Essential PH 1 In 2020! (Still Worth It?) (Review)

TL;DR

The Essential Phone launched in 2017 boasts good design and software updates but lacks longevity.

Transcript

welcome back everyone we get to finally talk about another Android phone today and that specific phone is the essential phone one now when this phone first came out back in 2017 I think a lot of people were freaking out about it not so much because if you know the stock software behind it and everything but more so of the design and that's how I ki... Read More

Key Insights

• 👏 The Essential Phone was praised for its innovative design and stock Android experience, which differentiated it from competitors.
• 🛀 Launched in 2017, it received swift software updates, showing a proactive approach to user experience.
• 🎥 The phone's dual-camera setup allows for 4K video recording, though overall camera performance is average by today’s standards.
• 😎 Its build quality is strong, featuring a glass exterior that provided a premium feel despite being a more affordable model.
• 🤕 Limited RAM and an aging processor lead to performance limitations, especially for multitasking and modern gaming.
• 🖤 The lack of IP certification stands out as a notable omission compared to contemporaries like the Galaxy S series.
• 🙂 While the Essential Phone may still be relevant for light users, alternatives like OnePlus phones offer better longevity and support.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the design of the Essential Phone stand out?

The Essential Phone's design was revolutionary for its time, featuring minimal bezels and a unique notch at the top. Released in 2017, it managed to stand out among other smartphones like the Galaxy S8 by trimming down its bezels more effectively, creating a sleek and modern aesthetic that attracted attention.

Q: How does the Essential Phone perform in terms of software updates?

The Essential Phone launched with Android 7.1 Nougat but remarkably received the Android 10 update on the same day it was released. This responsiveness to software updates was commendable and showcased the company’s commitment to providing a good user experience, especially when many competitors lagged behind.

Q: What are the camera capabilities of the Essential Phone?

The Essential Phone features a dual-camera system on the back with a 13 MP primary lens and another 13 MP lens, likely for depth perception. It supports video recording at 4K resolution up to 30 frames per second. Despite its capabilities, the camera's performance is average by modern standards but can still achieve decent results in good lighting conditions.

Q: How does the Essential Phone's performance stack up against current models?

Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset and 4 GB of RAM, the Essential Phone offers decent performance for basic tasks like texting and browsing. However, it struggles with multitasking and more demanding applications compared to newer models which feature improved hardware specifications.

Q: What are the battery life and charging features of the Essential Phone?

The Essential Phone houses a 3,040 mAh battery, which provides satisfactory performance for basic everyday tasks. However, its age may lead to battery degradation. Modern smartphones typically come with higher capacity batteries, meaning users may find themselves needing to charge the Essential Phone more frequently.

Q: Why is the Essential Phone considered to be in its "dead" lineup?

The Essential Phone is regarded as part of a "dead" lineup due to the company's discontinuation of updates and the lack of new models following the original's release. Despite its innovation, the company's inability to sustain the brand led to its decline, leaving consumers without support or new products.

Q: In what scenarios is the Essential Phone still a worthy choice in 2020?

The Essential Phone may still be a worthy choice for budget-conscious consumers who need a reliable device for basic functionalities like calling, texting, and social media. If found at an attractive price point, it could be a good option for users looking for an Android experience without premium costs.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Essential Phone, released in 2017, gained attention for its unique design and stock Android experience, providing impressive software support for its time.

• Although its dual-camera setup and decent performance were noteworthy, the absence of IP certification and limited hardware capabilities hinder its competitiveness by 2020 standards.

• Despite being phased out, the Essential Phone is still a viable option for basic tasks, but consumers are better served by more current alternatives like the OnePlus series.