Customer Ratings & Reviews

This was a phone that I replaced with a returned device. Instant upgrade to Android Pie right out of the box. Camera is good in normal light, not so much in low light, but not the worst either. Probably something a 3rd party camera app can fix.

This phone sucked when it first came out. Then the updates started pouring in. All the sudden it was the same hardware but an amazingly fast up to date phone. You cant beat this phone for the price. I highly recommend it.

I've had this phone for about 3 weeks now and I actually love it. Battery life is amazing because there's not much backgrounds apps running. Screen is amazing. It's an overall well-built phone. Each update on the phone improves the overall use.

My husband loves this phone. I gave to him before Xmas so he could enjoy it!

I don't care if my phone has squeezable sides and talks to me or tells me what music is playing. I don't want gimmicky clutter. I don't need the world's best camera. I've never submerged a phone, so I'm not super concerned about waterproofing. I DO want: long battery life; secure, clean, up-to-date software; fluid and responsive UI; durable build quality; a good ergonomic experience. As a reference point, I'm a fan of the original Moto X series, because of its emphasis on simplicity and quality of user experience rather than features and specs. Also, for me, size matters. "Phablets" are too big to handle comfortably and too bulky to carry around conveniently. Oh, and I want a headphone jack. I waited for reviews of the Google Pixel 2, which is the same size as the Essential but has a smaller screen and battery. Like the Essential, it lacks 3.5mm audio out. Then the Essential's price came down to $499, versus $750 for Google's 128gb version. That tipped it. So...how is the Essential? It's the best phone I've owned. And a steal for $499. ADVANTAGES... - Outstanding build quality and appearance. Feels like a single piece of sculpture. - Superb display. Nothing to fault. - Good size. With my small-to-medium hands, I can use the phone one-handed if I stretch. - Battery life. Reviews said the battery would get me through the day. It's way better than that. I use this phone a solid day and still have a half-full tank. I don't play games, but with web-surfing, email, talk/text, YouTube, etc I'm getting six-plus hours of screen-on time. No worries about 5pm top-up! No more carrying a recharger! - Efficient idle. One reason for strong battery life: standby/idle barely uses any power at all. I can leave the phone at 73% charge when I go to bed and find it at 71% in the morning. - Speed. This thing is FAST. Zero crash, lag, or unresponsiveness. Maybe Pixel 2 is even faster, maybe not. I don't think I'd notice. - Software. Phone comes preloaded with...nothing. Totally mine to customize. Pure Android and It Just Works. I've also been getting regular updates/patches. - 128gb storage. Standard. 'Nuff said. DISADVANTAGES... - No 3.5mm headphone output. I honestly believe this design choice shows contempt for music lovers. The PH-1 comes with a dongle adapter, which contains a tiny DAC, which is...crummy, audio-wise. Not that the internal DAC in most phones is a ton better, but the audio output from my old Moto X Pure is cleaner. I've ordered the $25 Moshi adapter. Maybe it will be better. - Yes, the ceramic back is a fingerprint magnet. They wipe off easily and I use a Tudia case anyway. - Untested company. Will Essential still be around with updates in a couple of years? MISCELLANEOUS NOTES... - I find the camera perfectly adequate. Sure, iPhone or Pixel takes better pictures, but you'll pay a lot more. If you want a phone with a camera instead of a camera with a phone, this is fine. - I've had no problem with connectivity or dropped calls. Initially, after first installing SIM, LTE connectivity cut in and out on occasion, but that stabilized after a day or so. - The location of the earpiece, at the top edge of the display, isn't super-comfortable and takes some getting used to. - Speaker, fingerprint sensor, and outdoor visibility: all fine. On balance, I'd feel good about buying this phone for $699. For $499, it's amazing value.

All around solid device love the build quality of it. My device had an issue though. With my sim card not working properly with the device which forced me to return it. But overall I have to say I really liked the device alot..

I got this for my husband and he loves it. So glad I got it for him.

This phone is very reliable. It has a good lasting battery and it is very responsive. It is also updated before any other cell phone brand but Google. This is my 1st own cell phone that I am in total love with.

I'm that guy who buys every flagship device that comes out. That being said, the Essential Phone PH-1 is the best device I have ever owned. It has the best build quality of ANY device, usually, I would say Apple or HTC has the best build quality but not anymore.

Bought this for my dad, its the perfect size for him. Performance is really good and signal is good for T-Mobile. Gets constant security and software updates, including a future update to Android Q.

This has been the best Android phone I have had so far. It is not perfect but with great battery life and excellence software updates it reminds me of the old Google Nexus phones of the past.

The build quality is top notch. The screen is great and the size is perfect. Android updates come even before pixels and work even better.

Had an iPhone wanted something for a change so I decided to get this , great choice works great batteries last a long time.

Excellent Pixel-type phone at about half the cost.

Good phone, great feel in the hand. Bad reception with T-Mobile. Bad camera.

Was skeptical at first but took a chance on this phone. Very snappy...lots of space and stock Android. And Oreo 8.1. And a decent camera. Overall I'd recommend this phone...

Best option for a pure Android phone outside of the Pixel phones.

Very satisfied with Essential phone. Like the fact that it doesn't have bloatware and pure Google.

happy with performance, quality and would recommend any other product from Essential.

This phone deserves a chance, is beautiful and fast, this the beast almost no one knows about.