Essential Phone Ahead of Its Time? The Truth
The Essential Phone was ahead of its time in several key ways, but it also missed the mark on others. It pioneered a modular accessory system and a notch design that the industry later adopted, yet its camera and software support were behind the curve, making its legacy a mixed one.
Background: The Essential Phone’s Launch
Announced in May 2017 and released in August of that year, the Essential Phone (PH-1) was the first product from Andy Rubin’s new company, Essential Products. Rubin, a co-founder of Android, aimed to create a premium smartphone that challenged the established giants like Apple and Samsung. The phone was priced at $699, which was competitive with the iPhone 7 and Galaxy S8 at the time. It featured a titanium and ceramic body, a 5.71-inch display with an unusual cutout at the top for the front camera, and a magnetic connector on the back for modular accessories. The company’s ambition was to build an ecosystem around the phone, with a 360-degree camera and a charging dock as the first modules.
The Notch and Display: A Bold Prediction
The Essential Phone’s most visually distinctive feature was its display notch. At the time, the industry was moving toward bezel-less designs, but most phones still had thick top and bottom bezels. Essential’s approach was to cut a small, rounded notch into the top of the display to house the front camera, allowing the screen to extend nearly to the top edge. This design was widely mocked at launch, but within a year, virtually every Android manufacturer—and eventually Apple with the iPhone X—adopted a similar notch. The phone also had an 18:9 aspect ratio, which was becoming the new standard. In hindsight, the notch was a clear case of being ahead of the curve, even if the execution was initially criticized.
Modular Accessories: The Magnetic Connector
Essential’s modular system used a proprietary magnetic connector on the back of the phone, called the “Pogo Pin” system. The first accessory was a 360-degree camera that attached magnetically and could capture 4K video and 360-degree photos. The second was a charging dock that used the same magnetic connector. The idea was to make the phone expandable and future-proof, allowing users to add new hardware without buying a new phone. This concept was similar to Motorola’s Moto Mods, but Essential’s implementation was more elegant and less bulky. However, the system never gained traction. Only two accessories were ever released, and the company shut down in early 2020, leaving the modular ecosystem dead. While the idea was ahead of its time, the lack of developer support and the company’s financial troubles doomed it.
Software and Updates: A Double-Edged Sword
Essential Phone ran near-stock Android, which was a major selling point for enthusiasts who disliked the heavy skins and bloatware from other manufacturers. The phone received Android 8.0 Oreo and Android 9 Pie updates, and it was one of the first phones to get Android 10 beta. However, the company was slow with security patches, and after the first year, updates became sporadic. The phone also had a reputation for being buggy at launch, with touchscreen issues and camera app crashes. While the clean software was ahead of the curve in terms of design philosophy, the execution was inconsistent. In contrast, Google’s Pixel line offered a similar clean experience with more reliable updates, making it the safer choice for most users.
Camera Performance: The Weak Point
The Essential Phone’s camera was its most criticized aspect. It had a dual-lens rear camera (one monochrome, one color) and a 8MP front camera. The hardware was decent on paper, but the software processing was poor. Photos often had noise, poor dynamic range, and inconsistent white balance. The company released several software updates to improve the camera, but it never reached the level of contemporaries like the Pixel 2 or iPhone 8. In a market where camera quality is a top priority, this was a significant disadvantage. The phone’s camera was not ahead of its time; it was behind it.
Comparison: Essential Phone vs. Pixel 2
When comparing the Essential Phone to its main competitor, the Google Pixel 2, several differences stand out. The Pixel 2 had a better camera, more reliable software updates, and a more polished user experience. The Essential Phone had a more premium build (titanium and ceramic), a larger display, and the modular accessory system. The Pixel 2 was also $50 more expensive at launch ($749 vs. $699), but it offered a better overall value. In terms of longevity, the Pixel 2 received updates through Android 11, while the Essential Phone stopped at Android 10. For most consumers, the Pixel 2 was the better choice, but the Essential Phone appealed to those who valued design and innovation over camera performance.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the Essential Phone was a commercial failure due to poor sales. While it did sell poorly (estimated around 150,000 units in its first year), the company’s downfall was more due to financial mismanagement and the failure to secure a second round of funding. Another issue was the phone’s cellular reception, which some users reported as weak, particularly on T-Mobile. The company addressed this with a software update, but it was a recurring complaint. Also, the phone’s touchscreen had a known issue where it would become unresponsive after a drop, though this was not widespread. These problems, combined with the lack of accessories, made it a hard sell for the average consumer.
Legacy and Impact on the Industry
Despite its flaws, the Essential Phone left a lasting impact on the smartphone industry. Its notch design was adopted by nearly every Android manufacturer, and even Apple followed suit. The phone’s use of premium materials like titanium and ceramic was also ahead of its time, as most phones at the time used aluminum or glass. The magnetic accessory system inspired other companies to explore modular designs, though none have succeeded commercially. The phone also proved that a small startup could create a flagship-quality device, which encouraged other companies like OnePlus and Xiaomi to push into the premium market. In many ways, the Essential Phone was a design and innovation leader, but it was let down by execution and business strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Essential Phone still usable in 2024?
Yes, but with limitations. The phone can still run basic apps, but it is stuck on Android 10, which means it no longer receives security updates. Many newer apps may not work or may be slow. The battery life may also have degraded. It is not recommended as a daily driver due to security risks, but it can be used as a secondary device or for testing.
Why did Essential Products shut down?
Essential Products shut down in February 2020, citing a lack of funding and the failure of the Essential Phone to gain traction in the market. The company also had a planned second phone (Project GEM) that was never released. The shutdown was announced by Andy Rubin, who said the company had explored various options but could not find a path forward.
Can you still buy the Essential Phone?
No, the Essential Phone is no longer sold new. It can be found on second-hand marketplaces like eBay or Swappa, but prices vary. Be cautious when buying used, as the phone’s battery and hardware may be worn, and there is no official support or warranty.
Was the Essential Phone’s notch really the first?
No, the Essential Phone was not the first phone with a notch. The Sharp Aquos S2, released in August 2017, had a similar cutout, and some other niche devices had small notches earlier. However, the Essential Phone was the first mainstream Android phone to popularize the notch, and it directly influenced the iPhone X’s design.
What happened to the Essential Phone’s modular accessories?
The 360-degree camera and charging dock were the only two accessories released. They are still compatible with the phone, but they are no longer manufactured. The magnetic connector system was not adopted by any other device, so the ecosystem died with the company.
Is the Essential Phone worth buying in 2024?
Only for collectors or enthusiasts who want to experience a piece of smartphone history. For everyday use, it is not recommended due to the lack of security updates and aging hardware. If you find one cheaply and are willing to tinker, it can be a fun project, but it is not a practical choice.
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