Category: Google Nexus 5X

LineageOS has started posting several experimental and nightly builds for various devices, including the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P.  The posting of the new software builds came as promised by the Lineage team and ironically keep Cyanogen elements in their versioning and naming conventions.  Right now the downloads page has builds for the two Nexus’ but also for the Nextbit Robin, Motorola G4/G4 Plus and the Xiaomi Redmi 1S.  Each build has the devices code name as part of the build name (Angler for the Nexus 6P for example) and the version numbering is what Cyanogen was using prior to their demise.  Builds 14.1 in LineageOS are Android Nougat 7.1.

The Android team at Google has released the first Developer Preview of Android Nougat and with it comes a host of changes and improvements.  The version is indicated as Nougat 7.1.1 with a build number of NFP10C and right now it is only available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and the Pixel C.  As you know, Nougat 7.1.1 will be shipping on the Google Pixel devices so this is very much a catch-up build for the Nexus devices and Pixel C.  The good news is that there are a lot of changes and improvements in this build of Nougat.  While Nexus devices won’t get the Pixel Launcher – for now at least – the changes that are in 7.1.1 do bring some of the Pixel features to these devices and it is well worth considering joining the beta program so you can get a sneak peak.

That said, it is beta.  That means that you could run into issues with apps or other things with your phone if you do decide to install it.  I’m far more comfortable in recommending this install however because it is an evolution of Nougat, not the wholesale version change from Marshmallow to Nougat.  I’ve been running it on my Nexus 6P for about 24 hours now and haven’t run into any issues.  If you decide to install it, the download is about 1.3GB so you’ll for sure want to make sure you are on Wi-Fi to avoid data usage.

Earlier this week I told you about a deal over at eBay on the Nexus 5X, 16GB storage model for $199.  That’s a great deal but if you want one with 32GB, you can also get a great deal on that model as well on eBay.  Currently the 32GB model of the Nexus 5X is down to $239.99, a savings of about 40% over what you can pick it up from Google directly. The nice thing is, the 32GB model is available in Carbon and Quartz where as the 16GB model is only available in Quartz.

Obviously with the new Marlin and Sailfish Nexus devices on their way, we can expect to see the prices starting to drop on the 5X and 6P but these are still solid devices.  Plus, as you probably already know, the 5X is upgradable to Android Nougat.

Earlier this week I told you about a great deal running on eBay for the Nexus 5X.  That deal is still going and available in Quartz (white) for just $199.  That’s a savings of $150 off the regular price that you get from Google direct.  The phone is brand new, unlocked and is the 16GB model from a storage perspective.  While the price itself is outstanding, even better is that this device will see the Android Nougat update that was released earlier this week and is a bit future proof in that it will see Android O (yes, I went there) when it is released next year.

For those who have Nexus devices, the July Security Update for Android is now rolling out via an OTA update.  The update, 2 of them this month, were released last week on July 6th along with factory images and OTA images that users could flash to their devices manually.  With Google now pushing the updates out to Nexus devices, users will get the update as they usually do each month.  If you recall, this month’s update was split into two parts.  The first update, dated July 1st, was more a general fix for Android while the one dated July 6th was more driver specific updates for specific devices.  Google’s stated intent was to get the first update out so all of their partners could update their devices quickly without having to wade through driver tests for things their their devices just don’t use.

Android N is nearly upon us and the question that everyone wants to know is if their phone or tablet will see the update.  For their part, Google has clearly outlined which Nexus devices will get updates and for how long after it is no longer for sale.  While the definition has been roughly outlined and discussed by Google, to this point there has never been a document outlining which devices will get updates and when those updates will stop.  That, thanks to a post in the Google Support pages, has been formally defined.