View source for Engineering:Essential Phone

{{short description|2017 Android smartphone by Essential Products}}
{{Infobox mobile phone
| name              = Essential Phone
| logo              = Essential logo.svg
| image             = Essential Phone in ocean depths.jpg
| modelnumber       =
| developer         = [[Company:Essential Products|Essential Products]]
| manufacturer      = Essential Products
| slogan            = ''Free Yourself''
| available         = {{Collapsible list|framestyle=border:none; padding:0; |title=August 25, 2017|{{Flag|United States}}<ref name="Shipping" />}}
{{Collapsible list|framestyle=border:none; padding:0; |title=Late 2017|{{Flag|Canada}}<ref name="Shipping" />}}
{{Collapsible list|framestyle=border:none; padding:0; |title=April 27, 2018|{{Flag|France}}<br/>{{Flag|Germany}}<br/>{{Flag|Spain}}<br/>{{Flag|Japan}}<br/>{{Flag|United Kingdom}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2018/04/27/essential-phone-available-more-countries-uk-japan/|title=Essential Phone is available in more countries, including UK and Japan|last=Locklear|first=Mallory|date=27 April 2018|work=[[Software:Engadget|Engadget]]|access-date=28 April 2018}}</ref>}}
| successor         = Essential PH-2 (Cancelled)
| type              = [[Engineering:Smartphone|Smartphone]]
| form              = Slate
| size              = {{convert|141.5|mm|in|abbr=on}} H <br /> {{convert|71.1|mm|in|abbr=on}} W <br /> {{convert|7.8|mm|in|abbr=on}} D
| weight            = {{convert|185|g|oz|abbr=on}}
| os                = '''Original:''' [[Software:Android (operating system)|Android]] [[Software:Android Nougat|7.1.1 "Nougat"]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Maring |first=Joe |title=Andy Rubin's Essential Phone is Confirmed to Run Android 7.1.1 Nougat |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/andy-rubins-essential-phone-is-confirmed-to-run-android-7-1-1-nougat/ |website=[[Software:XDA Developers|XDA Developers]] |access-date=July 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723060311/https://www.xda-developers.com/andy-rubins-essential-phone-is-confirmed-to-run-android-7-1-1-nougat/ |archive-date=July 23, 2017 |url-status=live |date=July 17, 2017}}</ref><br />'''Current:''' [[Software:Android 10|Android 10]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.androidcentral.com/android-10-already-rolling-out-essential-phone|title = Android 10 is already rolling out to the Essential Phone|date = September 3, 2019}}</ref>
| display           = {{convert|5.71|in|cm}} 2560 x 1312 [[1440p|QHD]], 500 cd/m² brightness, 19.5:10 aspect ratio
| soc               = [[Company:Qualcomm|Qualcomm]] Snapdragon 835
| cpu               = [[Multi-core processor|Octa-core]] (4x2.32&nbsp;GHz & 4x1.9&nbsp;GHz) Kryo 280
| gpu               = [[Adreno]] 540
| memory            = 4&nbsp;GB RAM
| storage           = 128&nbsp;GB [[Engineering:Universal Flash Storage|UFS 2.1]]
| battery           = 3,040&nbsp;mAh, not user-replaceable
| rear_camera       = 13&nbsp;MP dual RGB + monochrome cameras each with {{f/}}1.85 lens, hybrid [[Engineering:Autofocus|autofocus]] combining contrast, phase detect and IR laser, video at [[4K resolution|4K]] 30fps, [[Engineering:1080p|1080p]] 60fps or [[Engineering:720p|720p]] 120fps
| front_camera      = 8&nbsp;MP resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio, {{f/}}2.2 fixed hyperfocal lens, video at 4K 30fps, 1080p 60fps or 720p 120fps
| connectivity      = Bluetooth 5 [[Bluetooth Low Energy|LE]]<br />[[Wi-Fi]]: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with MIMO<br />NFC, [[Engineering:GPS|GPS]] and [[Astronomy:GLONASS|GLONASS]] <br/> USB-C
| networks          = [[UMTS]]/HSPA+: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8<br />GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz<br />[[Engineering:CDMA2000|CDMA EV-DO Rev. A]]: 0, 1, 10<br />LTE-FDD: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66<br />LTE-TDD: 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43<br />TD-SCDMA: 34, 39
| other             = Titanium body<br />Ceramic back<br />[[Physics:Gorilla Glass|Corning Gorilla Glass]] 5 cover glass<br />Rear-mounted [[Fingerprint recognition|fingerprint scanner]]<br />Modular [[Engineering:Pogo pin|pogo pin]]s that transmit power for accessories connected over [[Engineering:Wireless USB|Wireless USB]]
| website           = {{url|essential.com/}}
| references        =<ref>{{cite web |title=Specifications |url=https://www.essential.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601000249/https://www.essential.com/ |website=[[Company:Essential Products|Essential Products]] |archive-date=June 1, 2017 |access-date=July 27, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Verge hardware" />
}}

The '''Essential Phone''' (officially '''Phone''' or '''PH-1''')<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCjjnVNXDLI&t=12m57s |title=Andy Rubin, creator of Android, debuts his new Essential Phone |work=[[Recode]] |format=YouTube Video |others=Hosted by Walt Mossberg |date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=July 27, 2017}}</ref> is a discontinued [[Software:Android (operating system)|Android]] [[Engineering:Smartphone|smartphone]] designed by Android co-founder Andy Rubin, and manufactured, developed and marketed by [[Company:Essential Products|Essential Products]]. The phone was announced on May 30, 2017 and released on August 17, 2017.

The Essential Phone has a [[Chemistry:Titanium|titanium]] and ceramic body, an [[Engineering:Smartphone#Display|edge-to-edge display]] protected by [[Physics:Gorilla Glass|Gorilla Glass 5]], and two rear cameras, one of which is dedicated to black-and-white photography. Accompanying the phone is a 360-degree camera that can be attached to the top of the device. It was notably also the first mainstream smartphone to feature a "notch" (the cut-out at the top of the display to accommodate a front-facing camera), which would eventually become a trend in the industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/who-owns-the-notch-845086/ |title=Who owns the notch? |author=Rayner, Tristan |date=March 15, 2018 |website=Android Authority |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref> On December 28, 2018, Essential announced to media outlets that they would discontinue the Essential PH-1.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/12/28/18159598/essential-phone-discontinued-new-mobile-product-confirmed|title=Essential all but confirms it's making another phone|last=Hollister|first=Sean|date=2018-12-28|website=The Verge|access-date=2018-12-29}}</ref>

On February 12, 2020, the company announced they will be winding down with no further updates to the PH-1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.essential.com/blog/essential-update|title=An Update from Essential|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212183019/https://www.essential.com/blog/essential-update|archive-date=February 12, 2020|url-status=dead|access-date=February 12, 2020}}</ref>

== History ==
=== Pre-release ===
[[File:Eric Schmidt and Andy Rubin Nexus 7 2012 Seoul.jpg|thumb|left|Eric Schmidt and Andy Rubin]]

''[[Company:Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]'' reported in January 2017 that Andy Rubin, co-founder of the [[Software:Android (operating system)|Android operating system]] acquired by [[Company:Google|Google]] in 2005, was preparing to announce a new hardware company called [[Company:Essential Products|Essential]], whose first hardware product would be the "Essential" Phone.<ref>{{cite news |first1=Mark |last1=Gurman |first2=Mark |last2=Bergen |title=Andy Rubin Nears His Comeback, Complete With an 'Essential' Phone |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-13/andy-rubin-nears-his-comeback-complete-with-an-essential-phone |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |publisher=[[Company:Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] |date=January 13, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729214804/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-13/andy-rubin-nears-his-comeback-complete-with-an-essential-phone |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Welch |title=Android's co-founder is building a new company and a new kind of smartphone |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/13/14267300/android-andy-rubin-interview-new-company-essential |website=[[The Verge]] |date=January 13, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612023908/https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/13/14267300/android-andy-rubin-interview-new-company-essential |archive-date=June 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The phone first appeared in a [[Company:Twitter|tweet]] by Rubin, posted on March 27, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/3/27/15075400/andy-rubin-essential-smartphone-design-teaser-bezels |title=Andy Rubin teases a first look at Essential's bezel-less smartphone |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=March 27, 2017 |work=The Verge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612035742/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/3/27/15075400/andy-rubin-essential-smartphone-design-teaser-bezels|archive-date=June 12, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=May 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Jessica |last=Conditt |title=Android creator Andy Rubin teases his new smartphone |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/27/andy-rubin-smartphone-photo-tweet-android-creator/ |website=[[Software:Engadget|Engadget]] |publisher=AOL |date=March 27, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729222615/https://www.engadget.com/2017/03/27/andy-rubin-smartphone-photo-tweet-android-creator/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In a quote of the tweet, Alphabet executive chairman Eric Schmidt confirmed the phone would run Android.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/3/29/15109186/essential-smartphone-runs-android-andy-rubin-eric-schmidt |title=Google's Eric Schmidt confirms the Essential smartphone runs Android |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=March 29, 2017 |website=[[The Verge]] |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170530175327/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/3/29/15109186/essential-smartphone-runs-android-andy-rubin-eric-schmidt |archive-date=May 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> A few days prior to the official announcement, Essential tweeted an image of what appeared to be a 360-degree camera attached to the smartphone.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/05/26/andy_rubin_launches_essential_phone/ |title=Andy Rubin teases next week's launch of Essential phone |last=Thomson |first=Iain |date=May 26, 2017 |website=The Register |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170530175547/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/05/26/andy_rubin_launches_essential_phone/ |archive-date=May 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/andy-rubin-startup-essential-phone-photo-2017-5 |title=The creator of Android just teased a weird new accessory for his top-secret phone |last=Kovach |first=Steve |date=May 25, 2017 |website=Business Insider |publisher=Axel Springer SE |url-status=live |access-date=May 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170530180056/http://www.businessinsider.com/andy-rubin-startup-essential-phone-photo-2017-5 |archive-date=May 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''[[The Verge]]'' exclusively announced the device on May 30, 2017, hours ahead of Rubin's onstage announcement at a technology conference.<ref name="The Verge announcement" />

== Specifications ==
=== Hardware ===
The Essential Phone has a titanium and ceramic chassis,<ref name="The Verge announcement" /><ref>{{cite web |first=Anita |last=Balakrishnan |title=There's room for more than one 'love brand' in phones, says the COO of Andy Rubin's new company |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/30/essential-phone-interview-with-niccolo-de-masi.html |publisher={{wipe|CNBC}} |date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607140326/http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/30/essential-phone-interview-with-niccolo-de-masi.html |archive-date=June 7, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> an edge-to-edge display with an unusual 19.5:10 aspect ratio protected with [[Physics:Gorilla Glass|Gorilla Glass 5]],<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Smith |title=The Essential phone that's going after the iPhone 8 and Galaxy S8 is finally here |url=http://bgr.com/2017/05/30/essential-phone-release-date-price-specs/ |website=BGR |date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702064436/http://bgr.com/2017/05/30/essential-phone-release-date-price-specs/ |archive-date=July 2, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> a [[Engineering:List of Qualcomm Snapdragon systems-on-chip#Snapdragon 835|Snapdragon 835]] [[Central processing unit|processor]], 4&nbsp;[[Gigabyte|GB]] of RAM, and 128&nbsp;GB of storage.<ref name="The Verge announcement" />

===Colors===
At launch, four color options were announced: "Black Moon" (black ceramic and black titanium trim), "Stellar Grey" (gray ceramic and black trim), "Pure White" (white ceramic and natural titanium trim), and "Ocean Depths" (teal ceramic and copper-colored titanium).<ref name="PetaPixel cameras" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://gizmodo.com/i-cant-tell-what-color-this-phone-is-and-honestly-its-d-1823075408 |title=I Can't Tell What Color This Phone Is and Honestly It's Driving Me Nuts |author=Weber, Harrison |date=February 16, 2018 |work=Gizmodo |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref> "Black Moon" was the first color available, followed by "Pure White" in October 2017.{{r|Summary of Essential's Reddit AMA}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/you-can-now-buy-pure-white-essential-phone |title=You can now buy the Pure White Essential Phone |author=Maring, Joe |date=12 October 2017 |website=Android Central |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref>

"Stellar Grey" and "Ocean Depths" were released as limited editions in February 2018, alongside a "Copper Black" variant.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.androidauthority.com/essential-phone-come-three-new-limited-edition-colors-838229/|title=Essential Phone to come in three new, limited edition colors|last=Brown|first=Scott|date=February 16, 2018|work=Android Authority|access-date=February 17, 2018}}</ref> "Ocean Depths" sold out within two weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/3/1/17066192/essential-limited-edition-colors-photos-ocean-depths-matte-black-bronze-amazon |title=Essential's limited-edition phone colors look spectacular |author=Kastrenakes, Jacob |date=March 1, 2018 |work=The Verge |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref> An [[Company:Amazon|Amazon]]-exclusive version of the Essential Phone was also launched that month with a "Halo Grey" color and [[Software:Amazon Alexa|Alexa]] built-in.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/2/16/17020750/essential-amazon-exclusive-phone-alexa|title=Essential made an Amazon-exclusive version of its phone with Alexa preinstalled|last=Gartenberg|first=Chaim|date=February 16, 2018|work=The Verge|access-date=February 17, 2018|publisher=Vox Media}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Essential Phone PH-1 color combinations
|-
! Name !! Ceramic{{efn|Color of ceramic back}} !! Trim{{efn|Color of titanium band/frame}} !! Availability !! Released
|-
! Black Moon
| Gloss Black || Black || Regular || {{dts|2017|08|abbr=on}}{{efn|Only color available at launch}}
|-
! Pure White
| Gloss White || Natural || Regular || {{dts|2017|10|abbr=on}}
|-
! Stellar Grey
| Matte gray || Black || rowspan=3 | Limited || rowspan=4 | {{dts|2018|02|abbr=on}}
|-
! Ocean Depths
| Gloss teal || Copper
|-
! Copper Black
| Gloss black || Copper
|-
! Halo Grey
| Matte gray || Natural || Regular{{efn|Sold exclusively through Amazon}}
|}

;Notes
{{notelist|25em}}

===Cameras===
[[File:Essential PH-1 schematic.svg|thumb|right|upright|Schematic view of screen, including notch for front-facing camera]]
The primary rear-facing camera uses two 13&nbsp;MP (4224×3136px) [[Company:Sony|Sony]] IMX258 Exmor&nbsp;RS sensors, each equipped with [[Focal length|f=]]3.4mm<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/100911036@N04/44381793521/ |title=untitled |author=Crollini, Armando |date=August 28, 2018 |website=flickr |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref> [[Astronomy:Aperture|{{f/}}]]1.85 lenses. One sensor is monochrome which omits the [[Engineering:Bayer filter|Bayer filter]] to provide luminance data for black-and-white photography.<ref name="PetaPixel cameras" /> Testing shows the monochrome sensor also improves detail reproduction in low light.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tweakers.net/reviews/5729/5/essential-phone-ph-1-een-frisse-wind-door-smartphoneland-camera.html |title=Essential Phone PH-1 Review: Een frisse wind door smartphoneland — Camera |trans-title=Essential Phone PH-1 Review: A fresh wind through smartphoneland |author=Funnekotter, Wout |date=24 October 2017 |work=tweakers |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref> The IMX258 is a 1/3.06" <!--{{convert|5.867|mm|abbr=on}} on the diagonal-->4:3 aspect ratio [[Engineering:Back-illuminated sensor|backside illumination stacked image sensor]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sony-semicon.co.jp/products_en/IS/sensor1/products/imx258.html |title=Overview: Image Sensor for Mobile IMX258 |publisher=Sony Semiconductor Solutions |access-date=30 October 2018 |archive-date=October 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031005307/https://www.sony-semicon.co.jp/products_en/IS/sensor1/products/imx258.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> which provides an 82° [[Angle of view|angle of view]] on the diagonal.

Its front-facing camera has an 8&nbsp;MP (16:9 aspect ratio, 3840×2160px)<!--Potentially the Sony IMX268, based on resolution/aspect ratio; 1/3.61" with 5.14mm on the diagonal gives a 79° AOV with a f=3.1mm lens--> sensor with a f=3.1mm<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/nenzen/38047427816/ |title=Self-portrait |first=Carl Nenzén |last=Lovén |date=October 30, 2017 |website=flickr |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref> {{f/}}2.2 lens.<ref name="PetaPixel cameras" />

===Connectors===
It has a USB-C connector but no 3.5&nbsp;mm headphone jack.<ref name="The Verge hardware" /><ref name="The Verge announcement" /> Several Essential-branded accessories were planned for release.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Scrivens|first1=Scott|title=Essential has some new accessories available, including USB-C earbuds and a fast charger|url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2018/01/11/essential-new-accessories-available-including-usb-c-earbuds-fast-charger/|website=Android Police|access-date=11 January 2018|date=11 January 2018}}</ref>

The phone is also equipped with the Click Connector, which uses magnets to secure a modular accessory to the top rear surface of the phone; two gold-plated [[Engineering:Pogo pin|pogo pin]]s provide power to the accessory, and the phone communicates with the accessory via [[Engineering:Wireless USB|wireless USB]].<ref name=Wired-360>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/story/essential-360-camera-hands-on/ |title=Essential's snap-on 360 Camera has some growing up to do |author=Nystedt, Brendan |date=18 August 2017 |magazine=Wired |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref> ''The Verge'' compared the Click Connector to the Moto Mods system used on the [[Engineering:Moto Z|Moto Z]] line of smartphones.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/30/15711194/essential-phone-modular-magnetic-accessory-system |title=The Essential Phone has its own version of the magnetic Moto Mods system |author=Savov, Vlad |date=May 30, 2017 |work=The Verge |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref> The first modular accessory designed and launched with the phone is a 360° camera.<ref name=Wired-360 /> Also at launch, a charging dock accessory was announced for the same connector.<ref name="The Verge announcement" />{{r|Summary of Essential's Reddit AMA}} Keyssa announced a lawsuit over the technology used in the Click Connector in October 2017. Essential had discussed wireless data connectivity with Keyssa for several months under a [[Social:Non-disclosure agreement|non-disclosure agreement]], but Essential opted instead to use hardware from a competitor, SiBEAM.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2017/10/16/essential-sued-modular-accessory-technology/ |title=Essential is being sued over its modular accessory technology |author=Davenport, Corbin |date=October 16, 2017 |work=Android Police |access-date=14 November 2018}}</ref> For more discussion on the Keyssa lawsuit, see {{slink||Trade secret lawsuit}}.

In January 2018, Essential announced the development of the Audio Adapter HD, a third Click Connector accessory providing a headphone jack,<ref>{{cite web |last=Maggio |first=Edoardo |title=The flagship phone from the creator of Android is getting a headphone jack – but as a paid accessory |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/andy-rubins-essential-phone-is-getting-a-headphone-jack-but-as-a-paid-accessory-2017-9 |website=Business Insider |access-date=September 15, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915121038/http://www.businessinsider.com/andy-rubins-essential-phone-is-getting-a-headphone-jack-but-as-a-paid-accessory-2017-9 |archive-date=September 15, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> external [[Digital-to-analog converter|DAC]], and [[Engineering:Audio power amplifier|amplifier]]. It was scheduled to ship in the summer of 2018.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/6/7/17439734/essential-phone-headphone-jack-module-release-date |title=The Essential Phone's first new module since launch is a magnetic headphone jack |author=Gartenberg, Chaim |date=June 7, 2018 |work=The Verge |access-date=30 October 2018}}</ref> After it went on sale on November 13, 2018, as a limited edition, Essential sold out of the Audio Adapter HD within a day.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/11/13/essential-reveals-audio-adapter-hd-150-machined-titanium-external-dac-ph-1/ |title=[Update: Already sold out] Essential reveals its Audio Adapter HD, a $150 machined titanium external DAC for the PH-1 |author=Hager, Ryne |date=November 13, 2018 |work=Android Police |access-date=14 November 2018}}</ref>

=== Network compatibility ===
The Essential Phone is compatible with the four largest wireless carriers in the United States,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Welch |first1=Chris |title=US carriers confirm they'll support the Essential Phone |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/5/30/15713808/essential-phone-verizon-att-tmobile-sprint-compatibility |website=[[The Verge]] |access-date=May 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170531220717/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/5/30/15713808/essential-phone-verizon-att-tmobile-sprint-compatibility |archive-date=May 31, 2017 |url-status=live |date=May 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/9/16/16319676/essential-verizon-approval |title=Essential Phone now approved to work on Verizon |work=The Verge |date=September 16, 2017 |access-date=September 17, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917050549/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/9/16/16319676/essential-verizon-approval |archive-date=September 17, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> but the exclusive carrier partner is [[Company:Sprint Corporation|Sprint]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Edward C. |last=Baig |title=Sprint to be exclusive carrier of 'Essential' phone |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/baig/2017/06/11/sprint-exclusive-carrier-essential-phone/102669726/ |website=[[Software:USA Today|USA Today]] |date=June 12, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706205911/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/baig/2017/06/11/sprint-exclusive-carrier-essential-phone/102669726/ |archive-date=July 6, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Dieter |last=Bohn |title=The Essential Phone is launching as a Sprint exclusive, but will still work on other carriers |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/12/15781066/essential-phone-sprint-exclusive-other-carriers |website=[[The Verge]] |date=June 12, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729221157/https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/12/15781066/essential-phone-sprint-exclusive-other-carriers |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dunn |first1=Jeff |title=Andy Rubin's Essential phone will be a Sprint 'exclusive' – but you can use it on other carriers if you want |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/essential-phone-sprint-exclusive-how-to-use-on-other-carriers-2017-6 |website=Business Insider |publisher=Axel Springer SE |access-date=June 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170612162010/http://www.businessinsider.com/essential-phone-sprint-exclusive-how-to-use-on-other-carriers-2017-6 |archive-date=June 12, 2017 |url-status=live |date=June 12, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In Canada, Telus is the exclusive carrier partner.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jake |last=Westall |title=Telus Announces Essential Phone Availability for Canada |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/telus-announces-essential-phone-availability-for-canada/ |website=[[Software:XDA Developers|XDA Developers]] |date=June 15, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Igor |last=Bonifacic |title=Andy Rubin's Essential Phone is coming exclusively to Telus this summer |url=http://mobilesyrup.com/2017/06/15/andy-rubin-essential-phone-telus-canada-july/ |website=MobileSyrup |date=June 15, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730014604/https://mobilesyrup.com/2017/06/15/andy-rubin-essential-phone-telus-canada-july/ |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://gsmarena.com/essential_phone_is_now_available_to_purchase_in_us_and_canada-news-27184.php |title=Essential Phone is now available to purchase in US and Canada |publisher=GSMArena.com |access-date=September 10, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910035653/http://www.gsmarena.com/essential_phone_is_now_available_to_purchase_in_us_and_canada-news-27184.php |archive-date=September 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In July 2017, it was reported Essential was planning to sell the Essential Phone in other markets, including the United Kingdom, with a possible partnership with EE,<ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Summers |title=Essential's first smartphone is coming to the UK |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/17/essential-smartphone-uk-launch-ee-talks/ |website=[[Software:Engadget|Engadget]] |publisher=AOL |date=July 17, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729214423/https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/17/essential-smartphone-uk-launch-ee-talks/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ghosh |first1=Shona |title=A new smartphone from the man who created Android is reportedly coming to the UK |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/andy-rubin-essential-smartphone-uk-europe-and-japan-launch-2017-7 |work=Business Insider |publisher=Axel Springer SE |access-date=July 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170718124914/http://www.businessinsider.com/andy-rubin-essential-smartphone-uk-europe-and-japan-launch-2017-7 |archive-date=July 18, 2017 |url-status=live |date=July 17, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Japan, and Europe.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gartenberg |first1=Chaim |title=The Essential Phone is reportedly coming to Japan, the UK, and other European countries |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/17/15981392/essential-phone-uk-japan-europe-international-release-andy-rubin-android-report |website=[[The Verge]] |access-date=July 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170717171101/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/17/15981392/essential-phone-uk-japan-europe-international-release-andy-rubin-android-report |archive-date=July 17, 2017 |url-status=live |date=July 17, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Alex |last=Dobie |title=Essential Phone reportedly coming to the UK, Europe and Japan |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/essential-phone-reportedly-coming-uk-europe-and-japan |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=July 17, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729214817/https://www.androidcentral.com/essential-phone-reportedly-coming-uk-europe-and-japan |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; white-space:nowrap;font-size:90%;"
! colspan="6" | Bands
|-
! [[Engineering:CDMA2000|CDMA EV-DO Rev. A]]<br/>{{small|(CDMA band number)}} !! GSM<br/>{{small|(MHz)}} !! [[UMTS]]<br/>{{small|(UTRA band number)}} !! LTE-FDD<br/>{{small|([[Engineering:E-UTRA|E-UTRA]] band number)}} !! LTE-TDD<br/>{{small|(E-UTRA band number)}} !!TD-SCDMA<br/>{{small|(E-UTRA band number)}}
|-
| 0, 1, 10 || 850/900/1800/1900 || 1, 2, 4–6, 8  || style="text-align:left" | 1–8, 11–13, 17, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28–39, 66 || 38–43 ||34, 39
|}

=== Software ===
{{Further|Software:Android (operating system)}}
Essential Phone runs Android, without [[Software:Android (operating system)#Licensing|modifications]].<ref name="The Verge hardware" /> It has an unlocked [[Software:Bootloader|bootloader]], potentially allowing for a significant developer community wanting to further customize its software.<ref>{{cite web |first=Tomek |last=Kondrat |title=Essential Phone Will have an Unlockable Bootloader |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/essential-phone-will-have-an-unlockable-bootloader/ |website=[[Software:XDA Developers|XDA Developers]] |date=June 3, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709235203/https://www.xda-developers.com/essential-phone-will-have-an-unlockable-bootloader/ |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Rubin published a blog post on August 16, 2017, promising two years of Android updates and three years of monthly security patches.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.essential.com/blog/essential-phone-available-now |title=Essential Phone, available now. |website=Essential |access-date=August 18, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818003415/https://www.essential.com/blog/essential-phone-available-now |archive-date=August 18, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> On August 6, 2018, the device was upgraded to [[Software:Android Pie|Android 9.0 "Pie"]], day-and-date with its official launch on the first-party [[Software:Google Pixel|Google Pixel]] devices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/8/6/17656294/essential-phone-android-9-pie-update-now-available|title=The Essential Phone is being upgraded to Android 9 Pie on the same day as Google's Pixels|last=Welch|first=Chris|date=2018-08-06|website=The Verge|access-date=2018-12-29}}</ref> An update to [[Software:Android 10|Android 10]] was also released upon its public availability in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/3/20847890/essential-phone-android-10-update-release-day|title=The Essential Phone is already being updated to Android 10|last=Kastrenakes|first=Jacob|date=2019-09-03|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref>

==Issues==

===Meltdown and Spectre===
In January 2018, the phone quickly received a patch to fix the [[Meltdown (security vulnerability)|Meltdown]] and [[Spectre (security vulnerability)|Spectre]] vulnerabilities after they were revealed. Until this time, only phones by Google had these vulnerabilities patched.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Patel|first1=Idrees|title=Essential Phone Starts Receiving January 2018 Security Patch Update|url=https://www.xda-developers.com/essential-phone-january-2018-security-patch-meltdown-spectre/|website=xda-developers|access-date=8 January 2018|date=6 January 2018}}</ref>

===Availability delay===
Rubin announced on May 30, 2017, that the Essential Phone would ship in approximately 30 days,<ref>{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Lawler |title=Andy Rubin's Essential phone should ship next month |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/30/andy-rubin-essential-phone-interview/ |website=[[Software:Engadget|Engadget]] |publisher=AOL |date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=July 27, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805102748/https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/30/andy-rubin-essential-phone-interview/ |archive-date=August 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Statt |title=The first Essential Phones will begin shipping in June |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/30/15716932/andy-rubin-essential-phone-release-date-shipping-june |website=[[The Verge]] |date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805102534/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/30/15716932/andy-rubin-essential-phone-release-date-shipping-june |archive-date=August 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> i.e. June 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/8/14/16142772/andy-rubin-essential-phone-valuation-billion-dollars-unicorn-value |title=Andy Rubin's Essential is now valued at over a billion dollars without shipping a single phone |website=The Verge |date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=August 14, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814181258/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/8/14/16142772/andy-rubin-essential-phone-valuation-billion-dollars-unicorn-value |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> This estimated timetable was not met, however, without Essential responding to media queries.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Statt |title=Andy Rubin's Essential is staying quiet on the Essential Phone delay |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/10/15949762/andy-rubin-essential-phone-shipping-delay-android |website=[[The Verge]] |date=July 10, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723060306/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/10/15949762/andy-rubin-essential-phone-shipping-delay-android |archive-date=July 23, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kovach |first1=Steve |title=The new phone from the creator of Android didn't ship when he said it would |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/essential-phone-release-date-2017-7 |website=Business Insider |publisher=Axel Springer SE |access-date=July 31, 2017 |date=July 6, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805102423/http://www.businessinsider.com/essential-phone-release-date-2017-7 |archive-date=August 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Davenport |first1=Corbin |title=Essential misses its promised 30-day shipping period for the Essential phone |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/07/08/essential-misses-promised-30-day-shipping-period-essential-phone/ |website=Android Police |publisher=Illogical Robot LLC |access-date=July 31, 2017 |date=July 8, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805105243/http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/07/08/essential-misses-promised-30-day-shipping-period-essential-phone/ |archive-date=August 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In mid-July, Rubin sent an email to potential customers saying carrier certification and testing were underway, and that he expected the device to be shipped "in a few weeks".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/21/16008708/essential-phone-release-date-andy-rubin-august |title=Andy Rubin says Essential Phone coming 'in a few weeks' |last=Kastrenakes |first=Jacob |date=July 21, 2017 |website=The Verge|access-date=August 16, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729223027/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/21/16008708/essential-phone-release-date-andy-rubin-august |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> After a series of delays and the lack of an exact release date, [[Company:Best Buy|Best Buy]] put up listings for the Essential Phone,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gartenberg |first1=Chaim |title=Essential Phone moves closer to availability with Best Buy listing |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/4/16094522/essential-phone-best-buy-listing-unlocked-sprint-price |website=[[The Verge]] |access-date=August 8, 2017 |date=August 4, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805082109/https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/4/16094522/essential-phone-best-buy-listing-unlocked-sprint-price |archive-date=August 5, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> which went live on August 17.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ubergizmo.com/2017/08/essential-phone-pre-order-from-sprint-best-buy-essential/ |title=Essential Phone Available For Pre-Order From Sprint, Best Buy, And Essential |work=Ubergizmo|access-date=August 17, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817211010/http://www.ubergizmo.com/2017/08/essential-phone-pre-order-from-sprint-best-buy-essential/ |archive-date=August 17, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> On August 9, 2017, Rubin announced the phone was in mass production, and that a release date would be announced in the next week.<ref>{{cite web |title=Android creator Andy Rubin has a new backer for his startup – Amazon |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/essential-phone-debuts-next-week-amazon-invests-andy-rubin-2017-8 |website=Business Insider |access-date=August 9, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810050919/http://www.businessinsider.com/essential-phone-debuts-next-week-amazon-invests-andy-rubin-2017-8 |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Essential Phone's actual release date will be revealed in a week |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/essential-phones-actual-release-date-will-be-revealed-in-a-week |website=TechRadar |access-date=August 9, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810013041/http://www.techradar.com/news/essential-phones-actual-release-date-will-be-revealed-in-a-week |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://gizmodo.com/creator-of-android-swears-his-new-phone-actually-exists-1797690920 |title=Creator of Android Swears His New Phone Actually Exists |last=Rutherford |first=Sam |work=Gizmodo|date=August 9, 2017 |access-date=August 10, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809232839/http://gizmodo.com/creator-of-android-swears-his-new-phone-actually-exists-1797690920 |archive-date=August 9, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The Essential Phone was then confirmed to start shipping by the fourth week of August, according to an email sent by Rubin to customers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/essential-phone-shipping-within-7-days-793823/ |title=Confirmed: Andy Rubin's Essential Phone will ship within 7 days |date=August 16, 2017 |work=Android Authority|access-date=August 16, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816105618/http://www.androidauthority.com/essential-phone-shipping-within-7-days-793823/ |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> It began shipping in batches by August 25.<ref name="Shipping" />

===Customer data leak===
On August 29, 2017, reports emerged that hundreds of customers who ordered the Essential Phone started receiving e-mails from an @essential address. The e-mail contained an official-looking request for a "photo ID" of the customer to "verify information to complete the processing of the recent order". Essential later tweeted that they were aware of the recent e-mails received by some customers and that they were investigating them and had taken steps to mitigate problems.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/08/30/essential-phone-deceptive-phishing-emails/ |title=Essential customers hit with deceptive phishing emails |website=Engadget|date=August 30, 2017 |access-date=August 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830142229/https://www.engadget.com/2017/08/30/essential-phone-deceptive-phishing-emails/ |archive-date=August 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thenextweb.com/mobile/2017/08/30/essential-phone-email-scam-phishing/#.tnw_y2V9lRU1 |title=Essential Phone customers are being blasted with phishing emails |last=Mix |date=August 30, 2017 |work=The Next Web|access-date=August 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830115023/https://thenextweb.com/mobile/2017/08/30/essential-phone-email-scam-phishing/#.tnw_y2V9lRU1 |archive-date=August 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://phandroid.com/2017/08/30/essential-personal-id-photo-email-scam/ |title=PSA: Don't respond to any Essential emails asking for a photo of personal identification |date=August 30, 2017 |website=Phandroid - Android News and Reviews|access-date=August 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830181424/http://phandroid.com/2017/08/30/essential-personal-id-photo-email-scam/ |archive-date=August 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Rubin personally apologized and one year of [[Company:LifeLock|LifeLock]] was offered to affected customers; around 70 people were affected.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/psa-potential-phishing-alert-essential/ |title=PSA: Essential Support Email Chain Source of Potential Identity Fraud |date=August 30, 2017 |website=xda-developers |access-date=August 31, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831010809/https://www.xda-developers.com/psa-potential-phishing-alert-essential/ |archive-date=August 31, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Some customers' drivers' licenses were leaked over e-mail as well.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/30/16226028/essential-customer-email-drivers-license-phishing |title=In colossal screw up, Essential shared customers' driver's licenses over email |last=Bohn |first=Dieter |date=August 30, 2017 |website=The Verge |access-date=August 31, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830230118/https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/30/16226028/essential-customer-email-drivers-license-phishing |archive-date=August 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Customers affected by the data leak got the phone for free.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/essential-phone-phishing-attack-emails-796989/ |title=Update: Customers affected by personal data leak will get Essential Phone for free |date=August 31, 2017 |website=Android Authority |access-date=August 31, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830210059/http://www.androidauthority.com/essential-phone-phishing-attack-emails-796989/ |archive-date=August 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lynch |first=Doug |title=Essential Apologizes, Offering Affected Customers LifeLock and a Phone |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/andy-rubin-essential-free-phone/ |website=xda-developers |access-date=September 11, 2017 |date=August 31, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901004006/https://www.xda-developers.com/andy-rubin-essential-free-phone/ |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

===Touch issues===
In October 2017, some handsets had a display touch scrolling "jitteriness" issue. Essential said they were working on the problem and a software patch would be released.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/essential-team-talks-ama-806202/ |title=The Essential team talks jittery touch issues, new colors, and Android Oreo in AMA |date=October 9, 2017 |work=Android Authority |access-date=October 10, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010155300/http://www.androidauthority.com/essential-team-talks-ama-806202/ |archive-date=October 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

=== Trade secret lawsuit ===
[[File:Keyssa-r-rgb.png|thumb|Keyssa (now owned by Molex) filed a lawsuit against Essential in October 2017]]
Keyssa, a startup company founded by Dr. Frank Chang, Ira Deyhimy and Gary McCormack <ref name="Keyssa unveils 'kiss' connector technology"> [https://www.fiercewireless.com/tech/keyssa-unveils-kiss-connector-technology-for-transferring-huge-amounts-data-between-devices "Keyssa unveils 'kiss' connector technology for transferring 'huge amounts' of data between devices"] ''Fierce Wireless''. November 15, 2014. </ref> and specializing in wireless data transmission, filed a lawsuit accusing Essential of [[Social:Trade secret|trade secret]] theft in October 2017. Keyssa said it was in talks with Essential for roughly 10 months to help provide the technology behind connecting Essential's new Android phone and their planned future products. Essential wanted to incorporate a Keyssa-developed microchip in the Essential Phone to provide functionality to their modular accessories, but turned to a similar company, [[Company:SiBeam|SiBeam]], to produce the microchip. Keyssa says Essential stole its proprietary technology because the non-disclosure agreements it signed protected the two companies' meetings and prevented Essential from using those trade secrets to make commercial products.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/16/16485014/keyssa-sues-essential-phone-tony-fadell-andy-rubin-lawsuit |title=Tony Fadell-backed company sues Andy Rubin's Essential over wireless connector tech |work=The Verge|access-date=2017-10-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/andy-rubins-essential-sued-over-modular-connector-tech/ |title=Andy Rubin's Essential sued over modular connector tech |publisher=CNET|access-date=2017-10-18 |language=en}}</ref>
{{quote|Keyssa has not been compensated for Essential's use of this guidance and know-how. We are pursuing this action because our attempts to resolve this matter through discussions with Essential have not been successful.|sign=|source=Keyssa<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-keyssa-lawsuit/android-co-creators-startup-sued-over-connector-technology-idUSKBN1CL2OO |title=Android co-creator's startup sued over connector technology |date=October 16, 2017 |work=Reuters|access-date=October 18, 2017}}</ref>}}

According to Essential, the Click Connector is not based on technology from Keyssa and the firm vowed to "defend ourselves vigorously".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconbeat.com/2017/10/16/andy-rubins-essential-sued-company-backed-ipod-creator-tony-fadell/ |title=Updated: Andy Rubin's Essential sued by company backed by iPod creator Tony Fadell |author=Lee, Seung |date=October 16, 2017 |website=siliconbeat |publisher=San Jose Mercury News |access-date=15 November 2018 |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116000910/http://www.siliconbeat.com/2017/10/16/andy-rubins-essential-sued-company-backed-ipod-creator-tony-fadell/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Reception==
===Critical reception===
The Essential Phone received generally positive reviews. Much of the criticism was directed towards the camera performance, and the omission of a headphone jack.<ref name="Summary of Essential's Reddit AMA">{{Cite web |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/essential-phone-reddit-ama-summary/ |title=Summary of Essential's Reddit AMA: Android Oreo Coming Soon, White Model, Verizon Support, and More |last=Lynch |first=Doug |date=September 15, 2017 |website=xda-developers |access-date=September 16, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916133426/https://www.xda-developers.com/essential-phone-reddit-ama-summary/ |archive-date=September 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

*''Wired'' positively noted its design, battery life, performance and stock Android OS, but disliked the camera and built-in speaker. They gave it a score of 8/10.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2017/08/review-essential-phone/ |title=The Essential Phone Is Almost Essential |last=Pierce |first=David |magazine=WIRED|access-date=August 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829120150/https://www.wired.com/2017/08/review-essential-phone/ |archive-date=August 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*''[[Software:Engadget|Engadget]]'' praised its build quality, edge-to-edge display, performance, battery life and clean build of Android 7.1.1, but criticized the screen's brightness, and the lack of a headphone jack and water resistance.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/08/24/essential-phone-ph-1-review/ |title=Essential PH-1 review: A beautiful blank slate |website=Engadget|access-date=August 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829161619/https://www.engadget.com/2017/08/24/essential-phone-ph-1-review/ |archive-date=August 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*''[[Company:IFixit|iFixit]]'' gave the phone a 1 out of 10 in terms of repairability because it is almost impossible to open without freezing and ultimately breaking it.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Essential+Phone+Teardown/96764 |title=Essential Phone Teardown |date=September 5, 2017 |work=iFixit|access-date=September 6, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906032401/https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Essential+Phone+Teardown/96764 |archive-date=September 6, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*''CNET'' noted that despite Essential's claims about the device's toughness, it can still suffer from dents during normal use, and the screen may crack if dropped from a height.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/essential-phone-drop-test/ |title=Did the Essential Phone survive our drop test? |publisher=CNET |access-date=September 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910165829/https://www.cnet.com/news/essential-phone-drop-test/ |archive-date=September 10, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*''This Week in Tech'' praised the design, specs, and OS, but noted the phone's screen cracked during normal use without being dropped, and criticized the performance of the cameras and a camera accessory.<ref>{{Cite web |work=TWiT Netcast Network |title=Essential Phone PH-1 Review |date=September 9, 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-EjMHq0OXE |access-date=September 13, 2017 |publisher=YouTube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916215001/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-EjMHq0OXE&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=September 16, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
*Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee gave the phone an award for "Best Design" in his annual "Smartphone Awards" series in 2017.<ref>{{Citation|title=Smartphone Awards 2017!|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMQbRpxgFvs|language=en|access-date=2021-07-28}}</ref>

===Sales===
In its first month of release, shipments of the Essential Phone were very low, with sales of around 5,000 units estimated being sold through Sprint.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/essential-phone-5000-sold-803111 |title=Essential Phone has reportedly only sold 5,000 units through Sprint - but why? |date=September 27, 2017 |work=Android Authority |access-date=September 28, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929001004/http://www.androidauthority.com/essential-phone-5000-sold-803111 |archive-date=September 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Due to low demand, Essential reduced the price of the phone from an initial US$699 to US$499. Customers who purchased the phone at the original price could claim a US$200 "friends and family" code that could be used to purchase the 360-degree camera module or another Essential Phone.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/essential-phone-deal-809154 |title=Essential Phone now priced at $499, previous buyers get a $200 'friends and family' code |date=2017-10-22 |work=Android Authority |access-date=2017-10-23 |language=en-US |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023062048/https://www.androidauthority.com/essential-phone-deal-809154/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/22/16516828/essential-phone-price-cut-499-android |title=The Essential Phone now costs $499, $200 less than the original price |work=The Verge|access-date=2017-10-23}}</ref>

Essential claim six figure sales numbers,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Conway|first1=Adam|title=[Update: Essential Claims 6 Figure Sales] Google Pixel Shipments Doubled to 3.9 Million in 2017 While the Essential Phone Stalled Out |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/google-pixel-essential-phone-shipments-2017/|website=xda-developers|access-date=19 February 2018|date=16 February 2018}}</ref> estimated to be about 150,000 phones.<ref name=Essential-sale>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-24/andy-rubin-s-phone-maker-essential-is-said-to-consider-sale |title=Android Creator Puts Essential Up for Sale, Cancels Next Phone |author1=Gurman, Mark |author2=Barinka, Alex |date=May 24, 2018 |work=Bloomberg |access-date=30 October 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

==Successor ==
The PH-2, a successor that was in the works according to designers<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.alphr.com/mobile-phones/1007572/a-second-essential-phone-is-already-in-the-works |title=A second Essential phone is already in the works |date=2017-11-03|work=Alphr|access-date=2017-11-07 |language=en}}</ref> has been cancelled.<ref name=Essential-sale /> According to sources at Essential in October 2018, the company was working on another phone that operates primarily under voice control to automate certain tasks, such as responding to emails and text messages or making appointments.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-10/android-creator-is-said-to-build-ai-phone-that-texts-for-you |title=Android Creator Is Building an AI Phone That Texts People for You |author=Gurman, Mark |date=October 10, 2018 |work=Bloomberg |access-date=15 November 2018}}</ref>

On October 9, 2019, Essential founder Andy Rubin shared Project Gem which was planned to be the company's upcoming smartphone. The images shared by Rubin showed an abnormally tall smartphone running on Android.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mspoweruser.com/essential-teases-a-new-weirdly-tall-smartphone/|title=Essential teases a new weirdly tall smartphone|date=2019-10-09|website=MSPoweruser|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref> On February 12, 2020, as part of their announcement regarding ceasing operations, Essential showcased videos of the phone and stated they had, "taken Gem as far as we can and regrettably have no clear path to deliver it to customers."<ref>{{cite web |title=An Update from Essential |url=https://www.essential.com/blog/essential-update |website=[[Company:Essential Products|Essential Products]] |date=February 12, 2020 |access-date=March 5, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305061130/https://www.essential.com/blog/essential-update |archive-date=March 5, 2020 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Engineering:Comparison of smartphones|Comparison of smartphones]]

== References ==
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name="Shipping">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/essential-phone-ships-after-two-missed-ship-dates/ |title=Essential Phone begins shipping today, only 57 days late |publisher=CNET|access-date=August 26, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825225829/https://www.cnet.com/news/essential-phone-ships-after-two-missed-ship-dates/ |archive-date=August 25, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
<ref name="The Verge announcement">{{cite web |first=Dieter |last=Bohn |title=Exclusive: this is the Essential Phone |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/30/15711170/essential-phone-announcement-price-android-andy-rubin |website=[[The Verge]] |date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730013220/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/30/15711170/essential-phone-announcement-price-android-andy-rubin |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
<ref name="PetaPixel cameras">{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Zhang |title=The Essential Phone Has Dual Cameras, 4K, and a Dedicated B&W Sensor |url=https://petapixel.com/2017/05/30/essential-phone-dual-cameras-4k-dedicated-bw-sensor/ |website=PetaPixel |date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729214912/https://petapixel.com/2017/05/30/essential-phone-dual-cameras-4k-dedicated-bw-sensor/ |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
<ref name="The Verge hardware">{{cite web |first=Dieter |last=Bohn |title=The Essential Phone: A first look at the hardware |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/30/15717066/essential-phone-hands-on-photos-android-hardware |website=[[The Verge]] |date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729220427/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/30/15717066/essential-phone-hands-on-photos-android-hardware |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
}}

== External links ==


[[Category:Android (operating system) devices]]
[[Category:Smartphones]]
[[Category:Discontinued smartphones]]

{{Sourceattribution|Essential Phone}}