After Pixel 3 XL and Pixel, Now Xiaomi Mi 8 SE Appeared on Geekbench Running Android Q

Shortly after the Pixel 3 XL and Pixel devices were spotted on Geekbench running Android Q, the mid-range Xiaomi Mi 8 SE has also been spotted running the same firmware update on the benchmarking portal

Mohammed Omer

Published On: Nov 27, 2018 | Last Updated: Nov 27, 2018

The Xiaomi Mi 8 SE is the company’s first-ever smartphone to feature a Snapdragon 710. The last time the smartphone was reported in alongside an OS update, the device was spotted at Geekbench running Android 9 Pie. However, the handset might be getting earmarked to receive Google’s next software update, which we know now as Android Q.

The official name of this release has yet to be disclosed, with the technology giant expected to showcase some of its features in 2019. The good news is that Xiaomi will not be ignoring the smartphone when it comes to firmware upgrades, and disappointingly, it is a practice of several phone manufacturers.

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Xiaomi Mi 8 SE Could Get Android Q in Q4 2019

A few days after the Pixel and Pixel 3 XL (review) were spotted running Android Q on Geekbench, the Mi 8 SE is seen running the same update, at the same place. If you recall, the Chinese-branded smartphone was launched alongside the company’s first flagship, the Mi 8 and came with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 710 for an affordable price. The model that has allegedly been spotted on the benchmarking portal features 6GB of RAM, with the SoC featuring a total of eight cores.

The single-core and multi-core test results also reveal the performance threshold of the Snapdragon 710, with Qualcomm having positioned it a tier below the Snapdragon 845. However, just because the Xiaomi Mi 8 SE was spotted running Android Q does not mean the device will be updated anytime soon. The mid-ranger still has to receive Android 9 Pie, and Xiaomi has said that a lot of its phones will get it before the end of the year.

As for when we should expect the latest iteration of Google’s mobile OS, the latter will be holding its annual I/O 2019 event in May, followed by a release of the software sometime in August. Of course, the second and third-generation Pixel series are going to be updated to Android Q, after which manufacturers will start releasing their firmware via OTA down the road.

For now, we’ll have to wait for Android 9 Pie to arrive for the Mi 8 SE officially. Maybe then we should patiently await the arrival of Android Q. If you are in a hurry to try out the update, Google might release a developer preview by the end of Q1 2019. However, you should be warned that since it is not going to be the final version, notable bugs and other problems will be a part of the experience once you install it.

Android Q Expected Features

While Google has not outlined Android Q features, previously covered news reveals that the company will provide support for unique form factors. For instance, Android Q will get native support for foldable smartphones, a split-screen mode, and enhanced treble support. While this is all we know so far, more features will be brought in the spotlight as Google gears up for its I/O 2019 event.

After you’re done reading the latest news, you can check out our Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL video showing their first look and the contents that come with the box’s packaging. If you want the best stock Android experience paired with an impressive camera, you can purchase the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL.