Essential starts rolling out new software update for Essential Phone (PH-1) with December 2017 security patches. The new update comes with build number NMJ51B and available via OTA (over-the-air) for unlocked variant of Essential PH-1. The NMJ51B update does not include any major changes. This is mainly a security update. To ensure better security all users should install this update on their device.
The Essential PH-1NMJ51B (Android 7.1.1 Nougat) OTA update just weighs around 65MB and all users will get the update notification in the coming days. You can also download the OTA update or full factory image and flash manually. If you prefer manual installation, below is download link (OTA and system image) and manual installation guide.
For your information, the first Essential Phone (PH-1) was released in last August (2017) by Android co-founder Andy Rubin with Android Nougat on board. Later this device was updated with November security patches (build NMJ32F) and not it received a new update with December security patches.
Recently, Essential starts Android 8.0 Oreo Beta program for PH-1, so you can expect stable build of Oreo update soon. If you would like to tryout the Android 8.0 Oreo Beta on your Essential PH-1, check out this guide. You can find Oreo Beta download link and installation guide.
Comes to the Essential PH-1NMJ51B December 2017 update, it is now available for global variant PH-1 only. The update not yet available for locked variant (for Sprint or Telus carriers) of Essential phone.
Download and Install Essential Phones NMJ51B December 2017 security patch
OTA Update method: (your device should be on build NMJ32F)
1. Download Essential PH-1NMJ51B December 2017 OTA update [HERE] and transfer it to your phone’s internal storage.
2. Reboot your Android phone into stock Recovery mod and select apply update from external storage.
3. Locate the OTA ZIP update file (you have saved on your device) and select it. After installation, your phone will reboot.
Factory image method:
1. Download factory image for Essential PH-1: For global variant [HERE], for Sprint & Telus (build Build NMI81C) [HERE].
2. After downloading the firmware, follow this guide.
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