Samsung kicks Android Oreo updates into high gear with 8.1 promotion for Galaxy Xcover 4
Screenshot 2018-09-11 22.32.02.jpg

It seems like we may have to revise Samsung’s mediocre rating received in our in-depth look at the state of Android Oreo updates last month, as another mid-range Galaxy device is reportedly leaving outdated Nougat software goodies behind as we speak in a handful of Asian countries.

This one was not even particularly successful back in its heyday, debuting with a rugged design, 5-inch 720p screen, and 2,800 mAh battery around a year and a half ago. Unfortunately for US-based fans of strong, affordable handsets like the Galaxy Xcover 4, this never made its way stateside, although it did see daylight in select European markets.

Those may still have to wait a little while longer for the global expansion of the so far limited Android 8.1 update. Yup, you read that right, the Xcover 4 is jumping straight from 7.0 Nougat to OS version 8.1, ironically running a newer Android iteration than the Galaxy S9, S9+, and Galaxy Note 8.

The same happened for the similarly modest Galaxy J5 (2017) just a couple of weeks back, making us wonder if this might become the norm for other Samsung mid-rangers not yet upgraded to Oreo.

Then again, you probably shouldn’t expect the Samsung Galaxy Xcover 4 to ever score official Android 9 Pie enhancements. This is most likely the end of the road for the rugged 5-incher in terms of major OS promotions, although we can’t help but wonder whether a Galaxy Xcover 5 might still be on the way. Never say never, right?