Possible to flash Sailfish X on Sony XA2 H4493 with Android 8.0.0?

I have bought a Sony XA2 H4493 which is on Android 8.0.0, build number 50.1.A.11.40. This is the latest available version, i.e. there is no pending upgrade available in the system settings.

In the installation steps https://jolla.com/sailfishx-linux-instructions-xa2/ it is stated that “… Android 9 and Android 8.1 are now okay as the starting point for installing Sailfish OS 3.2.0 and later releases…”.

I am wondering whether I can flash Sailfish X over Android 8.0.0 or whether I need to first upgrade to Android 8.1. If so, how can I do it as there is no such upgrade available in the system settings?

Your XA2 Plus H4493 should have received a rolling update starting 4 months ago http://www.xperiablog.net/2020/04/22/xperia-xa2-family-gets-april-2020-security-patches-50-2-a-3-55/ and currently 50.2.A.3.55 is available upon Customised TW = Taiwan
Using Androxyde Flashtool/Xperifirm/NewFlasher it is possible for you to choose what firmware to install.

I had the same issue (also an XA2), wasn’t sure why there were no updates showing as available when I knew there were later versions of 8 than 8.0.0. Went ahead with flashing and there were no problems.

Thanks MikeB. I could successfully flash Sailfish X on my XA2.