Essential Phone is the only non-Google handset updated to Android 9 Pie today

by Florin Troaca / Aug 06, 2018, 2:08 PM

Essential Phone is the only non-Google handset updated to Android 9 Pie today

Google today released Android 9 Pie, the very latest version of the world's most popular smartphone OS. While Google said that only its Pixel devices can be updated to Android 9 Pie immediately, there's actually one more handset that's receiving the update starting today - the Essential Phone (originally launched back in August 2017 with Android 7 Nougat on board).

Essential has officially confirmed that it's already rolling out the Android 9 Pie update, so owners of its handset - the company's only mobile phone to date - should check to see if they've got any notifications regarding this.

Some of the novelties that Android 9 Pie brings include a "simpler and more approachable" user interface, Adaptive Battery, improved notifications system, enhanced privacy, and native support for notches.

Google says that, by the end of the fall, select devices from Sony, HMD Global (Nokia), OnePlus, Oppo and Vivo should also be updated to Android 9 Pie. Other smartphone makers - including Samsung, LG, and so on - are expected to upgrade some of their devices by the end of the year. Until then, we just have to congratulate Essential for being so quick with the new Android update.

source: Essential

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PhoneArena Rating:

4.0

Read Full Review

User Rating:

9.3

Based on 16 Reviews

Display 5.7" 1312 x 2560 pixels

Camera 13 MP / 8 MP front

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, Octa-core, 2450 MHz

Storage 128 GB

Battery 3040 mAh

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30 Comments

1. DolmioMan

Posts: 345; Member since: Jan 08, 2018

I’m sure all 8 of the people who still own one will be thrilled.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 2:19 PM 4

4. Finalflash

Posts: 4063; Member since: Jul 23, 2013

Damn straight, love the fact that I have an actual premium phone for less than $400 that gets updates faster than even Apple and Google can deliver.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 2:27 PM 23

5. kiko007

Posts: 7520; Member since: Feb 17, 2016

That last part is blatantly false and you know that.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 2:50 PM 4

9. maherk

Posts: 6999; Member since: Feb 10, 2012

How is it false? It gets updated monthly, and it did get updated to the latest security patch faster than Pixel phones did few times already.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 3:55 PM 14

31. AfterShock

Posts: 4147; Member since: Nov 02, 2012

Did this month too, essential included security update in new os update. Pixels have to download it separately.

posted on Aug 07, 2018, 7:24 AM 1

13. Finalflash

Posts: 4063; Member since: Jul 23, 2013

Nope, Apple delivers a yearly downgrade to all previous iPhones to push hardware upgrades (new iPhones come with the software and therefore, do not get an update at that time). Then about 3 months after with an iOS X.1 update Apple fixes everything that was downgraded to an iFan palatable level and so I guess that qualifies as an update. So Apple is usually 3 months late while Google usually delivers on time, but has issues sometimes like they did with Oreo. Go ahead and disprove that if you can.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 5:06 PM 6

19. kiko007

Posts: 7520; Member since: Feb 17, 2016

"Go ahead and disprove that if you can" How am I supposed to disprove your opinion? It's an opinion.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 6:37 PM 1

8. andrewc31394

Posts: 300; Member since: Jun 23, 2012

the phone is premium on paper. that's about it lol

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 3:50 PM 1

10. maherk

Posts: 6999; Member since: Feb 10, 2012

Obviously you have never held or used one before. A phone that is built like this is usually sold for 800+ dollars.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 3:56 PM 8

12. Finalflash

Posts: 4063; Member since: Jul 23, 2013

I don't know guy, titanium and ceramic for 400 vs lets say....glass and aluminium for 1000?? I guess I will have to use iFan math to better explain this. Even vehement iFans know that glass + ceramic or steel (much less titanium) in watch form is apparently more premium than glass and aluminium in watch form according to their spiritual and temporal deities at cupertino. iFan Aluminium Watch = $330 iFan Steel Watch = $700 iFan Ceramic Watch = $1300 Now great leader Tim Cook can't be wrong....right?

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 5:01 PM 8

16. Phullofphil

Posts: 1828; Member since: Feb 10, 2009

Apple and google update there phones faster than anybody. It’s the ph e companies that want to add there own twist and take forever to change it. It’s not androids fault either. Google wants the updates to go out faster. If only they finally can implement a build that can update everything fast and all the phone companies can add a over layer that don’t effect the main system. Like a skin over android. I know google is working on it or I forget what’s it called

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 5:24 PM 0

26. tuminatr

Posts: 1158; Member since: Feb 23, 2009

I own a Pixel 2 XL, A iPhone 7 and and essential. Although the update speed on the essential has been very good I will say all of those are about equal.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 10:32 PM 1

14. Phullofphil

Posts: 1828; Member since: Feb 10, 2009

One of the most underrated phones

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 5:19 PM 4

2. Man_Utd

Posts: 190; Member since: Feb 03, 2015

It's too bad they didn't come out with another phone. Their updates are remarkable.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 2:24 PM 8

3. AfterShock

Posts: 4147; Member since: Nov 02, 2012

Right on, way to go Essential and on a shoe string budget yet.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 2:24 PM 4

6. legiloca

Posts: 1676; Member since: Nov 11, 2014

I wish PhoneArena could update their reviews or should I say "Revisit" when phones do receive updates, I feel as though Essential don't deserve that '4' Rating anymore.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 3:27 PM 9

7. ahmadkun

Posts: 650; Member since: May 02, 2016

i will be excited to get it by the end of 2019 .. yaaay

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 3:32 PM 0

11. jonathanfiuwx

Posts: 184; Member since: Mar 10, 2017

proud essential user

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 4:02 PM 2

17. jellmoo

Posts: 2645; Member since: Oct 31, 2011

Updated today, mostly smooth so far. Max brightness seems lower, max volume on earphones seems lower, defaults to new gesture navigation and takes a reboot to change. Otherwise performance seems solid, with some nice tweaks.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 5:37 PM 1

18. Penny

Posts: 1869; Member since: Feb 04, 2011

Thanks for the info. Phone's been running great for me so far, had no reason to jump on this new update necessarily. But I suppose I will; would have to eventually, anyway.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 6:17 PM 0

21. Silverfox

Posts: 9; Member since: Aug 20, 2014

My max brightness seems brighter to me. Haven't tried the earphones yet.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 7:42 PM 0

24. AfterShock

Posts: 4147; Member since: Nov 02, 2012

Same. Actually keep adjusting it down more as day goes by. Learning it's ranges it seems.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 9:30 PM 0

25. jellmoo

Posts: 2645; Member since: Oct 31, 2011

I'm starting to think the same. The max may be higher, but the increase is more gradual now. Where I usually kept it at about 20-25% before, now I have it closer to 50%.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 10:04 PM 0

20. L0n3n1nja

Posts: 1581; Member since: Jul 12, 2016

When you use stock Android and have fewer software features than the Pixel with only one phone model its expected to be quick. Only thing I'm impressed with is that such a small company pulled it off.

posted on Aug 06, 2018, 7:39 PM 0

22. Nionx

Posts: 207; Member since: Oct 30, 2017

I can verify this to be true. Came home from work, checked my Essential and sure enough there was update ready and waiting. I don't use the phone much but with the update it's about to get a new lease on life. Thanks Essential