Android Pie has just launched for the Google Pixel/Pixel 2, with Essential following up with their own Android 9 release shortly after. The reason Essential could pull that off was because they are a part of the Android Pie beta testing program that a number of OEMs such as OnePlus and HMD Global are also a part of. The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S is one of the devices in the Android P beta program, and as such will be one of the first devices to get the update. While we’ve not heard anything from Xiaomi since May, the company has released an alpha build for the update in China which has since leaked online courtesy of @xiaomiui on Telegram.
Screenshots via @LTXWG in Telegram
Since the build isn’t a stable release, don’t be surprised if there are any bugs. The ROM also only comes in Mandarin and English, so hold off if you want to switch to another language. To install the Android 9 release on the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, you’ll need to sideload the full OTA zip of Android Pie linked below. You shouldn’t need to wipe your Mi Mix 2S if coming from an earlier China ROM, but it’s always a good idea to make a data backup regardless. If you choose to install it, you can go to Settings, About phone, Updates and browse for the zip file by tapping “Choose update package.” XDA Senior Member Saiger has confirmed that they were able to install this leaked Android Pie build on the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S over their existing MIUI 8.8.3 China ROM.
Android Pie brings a number of new features to the table, including gesture navigation with a new recent app switcher, updated Material Design theming, Digital Wellbeing, and more. Although Digital Wellbeing isn’t available on non-Google Pixel devices, you can try installing a Magisk Module to enable the feature. If you install this leaked Android Pie release on your Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, let us know how it is in the comments below!
Download Android Pie alpha build for the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S