The ZenFone Max M2, a budget-friendly smartphone from Asus, was launched in 2018 with Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box. Since then, many users have been eagerly waiting for the Android 10 update. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Android 10 update for the ZenFone Max M2, its availability, and what you can expect from the new operating system.
Android 10: A Brief Overview
Android 10, also known as Android Q, is the tenth major release of the Android operating system. It was officially announced on September 3, 2019, and brings several new features, improvements, and security enhancements. Some of the key features of Android 10 include:
- Dark Theme: A system-wide dark theme that can be enabled to reduce eye strain and conserve battery life.
- Gesture Navigation: A new gesture-based navigation system that replaces the traditional back, home, and recent apps buttons.
- Privacy and Security: Enhanced privacy and security features, including improved location permissions and a new privacy settings menu.
- Performance and Battery Life: Improved performance and battery life, thanks to the new Android 10 operating system.
Is Android 10 Available for ZenFone Max M2?
Unfortunately, the ZenFone Max M2 is not eligible for the official Android 10 update. Asus has confirmed that the device will not receive the Android 10 update, and it will remain on Android 8.1 Oreo.
However, there is some good news for ZenFone Max M2 users. Asus has released a beta version of Android 10 for the device, which can be installed manually. The beta version is not stable and may contain bugs, but it gives users a taste of the new operating system.
How to Install Android 10 Beta on ZenFone Max M2
Installing the Android 10 beta on the ZenFone Max M2 requires some technical expertise and caution. Here are the steps to follow:
- Backup your data: Before installing the Android 10 beta, make sure to backup your important data, including contacts, photos, and messages.
- Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About phone > Software information and tap on the Build number seven times to enable Developer Options.
- Enable USB Debugging: Go to Settings > Developer Options and enable USB Debugging.
- Download the Android 10 beta firmware: Download the Android 10 beta firmware for the ZenFone Max M2 from the Asus website.
- Flash the firmware: Use a tool like ADB or Fastboot to flash the firmware on your device.
Important Notes
- Installing the Android 10 beta on the ZenFone Max M2 will void your warranty.
- The beta version is not stable and may contain bugs.
- You may need to perform a factory reset after installing the beta version.
Alternative Options
If you’re not comfortable installing the Android 10 beta on your ZenFone Max M2, there are alternative options available. You can consider installing a custom ROM that is based on Android 10. Custom ROMs are third-party firmware that can be installed on your device, and they often provide the latest Android version.
Some popular custom ROMs for the ZenFone Max M2 include:
- LineageOS: A popular custom ROM that is based on Android 10.
- Resurrection Remix: A custom ROM that is based on Android 10 and offers a range of customization options.
How to Install a Custom ROM on ZenFone Max M2
Installing a custom ROM on the ZenFone Max M2 requires some technical expertise and caution. Here are the steps to follow:
- Backup your data: Before installing a custom ROM, make sure to backup your important data, including contacts, photos, and messages.
- Unlock your bootloader: Unlock your bootloader using a tool like ADB or Fastboot.
- Install a custom recovery: Install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM.
- Download the custom ROM: Download the custom ROM that you want to install.
- Flash the custom ROM: Use the custom recovery to flash the custom ROM on your device.
Important Notes
- Installing a custom ROM on the ZenFone Max M2 will void your warranty.
- Custom ROMs may not be stable and may contain bugs.
- You may need to perform a factory reset after installing a custom ROM.
Conclusion
The ZenFone Max M2 is not eligible for the official Android 10 update, but users can install the Android 10 beta or a custom ROM to experience the new operating system. However, installing the beta version or a custom ROM requires some technical expertise and caution, and it may void your warranty. Before making any decisions, make sure to backup your data and understand the risks involved.
In conclusion, while the ZenFone Max M2 may not receive the official Android 10 update, there are alternative options available for users who want to experience the new operating system.
Is Android 10 available for ZenFone Max M2?
Unfortunately, the Asus ZenFone Max M2 did not receive an official Android 10 update. Asus announced the list of devices that would receive the Android 10 update, and the ZenFone Max M2 was not included in that list. However, some custom ROMs may be available that can provide an Android 10 experience on the device.
It’s essential to note that installing a custom ROM can be a complex process and may void the device’s warranty. Additionally, custom ROMs may not provide the same level of stability and security as the official Android 10 update. Users should carefully weigh the risks and benefits before attempting to install a custom ROM on their device.
What is the latest Android version available for ZenFone Max M2?
The latest Android version available for the Asus ZenFone Max M2 is Android 9.0 (Pie). Asus released the Android 9.0 update for the device in 2019, which brought several new features and improvements to the device. However, the device did not receive any further major Android updates beyond Android 9.0.
Although the device did not receive Android 10, Asus continued to release security patches and minor updates for the device. Users can check for updates in the device’s settings menu to ensure they have the latest security patches and software updates installed.
Can I install Android 10 on ZenFone Max M2 using a custom ROM?
Yes, it is possible to install Android 10 on the Asus ZenFone Max M2 using a custom ROM. Several custom ROMs, such as LineageOS and Pixel Experience, offer Android 10 support for the device. However, installing a custom ROM requires technical expertise and can be a complex process.
Before attempting to install a custom ROM, users should ensure they have a backup of their data and are aware of the risks involved. Installing a custom ROM can void the device’s warranty and may cause compatibility issues with certain apps or features. Users should carefully follow the instructions provided by the custom ROM developer and take necessary precautions to avoid any issues.
What are the risks of installing a custom ROM on ZenFone Max M2?
Installing a custom ROM on the Asus ZenFone Max M2 can pose several risks, including the potential to void the device’s warranty. Additionally, custom ROMs may not provide the same level of stability and security as the official Android 10 update. Users may also experience compatibility issues with certain apps or features.
Furthermore, installing a custom ROM can also cause data loss or corruption. Users should ensure they have a backup of their data before attempting to install a custom ROM. It’s also essential to carefully follow the instructions provided by the custom ROM developer and take necessary precautions to avoid any issues.
How do I check for updates on my ZenFone Max M2?
To check for updates on the Asus ZenFone Max M2, go to the device’s settings menu and select “System” or “About phone.” Then, select “System update” or “Software update” and follow the prompts to check for updates. If an update is available, the device will download and install it automatically.
Users can also check for updates manually by going to the Asus website and searching for the latest software updates for the ZenFone Max M2. However, it’s essential to ensure that any updates are downloaded from a trusted source to avoid any potential security risks.
Will installing a custom ROM improve the performance of my ZenFone Max M2?
Installing a custom ROM on the Asus ZenFone Max M2 may potentially improve the device’s performance, depending on the specific ROM and its features. Some custom ROMs are optimized for performance and may provide faster app loading times, improved battery life, and other enhancements.
However, the performance benefits of a custom ROM can vary depending on the specific device and ROM. Users should research the custom ROM and read reviews from other users to determine whether it can improve the performance of their device. Additionally, installing a custom ROM can also introduce new bugs or issues, so users should carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks.
Can I downgrade my ZenFone Max M2 to an earlier Android version?
Downgrading the Asus ZenFone Max M2 to an earlier Android version is possible, but it’s not recommended. Downgrading can cause data loss, corruption, or other issues, and may also void the device’s warranty. Additionally, downgrading may not be possible if the device has received a major Android update, as the device’s bootloader may be locked.
If users still want to downgrade their device, they should carefully follow the instructions provided by the custom ROM developer or Asus support. However, it’s essential to note that downgrading may not be possible or recommended, and users should carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits before attempting to do so.