Android 8.0 Oreo Test Firmware For Galaxy Note 8 Leaked

An Android 8.0 Oreo build for the US version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 has leaked online. The OTA download appeared earlier today on Reddit, with several users reporting that the update is functional, but unstable when using certain apps.

The software package is identified as the firmware version N950USQU2CQL1 and is reportedly only applicable to select variants of the phablet sold in the United States, i.e. the ones powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 SoC. The operating system build doesn't appear to be a beta one as it's said to be significantly more unstable than Samsung's mobile betas usually are. Users interested in manually flashing the newly leaked software can only do so if they're already running the N950USQS2BQK2 build. While only unlocked models sold by Verizon feature this particular software, you can flash the Android 7.0 Nougat-based build onto any other unlocked unit powered by the Snapdragon 835, as reported by Android Authority.

Currently, these criteria can only be matched by unlocked Note 8 devices from Verizon... officially, that is. The original Reddit post, created by a user named mweinbach, outlines how to manually install the Nougat-based update onto any unlocked US Note 8 using third-party software, as reported by Android Headlines.

While Samsung usually prioritizes its latest flagships when it comes to developing and distributing major operating system upgrades, the company made a small exception this year as it first launched an Oreo beta test for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus which are now expected to receive the stable version of the firmware before the newer Galaxy Note 8 does. The tech giant's Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus that are scheduled to be unveiled in early 2018 should both run Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box and thus support Project Treble, whereas the feature isn't part of the Oreo package for either the Galaxy Note 8 or the Galaxy S9 lineup.