Brought to our attention this afternoon, a beta for Oreo is now available for download to the Essential Phone, but you’ll need a bit of ADB experience if you intend on flashing it.
Listed as OPM1.170911.130, this is the first beta for the Oreo update, so you can expect some bugs. Currently, Essential lists that flashers may experience:
- Increased battery drain with bluetooth enabled
- Android Auto compatibility issues with some vehicles
On Essential’s website, they provide a complete list of instructions for how to download, sideload, and flash the update. They also specifically state that you won’t need to wipe your data, so that’s a plus. If you want to give this beta a try, we also have complete instructions on ADB sideloading here.
Essential is not messing around with the updates, folks.
Cheers Apollo!
Good job Essential! Hopped on the 8.1 beta with my OG Pixel. Seems to be much better than 8.0 “stable” (go figure!).
They barely have Nougat working correctly. My Essential froze like a SOB yesterday just sending a text. I’m not going to take a chance on Oreo Beta but thanks for the notice.
Tried Lineage OS yet?
Funny, I haven’t had a single issue with my phone. Short of the camera not being on par with other devices, I have nothing to bitch about. In fact my 7 hours of sot is by far the best I have ever had from any stock Android device. Maybe you better get a Samsung?
I have been enjoying this phone too…I think you’ve nailed the comment… camera is average overall, in good light, very good…extremely good battery life, good user experience..price point is right now… picked up a couple at $300 with the code…the whole family likes the phone. 🙂
I have had no issues with mine, it’s been solid. I have no jag, no freezes, no stutter. “Camera-gate” seems to be over-blown anymore; the updates have made the issue moot. While not the BEST camera it certainly works well for me and my needs (family pix, newborn pix, etc.). I purchased the 360 camera as well and no issues there either.
You should try the Oreo beta. It’s improved responsiveness, performance, and speed significantly for me. I didn’t enjoy using the phone until I installed the beta.
I wish LG would hurry up with their Oreo beta. Everyone else seems to be getting one.