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Essential Phone PH-1 $459.02 USD (~$600 AUD) Delivered @ Amazon

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Essential Phone PH-1 $459.02 USD (~$600 AUD) Delivered @ AmazonAffiliate
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Joshman5k on 09/11/2017 - 08:02 amazon.com (3157 clicks)
Last edited 09/11/2017 - 08:35 by 1 other user
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The Essential Phone has had a permanent price drop $200USD and Best buy and Amazon have brought on a temporary additional price drop of $50USD.

Product Details:
https://www.essential.com/

Key features:

  • New expansion port
  • Clean android build
  • Fingerprint scanner gestures
  • Near Bezel-less display
  • 128 GB storage
Premium Build materials
  • Titanium body
  • Ceramic back
  • Corning Gorilla Glass 5 cover glass

Memory & Storage

  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 128GB UFS 2.1
Network / Bands
  • UMTS/HSPA+: 1, 2, 4, 5 6, 8
  • GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
  • CDMA EV-DO Rev. A: 0, 1, 10
  • FDD-LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66
  • TDD-LTE: 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43
  • TD-SCDMA: 34, 39

Display

  • Resolution: 2560 x 1312 QHD
  • Aspect Ratio: 19:10
  • Diagonal Size: 5.71” with radiused corners
  • Brightness: 500 nits (typical)
  • Contrast Ratio: > 1000:1 (typical)
  • Technology: CGS / LTPS

Downsides

  • No Headphone Jack
  • Camera has had some complaints (but has been getting better with software updates
  • LCD Screen not AMOLED
  • Front facing Camera notch
  • No SD Card slot
  • Not water proof
Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Mobile Essential Products (electronics brand) Mobile Phone Android

Related Stores

Amazon US
Amazon US

closed Comments

  • bbourizk on 09/11/2017 - 09:06
    +1

    There's a good thread on Whirlpool. I cancelled my mix 2 order and got this at 499, it's still in the mail. Amazon said I can return that one and buy at a cheaper price.

    They have been very good with updates for the phone which is improving it all the time. Looking forward to receiving it.

  • lowlifesphere on 09/11/2017 - 09:26
    +39

    why would you get this when the iphone x is only $1000 more?

    • camelthief on 09/11/2017 - 11:00

      LOL and you get to live life dangerously with free Adrenaline rush included, one slip and CRACK!

    • cortex on 09/11/2017 - 16:04

      Apple doesn't pay much tax so they gotta jack the price of the phone up

  • Clemfandango on 09/11/2017 - 09:32
    +6

    I wouldn't go near this company. I had one of these on pre-order and somebody in Essential mass emailed a distribution list of me and a few hundred other people asking for scans of credit cards and drivers licenses / proof of address. My inbox ended up getting filled up with poor suckers credit card and passport scans who just replied without thinking. Essential never even really addressed it or apologised, they just shrugged it off and deleted any social media posts that asked about it.

    • uk3000 on 09/11/2017 - 09:39

      Wow… glad I passed, it sounded almost too good to be true from the beginning.

    • dazweeja on 09/11/2017 - 11:10
      +3

      The CEO personally addressed it and apologised:

      https://www.essential.com/blog/an-acquired-taste

      • Clemfandango on 09/11/2017 - 11:16

        I guess I missed his blog on the topic. It would've been nice to get an email apology as one of the ones effected as well as a year of "LifeLock" as he claimed we would get. I suspect after making a nice blog for the rest of the world to read they did not much else at all.

      • eug on 09/11/2017 - 11:29

        They also gave everyone affected a free phone

        • Clemfandango on 09/11/2017 - 12:02

          Guess I am owed a free phone then, because I certainly didn't get one.

        • eug on 09/11/2017 - 12:07
          +1

          @Clemfandango: Better contact them then! Maybe someone else received your free phone. ;)

        • [Deactivated] on 09/11/2017 - 14:25
          +1

          @eug: I am naturally immuned to free things.

        • Clemfandango on 09/11/2017 - 16:34

          @eug: I'll hit them up and see how I go. Thanks for the heads up.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/11/2017 - 09:38
    +2

    MKBHD's review if anyone's interested in purchasing this

    • mrayner on 09/11/2017 - 13:51

      Good Review, except he reviewed it at the old $700 price tag and before camera updates.
      He tweeted the following recently:
      Marques Brownlee‏
      @MKBHD
      Random Sunday thoughts
      1: Essential Phone’s price drops made it lowkey one of the best deals

      • pyr0maniac on 09/11/2017 - 19:55

        why lowkey? why not midkey or highkey? These are the questions to ask MKBHD.

  • sleepyowl on 09/11/2017 - 09:43

    Apparently its quite laggy scrolling and the camera is completely crap according to some reddit experiences

    • eug on 09/11/2017 - 11:31
      +2

      Don't go by the early reviews - they released the phone early before the software was good. They've been sending out quite a few updates in the past month or two, and hold an AMA on reddit regularly.

  • Elijha on 09/11/2017 - 09:45
    +3

    I ordered the white model at this price 2 days ago (black wasn't an option at that time), just cancelled it as it had not shipped yet and re-ordered in black. Bonus was to track the previous order I reinstalled the amazon chrome extension and it gave me $5 credit (again! I have had it installed before too) so got it for $444.99.

    For me this phone makes sense. It biggest 'flaws' are features I simply would not use. Some would be nice sure… but for the price its fine I think.

    • expansion. I use 45GB on my current 64GB phone. This has more then enough space for me. I would probably use it to cache Netflix I guess.
    • head phone jack never use this feature (they do include an adaptor with a DAC and have stated that if I really wanted to listen and charge they are going to release a headphone module for that senario)
    • waterproof would be nice I guess. Never had the need to use my current or previous phones in the rain or swimming, might be a lifestyle required feature for some. I did see a quote from Andy rubin where he said it was 'resistant' not water proof ie if it gets splashed I'm sure it would be fine just don't swim with it/submerge it.
    • camera. I looked at this hard and the photos it takes seem fine .. maybe not the HDR stuff… but 'essentially' its a software issue making the camera unusable well slow and laggy. This they are fixing or can it be mitigated with another app.
    • someone above mentioned 'heavy'. Well I'm looking forward to this. I haven't see a review saying the weight was anything but a good feeling that added to and highlighted the materials and build quality.

    Actually for me the biggest neg on this phone at this price, for me, is that the charger is going to be US pins, and they don't sell spares of it either and the lack of a wide option of cases, though I'm traditionlly a 'naked' phone user due to the smudgeyness I'll probably get a dbrand skin for it.

    • Diji1 on 09/11/2017 - 09:56
      -1

      I haven't see a review saying the weight was anything but a good feeling

      Er … OK.

      • Elijha on 09/11/2017 - 09:58

        rgr.

      • mrayner on 09/11/2017 - 12:05

        I don't want my phone phone to feel like holding a piece of cheap plastic…

        I also ordered one, as long as the camera is the same or better than my 5x I'll be happy.

    • eug on 09/11/2017 - 11:32
      • someone above mentioned 'heavy'. Well I'm looking forward to this. I haven't see a review saying the weight was anything but a good feeling that added to and highlighted the materials and build quality.

      Same here, people generally associate weight with a solid, quality build. It does feel nice in the hand, not hollow and light.

  • myusername on 09/11/2017 - 09:59

    what do they mean exactly when they say "Clean android build" ?

    • bbourizk on 09/11/2017 - 10:05

      Pretty much runs pure android. Just like the pixel phones.

    • phxsun on 09/11/2017 - 10:06

      No bloatware, basically stock android

    • BradH13 on 09/11/2017 - 10:08

      No manufacturer bloatware/useless features. Think Google Pixel's OS (98% the same).

    • [Deactivated] on 09/11/2017 - 10:11

      Generally means little to no bloatware and no heavy custom skin on top of android (e.g not a Samsung phone)

  • narcoleptic-haze on 09/11/2017 - 10:11

    Very tempting, although the camera does put me off a bit. The lack of headphone jack is also off-putting but it looks like it's becoming the norm.. I need a change from iOS and looked this phone up after they dropped the price.

    Also I don't understand how they did the screen on this phone. I was under the impression LCDs couldn't have cutouts or rounded corners.

  • ajs900 on 09/11/2017 - 10:17

    Waiting for the OnePlus 5t in a few weeks!!

  • phxsun on 09/11/2017 - 10:21
    +1

    I really wanted to like this phone. It looks great, awesome looking screen, good specs and it's an alternative to the major players. But I can't get over the reviews regarding the camera. There was a major update to the software this past week and the camera experience is much better but the focusing and quality in low-light is still a mixed bag. You're not paying today's flagship prices for this phone so it might be a fair trade off since everything else about this phone is pretty solid (aside from no water-resistance, headphone jack but that's a personal thing).

  • A Banana4scale on 09/11/2017 - 10:38

    The camera is absolute dogshit, even after all the updates.

    https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2637709

  • Draco on 09/11/2017 - 10:43
    +2

    Hi Guys,

    I have this device, its actually pretty darn good. Fast updates, listen to customers in order to fix bugs. some slight scrolling issues whether you notice or not depends on how OCD you are.

    Highly recommended.

    Regards,

    Adrian

  • bogak on 09/11/2017 - 10:48

    Good phone and i almost got one. What stopped me is purely because they have no history and the chances of them going bust is high

  • EnALup on 09/11/2017 - 10:54

    Looks premium and stunning…
    It does say: Essential Phone is water and dust resistant (IP54)

    • scud70 on 09/11/2017 - 12:11

      Yeh basically splash proof not water proof… So no swimming with your phone lol

      • Elijha on 09/11/2017 - 12:20
        +1

        good enough for me.

      • EnALup on 09/11/2017 - 14:41

        I don't swim with my phone :)

        • scud70 on 09/11/2017 - 16:04

          well judging by comments a lot of users seem to… lol i guess im being harsh… it's probably to protect against drop into the dunny mainly… this might not live through it .. while a water proof one will.. LOL

  • eug on 09/11/2017 - 11:33
    +1

    BTW, don't drop it.
    There were no cases available when I got mine. I put it in a pouch on my bag when cycling. It bounced out on a bumpy road and hit the ground.

    https://imgur.com/9whPfQm

  • [Deactivated] on 09/11/2017 - 11:44

    No SD Card slot.

    Why is everyone doing away with SD Card slot??? WHY!?!?!?

    • eug on 09/11/2017 - 12:17

      Probably because not many people really need more than 128GB in a $600 phone? What are you storing in there? That's as much space as my last laptop.

    • Lief on 09/11/2017 - 14:00

      It's not "essential"
      It seems they're going with the "lacking in unnecessary features" interpretation of the name instead of the "something you must have" one. Bold.

  • nigeladkins on 09/11/2017 - 12:50

    Is it just me or when will manufacturers learn to curve the edges of their phones, makes it so much easier to hold especially with large devices. I would never purchase a square brick like this.

    • Elijha on 09/11/2017 - 13:35

      One thing I don't like is 'bar of soap' shaped phones one reason why I stayed away from iphone 6-8. This has a flat side but the edges are rounded.

      • narcoleptic-haze on 09/11/2017 - 14:04

        Yep I had hoped the iphones would go back to a shape with more flat sides like the 4/5 era. So much easier to hold. Without a case my iphone 6 is super slippery.

  • ozeebee on 09/11/2017 - 13:43
    -4

    Android irritates me, I regret buying my S8+ which lags like crazy after 5 freaking months. People have the nerve to compare iPhones not lasting 4 years when my S8 can't even make it a year.

    • idonotknowwhy on 09/11/2017 - 14:05

      That's a Samsung issue. I had the same problem with my S4.
      Since switching to Sony, I've had no slowdowns after years of use.
      This phone will probably be good for that as well.

    • hweita on 09/11/2017 - 14:20

      Agreed it's a Samsung issue, they try to do too much, giving the phone unnecessary (or duplicate) software and overlays. Having had Oneplus and Nexus phones before my S8… the S8 does seem really bogged down after 6 months… and battery's deteriorated too.

      Pixel or close to stock should be pretty good - like this or Oneplus phones

      • ozeebee on 09/11/2017 - 14:28

        Yes you reminded me of battery life. Goodness it's bad. Barely makes half a day when being used regularly while on holiday. What a mistake buying this phone.

        • eug on 09/11/2017 - 14:42

          I think every phone will barely make half a day when being used regularly on holiday. People don't realize how much more they use their phones on holiday looking up maps, taking photos and videos, googling places to visit/eat at, navigation, keeping in touch with each other, translation, etc.

        • ippy on 12/11/2017 - 13:07

          @eug: Not my Xiaomi phone which has 4000 mah

        • eug on 12/11/2017 - 18:20

          @ippy: Sure, there'll always be outliers. But all common/mainstream phones have relatively short battery life in those situations.

    • MadMaxBargainRoad on 09/11/2017 - 18:00
      -1

      You simply don't know how to do device maintenance on S8/S8+. On my s8+ I have close to 50 user apps installed yet I don't have any slow downs and battery lasts more than a day with about 5+ hrs sot.

      I have been shitting on Samsung since the s3 days but they won my money this year. S8/S8+ are great value for money.

      Though I don't expect an iPhone user to understand. Just pay your Apple tax and call it a day.

      • EnALup on 09/11/2017 - 22:52

        Mine (S8+)does not lag either after more than 25 apps on it and it lasts for a day. Display is amazing along with the camera.

  • idonotknowwhy on 09/11/2017 - 14:04
    +2

    LCD Screen not AMOLED

    That's more a personal preference right?
    Might as well put "Display Not 16:9" as a con.

  • narcoleptic-haze on 09/11/2017 - 14:58
    +1

    Camera shootout (from Aug 22nd): Essential vs s8

    http://www.businessinsider.com/essential-phone-vs-samsung-ga…

    Honestly, it doesn't seem so bad..

  • viirgon on 09/11/2017 - 17:09

    Tempting price but tired of overseas RMA - sticking to local warranty phones.

    • EnALup on 09/11/2017 - 22:53

      Amazon warranty is good.
      Only worry is if it goes down in price during Christmas.

      • viirgon on 12/11/2017 - 14:10

        still have to pay for return shipping?

  • narcoleptic-haze on 10/11/2017 - 09:13

    I grabbed one. Feel like trying something different for 2018. And fingers crossed they continue to improve it via software updates.

    Also just noticed for USD$50 more (USD$499 in total), you can get the bundle with the 360 camera (usually USD$199) for those that are interested.

    • Elijha on 10/11/2017 - 14:29

      the bundle doesn't ship to AUS for me.

      • narcoleptic-haze on 10/11/2017 - 15:09

        Hmm it seems to work for me.. Not sure what's going on there sorry.

        • Elijha on 10/11/2017 - 16:44

          No it started working wasn't on my phone for some reason. cancelled my prev order and changed… then within an hour decided no I don't need / will not use the camera - so cancelled it and went back to the black. Kicker is the fulfillment changed on the phone so not only did I lose my shipment place by messing around but also my Amazon credit didn't apply because its not sold and shipped by Amazon now for some reason ( asked in chat and thats the answer I got).

  • ad3 on 10/11/2017 - 11:10

    what shipping method are people choosing? and whats your progress with tracking?

    im about to buy one hence the question :) cheers all

    • Joshman5k on 10/11/2017 - 11:23

      I got the one in the middle, it was dispatched a day later and looks like it will take around 2 weeks.

    • narcoleptic-haze on 10/11/2017 - 12:10

      I chose the cheapest option. I think the estimate was just over 2 weeks. But they haven't charged my card yet so still waiting to be shipped.

  • narcoleptic-haze on 10/11/2017 - 12:00

    edit - nevermind

  • ad3 on 10/11/2017 - 12:38

    how quick is it shipping once the order is placed?
    thanks for the replies so far all

    • Elijha on 14/11/2017 - 03:00

      Well it finally charged me so its shipping soon… see how long it takes to get here now I guess.

  • drprox on 10/11/2017 - 22:11

    Can anyone confirm this can be returned to Amazon for a refund? I haven't ordered one yet but feel like that peace of mind might get me there!

  • hawamahal on 13/11/2017 - 19:23
    +1

    It is $499.99 USD now. Deal Expired.

  • Elijha on 17/11/2017 - 12:47

    While I'm still waiting on delivery the recent news that Amazon will open very soon (maybe next week) and the fact they are an investor in Essential makes me wonder if they would stock / sell the phone at launch here… hopefully not for less with an Aussie power supply.

  • hamza23 on 18/11/2017 - 21:33
    +2

    Available again at the same price

  • Elijha on 21/11/2017 - 15:52

    FYI. It took 3 days before it shipped then arrived in 1 week to Perth (website still shows processing at Customs and a delivery for the 28th right now).

  • narcoleptic-haze on 01/12/2017 - 09:55
    +1

    Got the phone a few days ago. Definitely looks and feels like a premium flagship phone. Love the feel, love the slight extra weight. So far Android looks pretty good to use too (coming from iOS). Haven't had a chance to try the camera yet, but I heard they've already got an update out that includes a new "portrait" mode similar to the dual camera iphones and the Pixel 2. Obviously I'm not expecting it to rival them in quality but I'm looking forward to giving it a good try. This is my first phone without a button on the front and when it's sitting on a table, I'd love if they'd include a double tap to wake function in future.

    When compared to my iphone 6 the Essential's screen is brighter and the colours are more vivid. Looks great. A downside is the speaker on it is definitely not great. It's loud, but the sound is pretty poor. Also be careful of using the flash as a light for too long. I found it gets quite hot to the touch. Not sure if this will cause damage over time, but it certainly gets quite hot.

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