Android 8.1 Oreo soak test leaks for the Moto G4/Moto G4+

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The G series of smartphones has been one of the most successful product lineups for Motorola. Unfortunately for users, G series devices are unlikely to receive many major system updates. The Moto G4 and Moto G4+ were released back in May of 2016 with Android Marshmallow on board but later received an update to Android Nougat. Despite promising an update to Android Oreo in their official marketing material, Motorola’s initial Android Oreo update timeline notably excluded the Moto G4. The company backtracked on this decision after backlash from outraged users, and now we’re finally getting closer to seeing an official Oreo update for both devices.

The Moto G5 and Moto G5S already received the Android 8.1 Oreo update not too long ago. Now, the Moto G4 Android Oreo update is being soak tested by users and one of the beta builds has leaked online. The information about Motorola recruiting testers for the Moto G4 Plus Android Oreo update was announced about two months ago. XDA Senior Member rajatgupta1998 shared the files for the Android 8.1 Oreo build with November security patch on the forums. The build number is OPJ28.128. Keep in mind that if you have a locked bootloader as you can’t downgrade from this build.

Flashing the Moto G4/Moto G4+ Android Oreo firmware is best done with an unlocked bootloader and TWRP. Instructions to do so and download links are available in the forum thread linked below. Please keep in mind that the instructions are very specific. You have to back up your EFS and make sure it’s in a safe location. You can use the flashing method which doesn’t require unlocking the bootloader, but it’s risky as you can’t back up your system. If you would rather not unlock the bootloader, you’ll have to wait for the official update. We don’t know when Motorola will release a stable version of Android 8.1 Oreo for the Moto G4/Moto G4+, but the release shouldn’t be too far off.

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