In the first week of every month, Google releases monthly Android security patch for Nexus and Pixel devices. And, sticking to its monthly schedule, Google has released the Android security patch for this month as well.
Like every month, the Android security patch for this month is dated February 1, 2018 and February 5, 2018. The first patch contains partial security string which is meant for Google’s smartphone vendor partners that helps them secure their devices quickly. However, the second patch contains full security string which is meant for compatible Nexus and Pixel devices.
Compatible Nexus and Pixel devices like the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and, the Pixel 2 XL will all receive the Android security patch that’s dated February 5, 2018. That said, apart from the security fixes, the February security patch also comes along with some functional updates.
As the name suggests, these functional updates “address functionality issues not related to the security” of Pixel devices. These functional updates include improved icons in Settings app and improved RSA key parsing for all the aforementioned Nexus and Pixel devices.
However, these functional updates also come along with some Pixel specific improvements like improvements to Wi-Fi uplink performance, Bluetooth call quality, and more. You can check out the second image attached above for more details.
The February security patch will start rolling out over the air for aforementioned Nexus and Pixel devices soon, but, if you cannot wait, you can flash it manually to your device using the factory images or OTA files available at the links down below. Also, you can know more about this month’s security bulletin here and here.
Download Links: Factory Images | OTA Files