You can get the Android P Beta now and you don't need a Pixel phone

One of the main attractions of owning a Pixel phone from Google, as opposed to a device from a third-party brand, is getting software updates much faster. That's still true, but at Google I/O 2018 this year Google announced that users of non-Google phones can enrol in the Android P Beta Program for the first time.

Sadly, big names like Samsung and Huawei are conspicuous in their absence, but this is still a big step forward for Android fans desperate to get the latest features (and bugs) before the rest of the world.

Here's what you need to know.

Should you download the Android P beta?

As ever, major caveats apply. Here's what Google says:

"Be sure to back up your Android phone before installing beta software. The updates that you’ll receive as a part of this program are pre-release versions, and may contain errors and defects that can affect normal functioning of your device."

It's standard, boiler-plate stuff really, but here are the most important points to remember when deciding whether to try the Android P beta.

Which devices are eligible for the Android P Beta Program?

Seven non-Google brands are compatible with the beta, including Essential, Oppo, Nokia, Sony, Xiaomi, Vivo and OnePlus. That doesn't mean all their phones work, as its limited to one model from each manufacturer. Here's the full list of compatible phones:

• Essential Phone
• Nokia 7 Plus
• Sony Xperia XZ2
• Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S
• Vivo X21
• OnePlus 6 (released soon)
• Google Pixel and XL
• Google Pixel 2 and XL2

• You can leave the program, but you'll lose all your data

• While you can decide to return to the safety of the stable release of Android, your device will be wiped clean. You can, of course, use your back up to restore your phone to its pre-beta state, but you'll lose anything on the phone from after you made that backup and started using the beta.