The Android OS creator Andy Rubin had told us some time ago that he would surprise us with a new phone. Well, the wait is over. What is phone’s name? The new device is called the Essential PH-1. It is a unique-looking phone as it has an edge-to-edge display up front. The only bezel on the front of this phone is the chin (below the screen). All the photos Andy has teased us with showed at least that bit. However, there is more to this device than that. So, here is a lowdown on the Essential PH-1 price in India, launch date, specifications, and features.
Essential PH-1 Price in India
| Price (expected) | Rs 50,000 |
The Essential PH-1 sports a price tag of $699. Converted to India rupee, it costs roughly Rs 45,000. However, customers in the USA can pick this phone up and its modular 360-degree camera accessory for $749 or roughly Rs 48,000. When it comes to India, taxation may drive its price a bit upward, the reason why we think it will cost Rs 50,000.
Also Read: All About Moto Z2 Range
Essential PH-1 Launch Date
| Launch Date (expected) | August 2017 |
Essential start taking pre-orders in the USA in May. The company promised to start shipping within 30 days of placing the order. Now, it has started sending emails to the customers who pre-booked the device. According to the e-mail, the Essential PH-1 devices will start shipping within 7 days.
However, the Essential 360 camera is not ready for shipping. The company will issue an update regarding the same once it’s ready. The shipping process will start after the payment is received.
Essential PH-1 Specifications
| Processor | 2.45GHz octa-core 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, Adreno 540 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB UFS 2.1 (non-expandable) |
| Display | 5.7-inch, Quad HD (2560x1312p) resolution, AMOLED, 16:9 aspect ratio |
| OS | Android 7.0 Nougat |
| Primary (Rear) Camera | Dual, 13-megapixel with flash |
| Front Camera | 8-megapixel |
| Battery | 3040mAh with Fast Charging |
| Dual SIM | No |
In terms of specs, the Essential PH-1 has all the hardware befitting a flagship smartphone. From top-of-the-line Snapdragon chip to 128GB internal storage and dual rear cameras. On OS front, it has Android 7.0 Nougat. The fact that it has a Quad HD edge-to-edge display is quite commendable. We wonder who supplies this type of screen.
The Essential PH-1 sports a 13-megapixel Dual RGB camera sensor and a 13-megapixel Monochrome camera sensor. The smartphone uses ‘image fusion technology’ to combine the information from three sensors. Other features include hybrid autofocus system (contrast detection + phase detection + IR laser assistance) and 4K video recording capabilities. All three cameras come with f/1.85 aperture.
The 8-megapixel front camera can also record 4K videos. The new handset is backed by a 3040 mAh battery with fast charging.
Also read: 5 Best Smartphones Of 2017 So Far
Essential PH-1 Features
- Modular accessories
- Titanium-ceramic build
- No 3.5mm headphone jack
- Edge-to-edge display
- USB Type-C
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Dual rear cameras
- Gorilla Glass 5
- Four color options
- Bluetooth 5.0 LE
- Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with MIMO
- NFC
- Fingerprint scanner
As far as the features of this phone are concerned, the Essential PH-1 has them all. Bluetooth 5.0, edge-to-edge display (the first implementation of 2017), dual rear cameras, titanium-ceramic build materials and modular accessories. To have those modular accessories like a 360-degree camera, there are two magnetic pins on the back of the phone.
The fingerprint scanner also sits on the back of the device. Other sensors include a proximity sensor, barometer, accelerometer, magnetometer, and gyroscope. The Essential Phone comes with a dock can charge the device without any cable. Connectivity options on the device include Bluetooth 5.0 LE, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with MIMO, NFC, GPS with GLONASS, and USB Type-C.
Take a look at the device and everything else Essential is doing here.
