Can I Upgrade Android on my ZTE Imperial?

[Android Question]

I have a ZTE Imperial phone, model # N9101, on a US Cellular plan. Right now Android 4.1.2 is the OS on the phone. Is it possible to update so I can keep current with the latest version of Android? Tech support at US Cellular said "no," but I am not ready to accept that yet.

I'm a long-time Mac user, and I'm used to being able to download the lastest OS or iOS version as soon as it becomes available. Do things not work that way in the world of Android?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[bkttk2]

I have a ZTE Imperial phone, model # N9101, on a US Cellular plan. Right now Android 4.1.2 is the OS on the phone. Is it possible to update so I can keep current with the latest version of Android? Tech support at US Cellular said "no," but I am not ready to accept that yet.

I'm a long-time Mac user, and I'm used to being able to download the lastest OS or iOS version as soon as it becomes available. Do things not work that way in the world of Android?

Thanks,
Steve

Most providers do not push out updates as soon as they are available and depending on both the phone and provider you have you may never see an update.

Other option you have it to look into alternative ROMs (OS) developed by other users. However, you will need to be rooted for this. Here is a link to the forum for your phone model but there is not much information available at the moment.

ZTE Imperial - Android Forums

So to sum up the answer. You will most likely have to root your phone to obtain newer features. Be advised that rooting will void your warranty.