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The Essential Phone might possibly, just maybe, get Android Q
August 14, 2025
If Essentialwas in trouble, the company clearly did not get the memo. Essential continues to push out updates to thePH-1and recently held its monthlyReddit AMA, where the company gave us a peek at what is in store for the future.
Even though the PH-1 supports theAndroid P beta, someone asked if the phone would eventually get Android Q. Essential’s response was predictably vague, sinceGooglehas not yet announced the next Android version. The answer leaves the door open for some sort of confirmation, however.
“Assuming the schedule for Q is like the schedule for P we plan to do it. […] We made a commitment to our users when they made a commitment to our products, and we intend to stand by it,” said Essential.
If the PH-1 gets Android Q, it would be one of a select few Android smartphones to get three major OS updates in its lifetime. Android smartphone manufacturers tend to stick to two major OS updates, though thePixel 2 and Pixel 2 XLwill get three major OS updates.
As for Android P, Essential said it might include notch settings in the beta. The company will also “access if it makes sense to put the settings option back in” once the final version of Android P goes live, though it made no guarantees.
Essential had more to say when it came to the PH-1’s cameras, however. The company confirmed that it has no features planned for immediate release. As such, features like panorama, manual mode, photo sphere, and electronic image stabilization (EIS) improvements will take a backseat to bug fixes and performance improvements.
Elsewhere, Essential said it is aware of recent Bluetooth issues with the PH-1 and hopes to find a solution sometime “in the near future.” Finally, the company said itsAudio Adapter HDmodule is close to being released.
You can check out the full Reddit AMAhere.
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