Essential today released the first beta build of Android 8.0 Oreo for the Essential Phone. The Essential Phone runs on a stock build of Android and the Oreo experience on the device is not going to be any different.
Being the first Oreo beta release for the device, its likely that the build will contain some bugs and stability issues. Nonetheless, if you own an Essential Phone and cannot wait for to get a taste of Oreo on your device, you can go ahead and flash the beta Oreo build on your PH-1. Flashing the Oreo factory image will not wipe your PH-1 but remember that if you want to downgrade back to Nougat, you will have to wipe your device clean. To help make the downgrade process smoother, Essential has also uploaded the Nougat factory images for the PH-1.
We're excited to announce that Oreo beta is now available on Essential Phone. Get the details and sign up here: https://t.co/oonhRC1b16 pic.twitter.com/dLjKMZMQ9m
— Essential (@essential) November 14, 2017
Essential notes that some users might notice an increase in battery drain with Bluetooth enabled and Android Auto compatibility issue with some vehicles. The release note does not mention any other bug so if you come across any, make sure to report it to the company. With the Oreo beta program underway, Essential Phone owners should expect the final build of Android 8.0 to land on their device by the end of this year.
Essential is not the only company releasing a beta build of Oreo for advanced users. Samsung, OnePlus, and Nokia have a similar beta program for their flagship devices where they allow advanced users to try out a beta build of Oreo on their device before publicly rolling it out.
