Essential phone, the dream smartphone from one of the creators of the Android, Andy Rubin is all set to launch in US and Canada. The device is priced at $699 or INR (44798.90). The device offers unique features and premium built quality. The device doesn’t leave any hint on the device regarding its company or brand name and not even a logo.
The essential phone is the first smartphone in the world (mass produced) to use materials like Ceramic and Titanium. Though we have seen smartphones with Ceramic back, using the hardest material like Titanium makes it one of a kind.
The device offers an almost bezel-less solution with a massive 5.7-inch display inside a form factor that is smaller than that of the iPhone 7 Plus or Pixel XL. The 2K resolution display just has a small opening at the top that holds the front facing camera.
According to a recent blog published by Andy Rubin, the device is bound to receive Android updates for 2 years and monthly security updates for 3 years. Considering the fact that the Pixel phones only receive updates for 18 months, the Essential phone is really a great deal.
The device’s specs sheet is almost equivalent to any Android flagship out on the market. The device is powered by premium Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core SoC, paired with 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM. As there is no provision for external SD card slot, 128 GB storage is the only option available to users.
The device has no 3.5 mm headphone jack instead, it packs a USB type C to 3.5 mm jack converter in the retail package. The rear dual camera setup is something that we have seen in the recent days. Dual 13 MP setup (RGB + monochrome) can capture images with great depth of field ( in layman’s terms bokeh effect) and can even capture monochrome photographs. The QHD display with 19:10 aspect ratio will surely one of the best display available on any smartphones.
As this wasn’t essential enough for the company, they have also added modularity. One can clip-on an add-on accessory at the two pins near the camera unit. Unlike Moto Mods, the connector pin is just used to supply power, whereas the data is transferred wirelessly. As of now, the only available accessory is 360 camera. According to its makers, this is the smallest 360 camera in the world. The company has also promised that it will add more accessories down the lane.
Finally, the device can be pre-ordered from either Essential official website, Amazon or Sprint (only partnered network provider) However, the device does support all networks in the US and Canada. As an introductory offer, one can purchase 360 camera module for just $50 or INR (3204.50). Will this device come to India, at ~INR 50,000 will you buy a smartphone with no names or branding on the device?