It's a long way down from its initial $700 price tag, and Essential has been serving up frequent updates.

The update brings the Sprint version of the Essential Phone in line with the unlocked version and features bug fixes, security patches, and more.

Update: The Essential Phone's latest OTA also includes a specific notch-related improvement.

Essential has vowed that the Essential Phone's successor will deliver the goods in the camera department.

Get an unlocked Essential Phone in Black Moon color for $449 — a good $50 cheaper than list price. Plus, get an additional $25 Best Buy gift card.

If you own an Essential Phone, be sure to check for a software update, as a stable Android 8.1 Oreo build is rolling out to your device right now.

The new app improvements include a selfie flash, stability fixes, and tiny planet mode.

You don't have to sideload Android Oreo beta updates to your Essential Phone anymore — you can now get them via over-the-air updates.

If you're quick, you might be able to get your hands on an Essential Phone in one of three new color configurations — Ocean Depths, Stellar Gray, and Copper Black.

Essential skipped Android 8.0, choosing to go directly to Android 8.1. For the members of Essential's beta program, the 8.1 beta update is ready for download!