Essential Phone getting new Android 8.1 Oreo update with April security patch

The Essential Phone got the promised Android 8.1 Oreo update last month, but the US company behind the unique handset is now pushing out yet another build of the OS. The new update promised to add some security improvements, as well as other bug fixes and under-the-hood enhancements.

First off, the new Android 8.1.0 Oreo build (141) brings the April security patch, the update that's been released by Google. But that's not all that Essential Phone owners get in this update.

Some modem stability fixes have been implemented too, along with Bluetooth 5.0 certification and improved performance and bug fixes. For gamers, the update should make wonders since the Essential Phone will now handle external game controllers properly.

The OTA (over the air) rollout has already begun, so you should see a notification on your Essential Phone soon. If not, try to push it manually by heading to Settings / About Phone / Software update.