[Update 2: New Roadmap] HMD Global reveals Android 10 update roadmap for its Nokia smartphones, teases cheap 5G phone for 2020

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Update 03/11/20 @ 2:35 PM ET: HMD Global has shared a new Android 10 update roadmap for its Nokia smartphones. Update 09/27/2019 @ 2:55 AM ET: HMD Global has revealed their update plans for Android Go devices in their portfolio. Scroll to the bottom for updates. The original article as published on August 22, 2019, is preserved as below.

The latest version of Android, formerly known as Android Q, will be called Android 10 as part of Google’s newest efforts to give Android a fresher look. That’s it, no fluff, no dessert name—just Android 10. And while this may make sense from a business perspective, it is still not sitting well with Android enthusiasts. Nonetheless, Google made the announcement in anticipation of the OS’ stable release, which should now come sooner than later, and with it, some companies have started detailing their plans for rolling out the new OS to Android users. One of these companies is HMD Global, which has outlined their Android 10 update roadmap for their Nokia device lineup.

The good news is that the update will be rolling out across several device ranges, from flagship devices all the way down to Android Go edition phones. Users from all ranges will be able to enjoy the update. The bad news? Some devices are being dropped this time, particularly those that launched with Android Nougat such as the Nokia 6. We’re guessing this means that the company’s update policy doesn’t allow for more than 2 major platform updates, which is a bummer—some companies like OnePlus have started giving users up to 3 major platform updates, with 2016 devices like the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T having received updates to Android Pie this year.

The rollout is set to begin as soon as Q4 2019, with the following devices receiving updates to Android 10 and Android 10 (Go edition):

After being the fastest to upgrade Nokia phones from N to O and O to P, I am super excited to share with you that the Q(ueue) for Nokia phones is moving fast as we get ready to welcome Android 10 on Nokia smartphones – roll out starts in Q4, 2019! #Nokiamobile #android10 pic.twitter.com/qXM4ZXAPBo — Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) August 22, 2019

HMD also has other, more ambitious plans for 2020, including getting 5G into the hands of more people. A 5G device from the Finnish brand is coming next year, but it will stand out from the pack by being affordable, according to Juho Sarvikas, chief product officer at HMD Global, talking to Digital Trends. Currently, 5G devices are going upwards of $1,000 at the very least, so their device, according to our expectations, should retail for around $500 or $600. It is most likely set to be a mid-range device given its price point and how 5G technologies are still plenty expensive, but at such a price point, more people will be able to get their hands on ultra-fast 5G signals.

What do you think about HMD’s latest plans for next year? Let us know down in the comments.

5G Source: Digital Trends

Update: Android 10 update roadmap for Android Go devices

HMD Global has now shared its update roadmap for Android 10 Go edition.

Android 10 Go Edition will first arrive on the Nokia 1 Plus in Q1 2020, while the Nokia 2.1 and the Nokia 1 will receive it in Q2 2020. The update does appear to be arriving very late, as by Q2 2020, we already expect to see the first glimpse of Android 11, with an eventual release in Q3 2020.

Source: Juho Sarvikas

Update 2: New Roadmap

Juho Sarvikas has released a slightly updated roadmap for HMD Global’s Android 10 plans. He says the company has taken all the steps to fight COVID-19, but implies it has set their schedule back a bit. Here is the updated list:

Q1 2020

Nokia 2.2

Nokia 2.3

Nokia 6.2

Nokia 7.2

Nokia 3.2

Nokia 4.2

Nokia 8 Sirocco

Nokia 3.1 Plus

Q2 2020