To all those who say Phone 2a’s early update means fewer bugs for Phone 2, you’re mistaken. Only bugs that aren’t tied to the hardware will be fixed for all the phones (and even that isn’t necessarily true as the codebase for both the OS would be different). Hardware-specific issues, like fingerprint scanner problems, won’t be resolved until tested on Phone 2.
Justifying beta version for a mid-range device over a flagship is flawed. Imagine buying a $1000+ Samsung S24 Ultra only to find its AI features are first shipped to the cheaper S24 FE. That’s how Phone 2 owners feel. We paid more only to wait longer. I even paid for the highest end Phone 2 and still got treated like this.
As an Android developer, I test multiple apps daily. I even tested Google’s Android 15 Developer Preview back in February and yet I have to wait to try the OS that I use daily.
Other companies handle updates differently. Samsung releases betas (and stable versions) for entire series simultaneously. If you have an S24 or S24 Plus, you get the update at the same time as the Ultra. Nothing should also follow suit.
Updating each phone individually creates delays. Phone 2a’s early update means it’s likely to get the stable version first, and so on. As more devices are released, this cycle will continue, causing further delays.
Nothing’s team is also at fault here. While building AOSP from scratch takes time, updating all devices in a series simultaneously would avoid discrimination. Difference in features between devices is also a major issue.
If they can’t keep up with updates, they should hire more developers. I’ve been looking at Nothing’s careers page for months but haven’t seen relevant job openings.
And finally let’s please stop arguing. Let Phone 2a users enjoy their update, while others wait patiently.
(Note: I’m not trying to be rude towards anyone but this is just what I think about the current update situation.)
