Moto G5S Plus to skip Android 8.0 in favor of Android 8.1, coming next month? (Updated)

Update (3:47 p.m. CT): It looks like Motorola has taken down the Android 8.1 Oreo release notes for the Moto G5S Plus update. We’re assuming the update will still arrive in June, though we can’t be certain for now. We will update this story as we learn more.

Original article (2:09 a.m. CT): Lenovo has revealed that the Moto G5S Plus will be updated to Android 8.1, skipping the 8.0 update in the process. The Chinese brand delivered news of the update via its support portal (thanks to Android Authority reader David for spotting this), adding that the update also includes the June 2018 security update.

Don’t hold your breath for a rollout in the next couple of days, though, as the security update needs to include Android patches up until June 1. It’s reasonable to expect the update will also launch sometime in June.

The move is noteworthy because the newly revealed Moto G6 phones are launching with Android 8.0, giving the older phone a newer version of Android. Here’s hoping the newer phones skip Android 8.1 and get Android P, especially since Lenovo is reportedly only promising one “major” update for the new handsets.

A welcome surprise for a great phone

Android 8.1 brings several new features to the table, including better data-saving and endurance-related features, battery level indicators for your Bluetooth devices, and more emoji characters.

The update stands to make a quality phone even better. In our Moto G5S Plus review, David Imel called it a “fantastic alternative” to flagship phones. He praised the UI, Moto Actions and battery life, but criticized the cameras and lack of USB Type C.

“The Moto G5S Plus might not be the most premium device in the world, but it is a pretty damn good phone. For the price, it’s hard to ask for much more,” our reviewer concluded.