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Essential Phone

107 'Essential Phone' stories May 2017 - July 2017
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essential phone

After hinting at a new device, Andy Rubin’s start-up, Essential, announced the Essential PH-1 (Phone). Unlike other OEMs, Essential is all about keeping only the essential aspects of a smartphone. This means almost-stock Android, no pre-install bloatware, and quality materials such as titanium and ceramic to make up the handset.

Learn More About the Essential Phone

Full hardware specifications for Essential’s Phone:

Essential Phone Specification
Android version Android 7.1.1 Nougat
Screen size 5.7-inch LCD
Resolution  2560×1312 pixels
PPI 505 ppi
Primary camera Dual 13MP cameras (color + monochrome), f/1.85, phase-detect + laser auto focus
Front camera  8MP, f/2.2
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 2.45GHz octa-core Kyro 280 CPU, Adreno 540 GPU
Storage 128GB
Expandable storage up to N/A
RAM 4GB
Battery 3,040mAh (nonremovable)
Ports USB Type-C
Weight 185 g
Dimensions 141.5 x 71.1 x 7.8 mm
Other features Rear-facing fingerprint sensor, modular accessories
Color options Black Moon, Pure White, Stellar Grey, Ocean Depths
Carrier availability Sprint, Unlocked
Base price off-contract ~$699
In-box accessories USB-C to 3.5 mm headphone adapter, USB-C charging/data transfer cable, fast charging wall adapter

First Essential Phone screenshot shows just how big the phone’s status bar is

Avatar for Stephen Hall Jul 31 2017 - 7:30 am PT
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Andy Rubin and co.’s Essential Phone is finally gearing up to launch sometime in the next few weeks, and while it was officially announced all the way back at the end of May, small details about the handset are still trickling in. The latest is a screenshot from the phone shared by Essential’s Jason Mackenzie, showing a larger-than-usual status bar…


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Opinion: The Essential Phone still looks great, but it’s quickly running out of time

Avatar for Joe Maring Jul 28 2017 - 7:08 am PT
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When Andy Rubin officially took the wraps off of the Essential Phone in May, I was excited. The father of Android had just announced a brand new phone with a modern design, near bezel-less display, stock Android, and a modular system to go along with it. The Essential Phone sounded like any Android nerd’s dream come true, and while it still is, the company needs to act fast if it wants to hold the attention of its fans and potential customers.


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Essential Phone: Engineer explains how the dual-camera system works

Avatar for Joe Maring Jul 28 2017 - 6:21 am PT
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When it comes to our smartphones, one of the most important components is the camera. This year’s big camera trend has been focused heavily on dual-sensor setups, and the upcoming Essential Phone will be rocking one of its very own. Recently, an engineer from Essential outlined just how the Essential Phone’s camera package will work and why it’s soon going to be one of the best on the market.


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Have you lost interest in Andy Rubin’s Essential Phone? [Poll]

Avatar for Justin Duino Jul 21 2017 - 4:23 pm PT
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The Android community became extremely excited when Andy Rubin, the founder of the Android operating system, announced that his latest startup, Essential, was building a phone. Even before anything was known about the device, there was an enormous amount of hype around the handset just because Rubin was a part of the company. Unfortunately, after announcing the device, Essential has missed its launch period with no exact release timeline.

After missing its deadline to release the handset, have you lost interest in the Essential Phone?


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Andy Rubin’s Essential rocked with executive departures as UK carrier launch rumored

Avatar for Abner Li Jul 17 2017 - 8:43 am PT
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With Essential already missing Andy Rubin’s self-appointed June ship date, the ambitious startup has been hit with major executive departures. Essential’s VP of marketing left on Friday, while its head of communications left earlier this month. In other news, the company is reportedly in talks with British carriers on a UK launch.


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Is the Essential Phone’s Sprint exclusivity a deal breaker for you? [Poll]

Avatar for Justin Duino Jun 12 2017 - 5:31 pm PT
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A report emerged yesterday claiming that Sprint would be the exclusive carrier for the Essential Phone, a move that was confirmed by Sprint this morning. What this means for customers in the US is that Andy Rubin’s brand new smartphone can only be bought unlocked for full price or through a single carrier. Will the prospects of you purchasing the Essential Phone be diminished if you can’t buy it from a different cellular carrier?


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Sprint confirms Essential Phone exclusive launch later this summer, 360 degree 4K camera sold separate, preregister today

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jun 12 2017 - 7:07 am PT
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Following a report late yesterday over the weekend, Sprint today confirmed that it will indeed be the exclusive launch partner of the Essential Phone, a new smartphone from father-of-Android Andy Rubin who started on the venture after leaving Google.

While Sprint isn’t confirming much about the details in terms of pricing and specific availability, we do get info about the specs and the 4K 360° camera attachement :


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The first 360-degree clips from the Essential Phone hold their own, but don’t quite match standalone hardware

Avatar for Ben Schoon Jun 6 2017 - 8:16 am PT
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The Essential Phone finally went official last week and while the bezel-less phone itself is quite impressive, it’s not the only thing that should have your attention with this device. On the rear of the phone you’ll find two POGO pins that can be used for accessories, the first of which is a 360-degree camera developed by Essential, and now the first clips from that camera are hitting the web.


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Our first full look at Andy Rubin’s Essential Phone: $700, near bezel-free, titanium & ceramic, magnetic accessory dock [Gallery]

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy May 30 2017 - 4:41 am PT
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It’s just over two months since we got our first peek at the Essential Phone – a new smartphone from father-of-Android Andy Rubin – and we how have our first full look at the device and its specs.

Despite the name sounding like something basic, it’s a flagship device, priced at $699, having a near-bezel-free design, constructed from titanium and ceramic materials, and with an impressive spec …


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