experienced unexpected shutdowns even though the battery level itself is still more than adequate to last for a few more hours. So far, there has been no reports of any Xperia X shutting down unexpectedly after installing the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update, which is a good sign -- for now. For those who prefer to err on the side of caution, you might want to wait for a few more days and see whether the situation remains calm with nothing out of the ordinary reported before you make the jump to Android 7.1.1 Nougat on the Xperia X yourself.