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Essential Phone

The Essential Phone (PH-1) is an Android smartphone developed and released in August 2017 by Essential Products, Inc., a consumer technology company founded in 2015 by Andy Rubin, co-creator of the Android operating system. Featuring a premium build with a titanium frame, ceramic rear panel, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection, the device introduced an edge-to-edge 5.71-inch LTPS LCD display with a 19:10 aspect ratio and 2560 x 1312 resolution, minimizing bezels except for a small chin and a unique pill-shaped cutout for the front camera. It also pioneered a modular design via magnetic pogo pins on the rear, enabling attachments like a 360-degree camera accessory, and ran stock Android 7.1 Nougat with promises of timely updates to emphasize a clean, bloatware-free software experience. Powered by the 835 octa-core processor (up to 2.45 GHz), 4 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of internal storage without microSD expansion, the Essential Phone delivered high-end performance suitable for multitasking and gaming, though its 3,040 mAh battery provided endurance of about 4 to 7 hours of screen-on time depending on usage. The camera system included dual 13-megapixel rear sensors (one RGB and one monochrome for enhanced low-light performance) with an f/1.85 and hybrid , alongside an 8-megapixel front camera capable of video; however, early software processing led to mixed results in dynamic range and speed. Additional features encompassed Bluetooth 5.0, connectivity, no 3.5 mm headphone jack, and IP54 dust and water resistance, positioning it as a forward-looking device priced at $699 unlocked. Essential Products aimed to foster an ecosystem of connected devices through its Ambient Computing platform, but the phone faced challenges including delayed accessory availability, camera software issues, and stiff competition from established brands like and . Despite critical praise for its innovative design and build quality, sales were underwhelming, leading to the cancellation of a planned successor, the Essential Phone 2, and the company's eventual shutdown in February 2020, after which the device ceased receiving security updates. The closure marked the end of Rubin's post-Google hardware venture, though Essential's was later acquired by other firms.

Development and history

Founding and concept

Essential Products, Inc. was founded in 2015 by Andy Rubin, the co-creator of the Android operating system, in Palo Alto, California. Following his departure from Google in 2014, Rubin sought to establish a nimble consumer electronics company capable of rapid innovation, unencumbered by the scale of larger tech giants. The startup raised significant funding, including $300 million from investors like Amazon and Tencent, to pursue ambitious hardware projects aimed at redefining personal computing. The core concept of the Essential Phone emerged from Rubin's vision to build an "anti-iPhone"—a premium, minimalist that prioritized seamless integration across devices rather than isolated functionality. Rubin aimed to create a central hub for an interconnected ecosystem, where would handle mundane tasks, allowing users to focus on meaningful interactions. This philosophy emphasized open standards and adaptability, contrasting with the closed ecosystems of competitors like Apple. A key innovation in the phone's design was its modular architecture, featuring a magnetic pogo-pin connector on the rear for attaching accessories such as a 360-degree camera or , enabling hardware expansions without altering the device's sleek form. This approach drew inspiration from but differed from prior modular efforts like Motorola's Moto Mods, focusing instead on aesthetic consistency and future-proofing the phone as the foundation for ambient . The Essential Phone was positioned as a pure device with high-end specifications, including an edge-to-edge and durable titanium-ceramic construction, to deliver a refined unmarred by bloatware.

Announcement and launch

The Essential Phone (PH-1) was officially announced on May 30, 2017, by , a startup founded by Android co-creator . The announcement, made via a live stream and , positioned the device as a premium, modular emphasizing high-end materials like and , an edge-to-edge display, and magnetic accessory attachments for expandability. Priced at $699 for the unlocked 128 GB model, pre-orders opened immediately on Essential's website, with initial shipping promised within 30 days to early adopters. The reveal generated significant buzz due to Rubin's involvement and the phone's innovative design, which aimed to compete directly with flagship devices from Apple and . At launch, the Essential Phone was confirmed compatible with all four major U.S. carriers—, , , and Sprint—supporting both CDMA and networks for broad availability. However, Essential announced Sprint as its exclusive retail partner, meaning the device would be sold unlocked directly through Essential's site or bundled with Sprint service, rather than through other carriers' stores. This strategy was intended to maintain control over the user experience and software updates, similar to Google's and lines. The phone's hardware, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and dual 13 MP cameras, was highlighted as cutting-edge for 2017 standards. Despite the enthusiasm, the launch faced multiple delays attributed to manufacturing challenges and . Originally slated for , shipping was postponed to mid-July and then late August, drawing criticism for the extended wait—over two months from announcement. began fulfilling pre-orders on August 25, 2017, starting with the "" color variant, with wider availability following in early through the company's online store and Sprint. The delayed rollout impacted initial sales momentum but allowed for refinements, such as improved camera tuning.

Production and discontinuation

The Essential Phone (PH-1) entered mass production on August 9, 2017, following several delays from its initial announcement in May 2017, primarily due to challenges and internal departures. Shipments to early buyers began in late August 2017, with the device initially offered directly through Essential's website at a price of $699, alongside partnerships with carriers like Sprint. The company adopted a small-batch approach to maintain quality control, avoiding reliance on large-scale contractors like , which contributed to initial supply constraints post-launch. Production continued through 2018, with Essential reporting sales exceeding 100,000 units within the first four months of availability, reaching six-figure totals overall, though exact production volumes were not publicly disclosed. Despite efforts to ramp up output and reduce pricing to $499 in October 2017 to boost demand, the phone faced stiff competition and failed to achieve broader . On December 28, 2018, Essential announced the discontinuation of the PH-1, stating that all units on its website were sold out and no new inventory would be added, effectively halting production. The company shifted focus to developing a successor device, though plans for a second-generation phone were later canceled amid financial difficulties and acquisition talks. ceased operations entirely on February 12, 2020, after determining there was "no clear path forward," leaving the PH-1 without further hardware support.

Design and hardware

Build materials and form factor

The Essential Phone (PH-1) features a premium build constructed primarily from for the frame and for the rear panel, paired with Corning 5 on the front . This combination provides enhanced durability compared to traditional aluminum frames, with offering superior strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to bending, while the ceramic back contributes scratch resistance and a premium, matte finish. The materials were chosen to emphasize modularity and longevity, allowing for magnetic attachments without compromising structural integrity. In terms of , the device adopts a compact slab with an edge-to-edge 5.71-inch , minimizing bezels on all sides except for a distinctive rear-facing "" module that protrudes slightly from the top edge. This houses the dual rear cameras and flash, enabling a seamless without traditional camera bumps, and supports quick-swap modular accessories via magnetic pins. The overall dimensions measure 141.5 x 71.1 x 7.8 mm, with a weight of 185 grams, making it relatively slim and lightweight for a flagship phone of its era despite the robust materials. The phone also includes an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, protecting against splashes and limited dust ingress but not submersion. This rating, combined with the material choices, positions the Essential Phone as a durable yet minimalist device focused on aesthetics and functionality over expansive feature sets like wireless charging.

Display and cameras

The Essential Phone (PH-1) features a 5.71-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2560 × 1312 pixels, delivering a pixel density of approximately 504 and a 19:10 for an elongated, immersive viewing area. The screen employs LTPS technology and is protected by Corning 5, contributing to its durability against scratches and minor impacts. Its edge-to-edge design minimizes bezels on three sides, with only a small chin at the bottom, allowing the display to wrap around the phone's titanium frame and achieve an 84.9% screen-to-body ratio. Reviewers praised the panel's vibrant colors, high brightness levels suitable for outdoor use, and sharp detail, though it lacks the deep blacks of alternatives. The rear camera setup includes dual 13-megapixel sensors—one color RGB and one —both with an f/1.85 , 1/3.1-inch sensor size, and phase detection augmented by for quick focusing in varied lighting. An LED flash and processing enhance dynamic range in photos, while the monochrome sensor captures additional light details to improve overall image quality, particularly in low-light scenarios. Video recording supports at 30 , 1080p at 60 , and slow-motion 720p at 120 , providing versatile options for users. The front-facing 8-megapixel camera, with an f/2.2 and 1/4.0-inch sensor size, delivers competent selfies with natural sharpness but without advanced beautification features. In performance evaluations, the camera system produced reliable daylight shots with good color accuracy and detail, though it exhibited inconsistencies in low-light conditions, such as noise and slower processing speeds compared to contemporaries like the . The hybrid autofocus mechanism combined contrast, phase detection, and laser elements for reliable subject tracking, but overall image quality was deemed solid for everyday use rather than exceptional.

Processor, memory, and storage

The Essential Phone (PH-1) is powered by the 835 system-on-chip (), a flagship processor at the time of its 2017 launch, featuring an octa-core 280 CPU configuration with four high-performance cores clocked at up to 2.45 GHz and four efficiency cores at up to 1.9 GHz, paired with an Adreno 540 GPU. This provided robust performance for multitasking, gaming, and AI-accelerated tasks, enabling smooth operation with near-stock software and supporting features like video recording and advanced camera processing. The device includes 4 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, which was standard for high-end smartphones in and sufficient for handling contemporary apps and light multitasking without significant lag, though it later showed limitations with more demanding modern software updates. is fixed at 128 GB of UFS 2.1 , offering fast read/write speeds for quick app launches and file access but lacking expandable options via microSD card, which was a noted drawback for users needing additional space.

Battery, charging, and connectivity

The Essential Phone (PH-1) features a non-removable 3,040 mAh Li-Ion , which provides adequate endurance for typical daily use but falls short of competitors in intensive scenarios. In standardized tests, it achieved approximately 10 hours of continuous video playback and lasted through a full day of moderate to heavy activity, including , streaming, and calls, though it drained faster under sustained loads. Idle power consumption is notably efficient, contributing to overnight retention of over 90% charge in some user reports. Charging is supported via USB Power Delivery 2.0, enabling fast wired charging at up to 27W with the included adapter, which can replenish the battery from 0% to about 50% in under 30 minutes. The device lacks wireless charging capabilities, relying solely on the USB Type-C port for power input. This setup prioritizes speed and compatibility with standard USB-C chargers but omits the convenience of inductive charging found in many flagship phones of the era. Connectivity options include a USB Type-C 2.0 port for data transfer and charging, supporting speeds up to 480 Mbps. The phone supports for download speeds up to 1 Gbps and upload up to 150 Mbps, with compatibility across major U.S. carriers via a single Nano-SIM slot; it handles band switching seamlessly but occasionally requires reboots for network recognition on . Wireless features encompass 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band with ), Bluetooth 5.0 for low-energy connections, NFC for contactless payments, and GPS with A-GPS and support. A distinctive 60 GHz mmWave connector enables high-speed accessory pairing at up to 6 Gbps, designed for modular attachments like the 360° camera, though few such accessories were ultimately released. No radio is included, and the device meets IP54 standards for dust and splash resistance, aiding basic environmental connectivity reliability.

Software and updates

Initial operating system

The Essential Phone (PH-1) launched in August 2017 with 7.1.1 Nougat as its initial operating system, delivering a near-stock implementation of 's mobile platform. This version emphasized a clean free from carrier bloatware or heavy manufacturer customizations, aligning with Essential's goal of providing an unmodified experience for developers and enthusiasts. The OS included all standard applications, such as the Google Pixel Launcher, while avoiding third-party preinstalls to maintain performance and simplicity. Key features of the initial Android 7.1.1 on the Phone included multi-window support for split-screen multitasking, enhanced notifications with bundled alerts, and improved Doze battery optimization for better standby efficiency. also introduced subtle integrations, such as quick access to the 360-degree camera via system-level APIs, though the core software remained faithful to the (Android Open Source Project) baseline. This setup allowed for seamless over-the-air updates directly from , positioning the device as one of the purest implementations available at launch. The choice of Android 7.1.1 reflected the phone's release timing, as it was the latest stable version available during development, and Essential prioritized stability over bleeding-edge features to ensure broad compatibility with the Snapdragon 835 chipset. Users benefited from immediate access to and security patches, underscoring the device's focus on a premium, unadulterated software foundation.

Official updates and end of support

The Essential Phone (PH-1) launched in August 2017 with 7.1.1 as its initial operating system, and committed to providing two years of major OS updates alongside three years of monthly security patches. Essential delivered on its OS update promise ahead of schedule. The device received Android 8.0 in December 2017, followed by the Android 8.1 incremental update in February 2018, which introduced features like a redesigned Settings and improved notification controls. arrived in August 2018, bringing enhancements such as gesture navigation and adaptive battery optimization. Remarkably, the PH-1 obtained on its release day, September 3, 2019, for select open-market users, marking one of the fastest major OS rollouts for a non-Pixel device at the time. Security updates were issued monthly through early 2020, exceeding the initial three-year pledge in frequency and timeliness, which contributed to the device's reputation for reliable software support relative to its launch timeline. However, 's operational challenges culminated in the company's announcement on February 12, 2020, that it was winding down operations entirely. This led to the abrupt termination of all official software support for the PH-1, with the February 3, 2020, security patch serving as the final update from the Essential team. No further OS upgrades or security patches have been provided since, leaving the device vulnerable to emerging threats without official mitigation.

Community-driven support

Following the end of official software support for the Essential Phone (PH-1) in February 2020, when Essential Products ceased operations and halted updates, the open-source Android developer community has sustained the device's usability through custom ROMs and related tools. These efforts have enabled users to access modern Android versions, security patches, and enhanced privacy features long after manufacturer support ended, primarily via platforms like XDA Developers and project-specific wikis. The most prominent community initiative is official LineageOS support, which began in June 2019 with version 16.0 (based on 9 Pie) and has progressed to version 22.2 (based on 15) as of 2025. Maintained by developers haggertk, npjohnson, and tomoms, builds for the Essential Phone (codename "mata") provide a stable, vanilla experience with monthly security updates and optional Google apps integration. requires unlocking the —a process facilitated by the device's developer-friendly design—flashing Lineage Recovery via , performing a , and sideloading the package using ADB tools. Community resources, including detailed guides on the wiki, XDA threads, Reddit's r/, and Discord channels, offer troubleshooting and bug reporting to ensure ongoing compatibility with hardware features like the edge-to-edge display and dual cameras. Beyond , other custom projects contribute to the ecosystem. /e/OS, a privacy-focused, de-Googled of , supports the Essential PH-1 with community builds up to Android 15 (version A15) as of 2025, emphasizing data protection and for app compatibility without proprietary services. Early unofficial efforts, such as 14.1 ports in late 2017 by XDA users, laid the groundwork for broader adoption, demonstrating the community's resilience despite the phone's unique titanium-ceramic build complicating initial development. These initiatives have extended the device's lifespan, allowing it to run contemporary software in 2025 while fostering discussions on in developer forums.

Issues and controversies

Hardware and reliability problems

The Essential Phone featured a premium build with a frame, rear panel, and 5 display, designed for durability and resistance to scratches and drops. However, the back was highly susceptible to fingerprints, making it prone to smudges during regular use. However, it featured only an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, increasing vulnerability to environmental damage compared to contemporaries like the Google Pixel 2 (IP67). Additionally, it omitted a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage, limiting hardware versatility. Repairability posed significant challenges, earning a score of 1 out of 10 from due to extensive use of and nearly invisible seams that complicated disassembly. Opening the phone required heat application and specialized tools to separate the glued display assembly, often risking further damage to internal components. The , secured with stretch-release strips, was relatively easier to remove once accessed but still demanded careful prying after disconnection. The modular magnetic connector, intended for accessories, was buried under the and , making it difficult and time-consuming to or replace. Such choices prioritized a seamless aesthetic over user repairability, potentially shortening the device's lifespan for non-professionals. Connectivity hardware exhibited reliability issues, particularly on networks, where users reported consistently weaker signal strength—often 10-15 dBm lower than competitors—and frequent signal drops in marginal coverage areas. This persisted across software updates, suggesting an underlying or limitation in the 835 implementation. The earpiece speaker's fabric covering was another weak point, with reports of it detaching even on repaired units, affecting call quality and aesthetics. There were also isolated accounts of the loosening or falling off during warranty repairs, indicating potential adhesive degradation over time. Users also reported persistent issues, such as stuttering, ghost touches, and sensitivity problems, impacting daily use. The 3,040mAh provided average endurance, typically lasting a full day of moderate use but struggling with heavy tasks or extended screen-on time, exacerbated by the power-hungry dual-camera setup and lack of wireless charging. Low-light camera performance suffered from hardware constraints in the 13-megapixel dual-sensor system (RGB + ), resulting in noisy images and blur despite software improvements, as the f/1.85 lenses lacked optical . The phone's 185g weight, while contributing to its solid feel, made it feel heavy for its 5.71-inch size, potentially impacting long-term .

Security vulnerabilities

In August 2018, researchers from presented findings at 26 revealing a significant flaw in the Sprint variant of the Essential Phone (PH-1), allowing any third-party application to trigger a programmatic . This vulnerability stemmed from a pre-installed system application that lacked proper permission checks, enabling malicious apps to invoke the reset function without user authentication or elevated privileges. The impact was severe, as it could result in a by wiping all user data and cache partitions, rendering the device unusable and causing irreversible data loss for affected users. The flaw was part of a broader study examining 25 Android device models from major U.S. carriers, where 47 vulnerabilities were identified in pre-installed apps and firmware, many of which were non-removable bloatware. For the Essential Phone specifically, the issue was classified as high severity due to its potential for remote exploitation if combined with other app installation vectors, though it required physical or social engineering access to install a malicious app. Essential Products was notified by the researchers in advance and promptly released a software patch to address the vulnerability, confirming the fix in a statement to media outlets. Beyond this incident, the Essential Phone was affected by general Android ecosystem vulnerabilities, such as Meltdown and , for which Essential rolled out security patches in January 2018 as part of the monthly Android Security Bulletin. These updates mitigated exploits in the device's 835 processor that could leak sensitive memory. No additional device-specific security vulnerabilities unique to the Essential Phone were publicly disclosed after the factory reset issue, though the phone's end-of-life support in February 2020 left it exposed to subsequent unpatched Android flaws.

Legal and business disputes

In June 2017, shortly before the Essential Phone's launch, accessory manufacturer Spigen Inc. accused Inc. of by using the term "" for its and related accessories. Spigen, which held a U.S. for "" in connection with phone cases and protective covers since 2015, sent a cease-and-desist letter demanding that immediately stop using the name to avoid consumer confusion. own application for the "" had been rejected twice by the U.S. and due to likelihood of confusion with existing marks, including Spigen's. No formal was filed, and continued operations under the name, suggesting the matter was resolved privately without public escalation. Less than two months after the Essential Phone's release in August 2017, Keyssa Inc., a technology company backed by co-creator , filed a against Essential Products Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of (case number 5:17-cv-05908). The complaint alleged that Essential misappropriated Keyssa's trade secrets related to high-speed, short-range data transfer technology for modular device connectors. Keyssa claimed that over 10 months of discussions starting in 2016, Essential accessed confidential prototypes, designs, and know-how for integrating the technology into handsets but abruptly ended the partnership without compensation or attribution, instead incorporating similar features into the Essential Phone's magnetic connector for accessories like the 360 Camera. Keyssa sought damages, injunctive relief, and a declaration of ownership over the disputed technology. The case involved multiple filings, including motions for discovery and claims under the , but no public trial or verdict occurred, indicating it was likely settled out of court before Essential's shutdown in 2020. These disputes highlighted early challenges for Essential amid its ambitious entry into the smartphone market, though they did not directly contribute to the company's eventual closure. No other major legal actions or business partner conflicts, such as with retailers like or suppliers, were publicly reported during Essential's operational period from to .

Reception and legacy

Critical reviews

The Essential Phone (PH-1) received generally positive reviews from critics upon its August 2017 launch, praised for its premium build quality and stock experience but critiqued for its underdeveloped camera and missing features. Publications like The Verge awarded it an 8 out of 10, calling it a "beautiful work in progress" that excelled in and life while falling short in . WIRED also gave it an 8 out of 10, highlighting its unique, logo-free aesthetic and reliable performance as standout elements. rated it 3.5 out of 5, noting its top-notch hardware on Sprint but deeming the unlocked version overpriced due to software and camera inconsistencies. described it as an "exceptionally crafted device" and a "beautiful blank slate," emphasizing its minimalist appeal without assigning a numerical score. Critics universally lauded the phone's , featuring a frame and ceramic back that conveyed durability and premium feel without . The edge-to-edge 5.71-inch Quad display with a 19:10 was frequently highlighted for its immersive quality and minimal bezels, though some noted it wasn't as bright as rivals like the Galaxy S8. Performance powered by the Snapdragon 835 chipset and 4GB of was deemed smooth and flagship-level, with no significant lag in daily use or multitasking. The software, running a bloatware-free 7.1.1 with promises of two years of OS updates, was a major plus for its purity and openness, aligning with founder Andy Rubin's vision. Battery life impressed reviewers, with the 3,040mAh unit often lasting a full day of heavy use and providing over seven hours of screen-on time in tests. However, the dual 13MP rear camera system (color plus sensors) drew consistent criticism for inconsistency, especially in low light, where it underperformed compared to contemporaries like the . The lack of a headphone jack, wireless charging, water resistance, and expandable storage was a common complaint, as was the limited availability of modular accessories beyond the 360-degree camera. Audio output via the single bottom-firing speaker was described as thin and prone to obstruction. Despite these flaws, many reviewers saw the PH-1 as a promising foundation, with software updates later improving the camera, though its high $699 price positioned it as a niche premium option rather than a bestseller.

Commercial performance

The Essential Phone (PH-1) achieved limited commercial success despite high expectations upon its August 2017 launch. According to market research firm , Essential shipped approximately 88,000 units in 2017, representing a small fraction of the global premium market dominated by established players like Apple and . Early sales were particularly sluggish, with estimates indicating only around 5,000 units sold through carrier Sprint in the first month after retail availability. To stimulate demand, Essential implemented aggressive pricing adjustments shortly after launch. The device debuted at $699 but was discounted by $200 to $499 in October 2017, reflecting challenges in competing with more feature-rich rivals like the . In March 2018, Essential's president claimed that over 100,000 units had been sold since launch, though independent estimates like IDC's suggested lower figures for the initial period. Overall, the phone's commercial underperformance, compounded by production delays and intense competition, contributed to ' financial difficulties. The company, which had raised over $300 million in funding, ceased operations in February 2020 without launching a successor device, marking the end of its hardware ambitions.

Cultural impact and ongoing use

The Essential Phone (PH-1) left a notable mark on smartphone design trends despite its commercial underperformance, primarily through its pioneering adoption of the display. Released in August 2017, it featured one of the first production implementations of a front-facing to accommodate the camera and sensors, enabling a near-bezel-less edge-to-edge screen that maximized display real estate on its 5.71-inch Quad HD panel. This design choice predated Apple's by three months and helped normalize the as a staple in flagship devices, influencing subsequent Android and iOS hardware aesthetics, including pill-shaped and punch-hole variants seen in modern and series. Additionally, its minimalist and ceramic construction, devoid of branding logos, embodied a premium, unadorned aesthetic that anticipated the "pure" hardware ethos later embraced by brands like , which acquired Essential's in 2021. The device's emphasis on stock software without bloatware further contributed to its cultural resonance among tech enthusiasts, positioning it as a "blank slate" for customization and a critique of carrier-locked ecosystems. Andy Rubin's vision, as 's co-founder, highlighted modularity via magnetic connectors for accessories like the 360-degree camera, though this feature saw limited adoption and foreshadowed failed experiments in expandable phone designs. In retrospect, the PH-1 is often cited as ahead of its time for integrating high-end specs—like the Snapdragon 835 chipset and wireless charging—into a compact that avoided the "notch fatigue" backlash by keeping the cutout minimal. Its legacy endures in discussions of innovative yet niche hardware, inspiring successor projects from former team members, such as OSOM Products' privacy-focused devices, which released the OV1 in 2023 before ceasing operations in September 2024. Ongoing use of the Essential Phone remains viable in 2025, sustained by robust community-driven development rather than official support, which ended in 2020 following Essential's shutdown. The device, codenamed "mata," receives official builds up to version 22.2, based on 15, allowing users to access modern features like improved security patches and performance optimizations on hardware from 2017. This support, maintained by developers including haggertk, npjohnson, and tomoms, enables the PH-1 to function as a daily driver for light tasks, with custom recoveries and zips available for enthusiasts. While battery degradation and camera limitations persist, the phone's durability and upgradability have fostered a dedicated user base, evidenced by active installation guides and OTA updates as recent as late 2024.