Nokia 3 now getting Android Oreo 8.1 update under Beta Labs program

Nokia 3 has become the latest Nokia device to be treated with Android Oreo after devices like the Nokia 6 and Nokia 8. The low-end handset now stands to receive the beta version under the official beta program. What’s more delightful is that Nokia is pushing not Android Oreo 8.0 but the latest v8.1.

The update arrives at a prompt time as HMD Global’s Juho Sarvikas announced on Twitter to iron out bugs for a more stable release later in the coming weeks. The executive had earlier revealed that the Nokia 3 will get a major software update on February 26 under the Beta Labs Program.

Android Oreo arriving on the Nokia 3 demonstrates Nokia’s resolve to deliver the best software service even to their low-end devices. Indeed, this would not have been the case with handset makers like Xiaomi whose even mid-tier phones still run Android Nougat.

Especially the Nokia 3 update has been hard to pin down as the device comes with a MediaTek processor. Nokia had to make sure MediaTek would support upgrades to Android 7.1.1 and above or they would not use the chipset at all. “We told them they would not be the chipset provider if they do not support the latest software”, said the company.

Remarkably, the Nokia 3 makes a leap from 7.1.1 directly to Android 8.1 Oreo. Those who don’t bother being in a beta program can register in the HMD Beta Labs Program. As for the features of the new build, a changelog has yet to be provided, Neither is the release date of the stable version declared by Nokia. However, with such a great record with updates so far, we’re pretty optimistic.