Ask almost anyone about their Android smartphone and you will get one common complaint. Where are the updates for the new Android version? Most times these complaints get met with crickets. This is not an ASUS ZenFone problem, it’s simply an Android problem. For now, let’s forget about what we don’t have and focus on what we have. And what we have here is an Android update for a year-old ZenFone series.
ASUS has just now started to roll out an Android 9.0 Pie software update to the ZenFone 5Q which in some parts of the world is known as the ZenFone 5 Lite or ZenFone 5 Selfie Pro. Got all that? One phone, three different names.
Not familiar with this ZenFone 5Q/Lite/Selfie Pro release? Think of it as a slightly lesser spec model of the ZenFone 5Z that flips the camera script by offering a better selfie camera than rear camera. Oh, it also goes without that trendy ZenFone 5Z notch. Sure you get chin and forehead on the ZenFone 5Q/Lite/Selfie Pro but you might appreciate some neutral areas to hold your phone as a change of pace.
The reason we’re mentioning some of the features of the ZenFone 5Q/Lite/Selfie Pro is because you’re going to find it in a lot of countries at a deep discount. You can find it for $299 USD or $449 CAD and expect it cheaper than that in the coming weeks. It’s a very solid mobile phone and would be good for members of your family who aren’t quite ready for a flagship level device. The fact you have a new Android version available means this phone has a bit more staying power and you won’t be feeling too outdated.
One note here about this Android 9.0 Pie update for the ZenFone 5Q. A lot of the quirks and bugs may have gotten worked out in the ZenFone 5Z Android 9.0 Pie update. The ZenUI is what has to incorporate with Android 9.0 and both the ZenFone 5Z and 5Q share that commonality. Expect there to be fewer issues and bugs on this rollout to the ZenFone 5Q.
Here are some of the more noteworthy Android 9.0 Pie features:
- Adaptive Battery
- Easier Screen Rotation
- Easier Text Selection
- Gesture Navigation
- Improved Volume Controls
ASUS has done their best on updating phones as per their promises. With releasing fewer ZenFone models, expect even better and faster Android updates. ASUS with their ZenFone 6 launch has promised three future Android updates and it seems clear they will make good on these promises. Certainly most Android updates border on being overrated but ASUS must give the people what they want in order to gain some market share in the ultra-competitive smartphone market.
Update: Zenfone 5Q/Zenfone 5 Lite/Zenfone 5 Selfie Pro (ZC600KL)_WW/RU_16.0610.1905.79
[source: ASUS]
