Andy Rubin backed smartphone startup, Essential, announced its first phone – the bezel-less Essential Phone PH-1 with high-end specs expected from a 2017 flagship and optional accessories including a 360-degree camera. It is will be available from Sprint and BestBuy website and retail stores, and is priced at $700. In Canada, it will be exclusive to the Telus network.
The Essential Phone (PH-1) has a 5.71-inch bezel-less (top and sides) display with 2560 x 1312 screen resolution and aspect ratio of 19:10 compared to 18.5:9 found on similar phablets – Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6. The front camera and sensors are integrated under the LTPS panel on the top of the phone.
The device relies on the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor with Adreno 540 GPU and boots Android 7.0 Nougat OS. It also packs 4GB RAM, 128GB built-in storage, Dual 13MP rear cameras with hybrid AutoFocus, front 8MP f/2.2 camera that record 4K videos, USB Type-C Port, fingerprint sensor, Bluetooth 5.0 and 3,040mAh battery with rapid charging tech.
Similar to Motorola’s Moto Z and its Moto Mods modular-style accessories, the Essential Phone connects to its accessories via magnetic connectors. The brand’s 360-degree camera and USB dock for charging the device when not in use, are the only mentioned Essential accessories for now.
The Essential 360-degree camera (or simply Essential Camera) pairs with the magnets at the top of the smartphone and costs $200 standalone, however, it can be bought for only $50 when bought along with the phone. It has two 12MP fisheye lenses that can shoot 4K videos at 30fps, live sreaming support and 4x microphones that captures sound in 3D.
Measuring 7.8 mm thick and weighing in at 185 grams, the PH-1’s durable body combines Titanium (frame), Ceramic (back) and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection (front). Like the HTC U11 and iPhone 7/7 Plus, the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack has been gotten rid of in favour of the USB-C port.
The Essential Phone Supports all four major US carriers and will be available in Black, Gray, Ocean and White colours.
