An early Android Pie beta leaks online for the Xiaomi Mi A2

Xiaomi’s Mi A series of smartphones are some of their most popular among Android enthusiasts online, and that’s because of their software. The Xiaomi Mi A2 is the company’s second Android One device, which means that instead of running MIUI like pretty much every other Xiaomi device out there, it has a pure, no-frills stock Android experience. There’s basically no Xiaomi customization whatsoever apart from the camera app (which is actually pretty decent). The device launched with stock Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box. But now, it seems that an Android Pie update is nearing release as the first beta release has been spotted online.

The Xiaomi Mi A2’s Android Pie beta has surfaced on our forums and was brought to our attention by XDA Member Whyle. The Android Pie beta for the Xiaomi Mi A2 is complete with features such as Adaptive Battery, as well as renewed filled-in navigation buttons, with navigation gestures also available as an alternative. As for what to expect here, it is pretty much stock Android 9 Pie, so if you’ve already played around with an Android Pie ROM in the past, then you’ll feel right at home.

Android 9 Pie on the Xiaomi Mi A2. Credits: XDA Member Whyle

The ROM is official, but since it’s a beta release be prepared to face any bugs should they arise. You can download the ROM by visiting the forum thread below and following the instructions. Be warned that since it isn’t reaching your device via an OTA rollout, you’ll have to be comfortable with either TWRP or fastboot commands to flash this update (which means you need an unlocked bootloader). If TWRP doesn’t work for you, then you’ll have to manually flash each partition via fastboot. Fortunately, XDA forum members have already put together a tutorial on how to do just that. If you prefer to wait until an official rollout arrives, then this beta or a newer version should roll out shortly through official update channels, with a stable release following it afterward.

If you get the chance to try it out, be sure to let us know in the comments what you think.

Download Android Pie beta for the Xiaomi Mi A2