Nokia 2 from HMD Global to get Android Oreo update

December 29, 2017

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Nokia 2 from HMD Global to get Android Oreo update 4

HMD Global has indicated in the past that current smartphones in their portfolio would get an update to Android Oreo, although it was a bit unclear as to whether that applied to the Nokia 2. The Nokia 2 is HMD Global's budget device at the bottom of their portfolio, currently listed for a mere $99 on Amazon, so many might figure it was not worth the effort to update the device to Android Oreo. However, in a tweet sent out by HMD Global chief product officer Juho Sarvikas, the Nokia 2 will be getting an update to Android Oreo.

One of the sticking points regarding a potential update for the Nokia 2 was the memory onboard the phone – or more specifically, the lack of memory available as the Nokia 2 comes with only 1GB of RAM. That limitation meant the device could not run Android 8.0 Oreo. Sarvikas indicates HMD Global is getting around this issue by jumping to Android 8.1 Oreo. By doing that, the company can incorporate memory management features made available by Google for the Android Go program and porting them to the Nokia 2. Sarvikas does point out that this does not mean the Nokia 2 is joining the Android Go program – HMD Global is just taking advantage of improvements and features made available through Android Go.

Hi! It will receive Android Oreo. 1GB RAM devices will be supported on 8.1 release where many of the Android Go memory management improvements will be integrated. Nokia 2 performance will only get better over time!

— Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) December 28, 2017

The Nokia 2 comes with a Snapdragon 212 processor to go with the 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage and a 5-inch display. Considering the specs and price point, buyers for the device probably are not the type to clamor for the latest Android update as staying near the top or even middle of the pack is not a priority. However, the move does say something about HMD Global and their commitment to keeping customers current along the spectrum of devices in their portfolio. That could go a long way to helping them rebuild the Nokia brand back to something akin to their glory days.

source: Juho Sarvikas

Jeff Causey Author

Raised in North Carolina, Jeff Causey is a licensed CPA in North Carolina. Jeff's past Android devices include an HTC EVO, a Samsung Note II, an LG G3, and a Motorola Moto X Pure Edition along with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1. He currently uses a Samsung Galaxy S8 and (very rarely) a Nexus 7 (2013). He is also using a Verizon-branded Motorola Moto Z Play Droid supplied by his job. Jeff used to have a pair of Google Glass and a Moto 360 Sport in his stable of gadgets. Unfortunately, his kids have all drunk the Apple Kool-Aid and have i-devices. Life at home often includes demonstrations of the superiority of his Android based devices. In his free time, Jeff is active an active runner usually training for his next marathon, owns a Mazda MX-5 Miata, and plays Dungeons & Dragons. Jeff has three grown kids and a golden retriever.