Essential Phone Review

[UPDATE] Two months and a big price drop later, I've revisited the Essential Phone. See how the story's changed (and how it's stayed the same) in my Review Re-Do! • Essential Phone Review...
[SPONSOR]
Brought to you by dbrand. Skin your Essential Phone here:
dbrand.com/mrmobile-essential
[DESCRIP]
The stated goal of Essential Products is to make technology easier and more accessible, and it’s got an ambitious roadmap of devices planned to help it achieve that end. But its first product, the Essential Phone PH-1, fits better into the extended definition of the word: this is a phone that tries to get down to the brass tacks, the bare fundamentals of what a smartphone should be. The result is a beautiful ceramic-and-titanium slab unlike any Android phone produced to date - but its undercooked camera features enough flaws to put the whole package in jeopardy.
Click on through to the Essential Phone Review by MrMobile, and be sure to check out Android Central’s own Essential Phone Review for the deeper dive on this one-of-a-kind device!
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/ @themrmobile
[ABOUT THE ESSENTIAL PHONE REVIEW]
MrMobile's Essential Phone Review was produced following four days with an Essential Phone review device on loan from Essential Products. The Essential Phone was tested on T-Mobile US and received one software update during the review process, to build NMI51C.
[FURTHER READING]
Essential Phone Review [Android Central]:
www.androidcentral.com/essent...
Essential Phone shows off selective focus, 360 camera [PCMag]:
www.pcmag.com/news/355714/ess...
[MUSIC]
“Dubday” by Cymatix, available at Premium Beat:
www.premiumbeat.com/royalty_f...
“Up Top” by Tonemassif, available at Premium Beat:
www.premiumbeat.com/royalty_f...
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mrmobile.tech
[DISCLOSURE]
This post may contain affiliate links. See Mobile Nations' disclosure policy for more details: www.mobilenations.com/external...

[@TheMrMobile]

[UPDATE] Two months and a big price drop later, I've revisited the Essential Phone. See how the story's changed (and how it's stayed the same) in my Review Re-Do! kzbin.info/www/bejne/enXaXqihi8yJZ9E

[@rajnithind8963]

MrMobile [Michael Fisher] first

[@irixsyncd]

Hey, what kind of watch are do you wear on this video? @5:46 Looks pretty good.

[@madmann6723]

I think expectations were probably a bit higher for this device given who is at the helm. Given it's over a year later and lackluster sales have put the future of the company in question I do applaud them for keeping their promise of support for PH1. I think it'd be a shame if they didn't build on the foundation of everything right with this device and make a second generation that essentially corrected all the short comings. Thanks Michael!

[@TheMrMobile]

[UPDATE] Of *course* a camera update lands as soon as the review goes up. Anyway, just updated to NMI54B and TLDR: not much different on the camera front. App still slow, low-light still way sub-optimal. Twitter ain't the best medium for picture sharing but it's what I've got for now: twitter.com/theMrMobile/status/901277930315272192

[@farhanatashiga3721]

Welp, no change here.

[@madcats99]

So basically it's still a buggy camera.

[@kshitijshah17]

MrMobile [Michael Fisher] Great review! Hope you unblock me some day on Instagram! From a big MrMobile fan

[@amitkumarbiswas9823]

MrMobile [Michael Fisher] 6:11😂😂😂

[@loola456]

Is Essential the same company that makes Cereal?

[@fasn279]

Thank you for being honest! Your right, many youtubers skimped on the camera in depth

[@TheMrMobile]

+Homer Simpson Thanks for the feedback! I actually wasn't talking about KZbin reviews at all. Many of the written ones are being published under headlines that suggest this camera is somehow acceptable. I disagree.

[@wade_county]

Were you able to sideload the Google Camera to see if it's the camera or the software that's causing issues?

[@TheMrMobile]

+wade_county I downloaded Open Camera and tried a few shots. Didn't see a notable difference but I admit I spent like five minutes investigating that particular avenue.

[@wade_county]

Ah. I'll save you some time. Here's the latest version of the modded GCam. (Might be a little wonky to test) forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73542000&postcount=73

[@TheMrMobile]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm afraid low light is where this camera suffers the most (even after the update that landed a few hours after this review went live). I don't have an S7 to confirm, but the Pixel positively wipes the floor with the PH-1 after the sun goes down: twitter.com/theMrMobile/status/901277930315272192

[@Exraw]

Removable battery? No. Water proof? No. Headphone jack? No. Buy the phone? Fuck no.

[@mementomori29231]

Exraw also no SD card slot.

[@DavidNikkiZane]

this aged like milk lmao

[@Exraw]

@@DavidNikkiZane ikr 💀

[@RyRyTheBassGuy]

Two years later and it still gets timely updates!

[@TechLineHD]

A terrible camera is a deal breaker for a phone this expensive. I expect that the prices of this phone will go down significantly soon.

[@alexgiambi]

good call lol

[@carltonsimmonsjr.5607]

Good call, $320 - $350 brand new now

[@supahmansid]

Are you a wizard?

[@thekingofhearts8687]

The quality of videos from this channel just keeps getting better and better!! The camera angles, editing, the subtle jokes, the entire presentation are just too good!!I don't care if it has less than expected subscribers..... For me this channel is the benchmark for all other tech youtubers!!

[@BrianCheng24]

Best review I've seen on this phone so far, and I watched many.

[@0M1995]

This phone would've been a massive success but no audio jack and no water proof ?!?! how they want to compete against large amount of phones in the market and yeah terrible camera !.

[@ImperiaGin]

Omar Abbas especially only sprint is the official US carrier. So it's just not gonna last

[@zacXL2099]

And the fact that the phone is $699!!!!!!! I'd rather buy the Oneplus 5 or the Galaxy S8 than this "essential" phone.

[@reinoyu1321]

I dont think both audio jack & water proof that important. If they have better camera, like at par with google pixel i wouldve considered to buy that. I love the design!

[@mikldude9376]

Zach Dubos Perhaps they should have marketed it as a budget phone and sold it with a budget price as an introductory model leading up to a flagship next year . Take away all the shiny bits and quirky design and it looks like a poverty model.

[@whoever_81]

mikldude That's a whole different marketing strategy. What's your point? Why would that be profitable? Also, your last sentence makes no sense.

[@Conceptcreator]

this is why i watch your video's! You give a honest review and say what you think! With next to that freaking awsome shots!

[@jonkomatsu8192]

C'mon! In this day and age, wherein even mid-rangers take really solid photos and video, a poor camera module in such an expensive flagship is inexcusable. Fail.

[@MrJeep83]

I'm loving seeing the evolution of your videos Michael. With each one they continue to get stronger and better in every facet.

[@LeBeautiful]

And this was an "Essential" Review! Fun fact: "The phone is called PH-1, and if you put those together it becomes "PH-ONE". Essential PHONE!

[@raphaelkhoury218]

LeBeautiful wait, wow!😍

[@ATMGAMING1112]

so the next one will be PH-2=Essential PHTWO

[@YouAreBreathing]

Hopefully the company can last until it releases the PHSIX.

[@fuentesjuanjose90]

Already since this comment from different people lol on different videos

[@LeBeautiful]

Nathan Drake nah not this time

[@mayac4147]

>casually scrolling youtube >sees MrMobile video >51 seconds >wot

[@raphaelkhoury218]

im an idiot lels yeah!😍

[@roberttranceedm]

For a while I couldn't watch your vids, and now I realize how much I missed them. Good infos, highly enjoyable, fun to watch the reviews.

[@bederhajali]

Honestly you have a great presentation skills and amazing voice over. I saw your old car videos and they were great. It's wonderful to see how far you've grown. Keep going Micheal

[@thomaswillis2382]

Great review! It's a shame I can't say the same for the phone itself :(

[@leapofaithproduction]

Not Essential Enough

[@robertjusic9097]

almost essential

[@KIMBOTANDOK2]

Your honest reviews are so refreshing. You have hard conclusions rather than leaving it open like most other KZbinrs do. Continue the hard work and stay mobile, my friend. ☺

[@LewysC]

OMFG YOU FINALLY MADE IT!!!! I've been waiting for this review all week man!!

[@hacorn96]

i feel like i am the only essential fan alive. camera is meh? i not photographer. avg joe. clicks photos sometimes. no headphone jack? better learn to live without it. no opt by other phone makers too. no waterproofing? that might be a problem but my things survived till now without it, willing to bet on it. wireless charging? if the battery is good enough, i really don't give a damn how they charge. for an avg user who likes good build and simple stuff to get things done, i like it. and how about no branding anywhere? loved that.

[@mattdonlan7198]

Best review of this phone yet by far. Awesome review!! It does seem like its being released earlier than it should be. When Essential teased the nearly bezel free display in that picture a while ago I think Andy Rubin obviously new this was going to be the year of the bezel free design trend and wanted to get this phone on peoples minds. They should have waited until they could implement an OLED display and should never have shipped with a cam that’s not on par with the Pixel/S8/iPhone. The phones design to me is almost perfect, so simple, great materials, could do without the magnetic mod pins but that’s just personal as I would never by any mods to attach just like Motos phones. I wanted to buy this so bad as my Android phone for the next year but the Camera just ain’t worth it. Waiting on the next Pixel. I think the Pixel dodged a bullet with this phone as I’m sure many Pixel fans were serious about this phone as well, and the Camera is just not there.

[@ELFERNY]

This is the best review of "Essential" in all KZbin. Tks and congratulations Michael.

[@jccarltg]

Always excited to see your new videos! You're one if not the best reviewer in KZbin.

[@techpassion4126]

Wakes up early at 6:49am and sees a new Mr Mobile video. Today's gonna be a good day ^^

[@hakimzaliq337]

TechPassion South East Asian?

[@JBroMCMXCI]

TechPassion It's midnight

[@timalright]

TechPassion it's deep night :(

[@dtay8913]

No barkin from the dog no smog

[@debo2189]

4:58 ahhhh.... I miss these old days (one week ago) when $699 is described as 'this much money for a phone' as expensive/top tier pricing..... Now it's all about +$1000 phones :P smh

[@GustavoFratto]

I love the 'hang up a second' part. :) Awesome review as always, Fisher.

[@kevinmikulaj]

Thank you for the honest review. One of the things I appreciate about this channel. Keep up the good work.

[@pyry1738]

I don't think, that you should call an smartfone without an headfone jack "essential phone"

[@reychop]

Pyry 1 why? Are headphone jacks still relevant?

[@peppersaltman1805]

I concur

[@audieliem4843]

All the Headphone Jack jokes aside, the phone really lives up to it's name - only the essentials and not much else Camera is disappointing - and I just don't see the benefit of an additional monochrome sensor if the HW & SW engineers can't fully take advantage of it - better slap an ultra wide angle like the G6

[@2Two1One2Two]

Man, I adore your reviews! They are by far the best. I just watch your channel as it is just amazingly well done. You deserve more, way more than what other youtubers have (subscribers wise). Keep up the amazing work!

[@MasterKoala777]

Awesome use of movie clips :) And the detailed discussion of the charging cable is funny. Great review as always.

[@TechThusiast]

Camera kind of sucks

[@TheMrMobile]

That should've been the sub-head.

[@Dylan-zm3ht]

MrMobile [Michael Fisher] I appreciate that you didn’t beat around the bush about the camera. Always good to know you can trust Mr Mobile reviews.

[@joeysandoval2511]

Just got it today and good thing i dont pay attention to critics

[@Sharky165]

Joey Sandoval OK, so what specifically pray tell is so great about it ?

[@joeysandoval2511]

Sharky165 it works .. the screen is bright enough the phone comes with 128 gb out the box . It's built like a tank . No bloatware . Battery last all day .and charging is super fast ..

[@Sharky165]

Fair enough...I played with one at a BestBuy and did love the big bright screen in a fairly small form factor. Much more appealing than the almost too-narrow Sammy Galaxy S8. It also seemed fast surfing on WiFi with that Snapdragon 835 chip. Still, I wish it had the headphone jack, and water resistance, for the $700 price-tag. Has the camera improved via software updates in the time you've had it ? And does that "widow's peak" (front camera) get in the way while viewing media (and do you get used to its presence, as Michael mentioned) ? Appreciate your feedback

[@joeysandoval2511]

Sharky165 ya it's small form but a big screen not " overkill " nothing gimmicky just solid and it's in it's infancy

[@lostclips7078]

Good job man, this reminds me of your older videos, very honest and humble

[@raywill6723]

You are officially the best KZbin reviewer. Salute my friend. This is how it's done.

[@victuringan1429]

'Essential Phone' -No expandable storage -No headphone jack -No water resistance -Mediocre camera -Mediocre display -Mediocre speaker -Mediocre battery life -Expensive price Really?

[@fuentesjuanjose90]

I prefer my Xiaomi mi Mix and I can't wait for the xiaomi mi mix 2 👍.

[@arthurbttf]

ROOT friend..

[@fearsin5513]

N3XO it's lacking

[@MoonyD911]

Thank you so much for your honesty! So many other reviewers skip over the fact that the camera isn't great, no water proofing and no head phone jack. It's always appreciated to see some honest reviews.

[@MatthijsVanDijck]

I really like how honest you can be Mr Mobile. I like MKBHD, Pocketnow and AA, but it seems to me you're the only reviewer who really dares to criticize when necessary. Good job!

[@carelesslygeneric]

"Put in no waterproofing and lack of a headphone jack, abd who's gonna buy this thing for seven hundred dollars?" LG wing and RAZR owners in 2020-2021: *nervous laughing*

[@carelesslygeneric]

@Anand Raj it released at 1100$ and new from a carrier still is 1100$, so that's not really an all-round case, when i got mine it was full price, but it's still a good phone so no big complaints with that price. I was just commenting that for the features the Essential lacked, it was funny to me that that was the norm for many phones today

[@Guuzaka]

Let's see: no headphone jack, no water-resistance, no card slot, poor camera performance and cost $1,050 CAD? No thanks!😩😫 6:13 Learn your holes.😏

[@iga4184]

The last time I saw at your subscribers count, it was around 370K, good to know you're getting your deserved attention, Michael.

[@omar.k84]

Absolutely loved your review.unlike the other reviews so far you focus on the things that matter

[@Qai94]

That camera isn't even mediocre.... I've seen better cameras from a phone that costs 500 bucks less

[@mzuzs6861]

an " Essential phone" without a removable battery, or sd card slot not even a headphone jack! what a disappointment

[@Slifer-yq8ep]

N3XO yes but the others haven't

[@wyattkinney5721]

Go back to Galaxy S5 if you want removable battery loser

[@sir2gooo]

Another excellently produced and honest video. Good stuff!

[@kapbab751]

I watch all kinds of tech channels, but yours is the best, most well thought out content I've come across.

[@alexsmith9245]

kids buy a phone for a headphone jack and waterproofing, men buy it for the design and software

[@ArkaPratimSamajdwar]

So you put it in the wrong hole, because they were so close together! Oh Boy! :D :D

[@Grone4ever89]

Love your reviews bud! I'm on the market for a new smartphone and your videos are the ones I search when trying to choose one

[@2012Zyle]

I've been waiting for this for so long!

[@SendFoodz]

sd card is the most essential

[@Whatastic]

$700 in my wallet is Essential.

[@raghuv90]

u did not hesitate like other reviewers to express your honest opinion about the camera.Liked It! 👍

[@hanzhuang2556]

thanks for being honest on every review you made, you sir,deserves more subs :)

[@axdroxant6787]

We can all agree the headphone jack is definitely "Essential"

[@minjod]

I never thought I'd say it, but wow... Suddenly an iPhone doesn't seem as overpriced as this garbage phone.

[@dochue]

great review, but the instrumental in the background at 3:0 is amazing love the keyboard part.

[@saifulanswer]

Just woke up and saw this on the top of my subscription. As always the review is honest.

[@KJTD]

This company failed harder than my grades

[@lodbldbol]

3.5 millimeter jack - No 16 by 9 display - No Hardware keys - No Essential - NO DAMNIT!

[@the_beast4107]

no waterproofing

[@lodbldbol]

That's not a deal breaker to me because I can take my Galaxy S6 and OnePlus 3T in the shower with me and they won't get damaged.

[@changye9604]

Then don't buy it.

[@cooliipie]

Super1di0t Hardware keys? Lol... Gross

[@ZachDaChampion]

Yeah that'd be great... Until you shut it down

[@RACaptialRegion]

Love how far your videos have come since the pocketnow days, Michael. Love that last song track too

[@ChhanaChhakchhuak]

you are becoming the best reviewer.... keep on :D I liked the way you talked and your honesty

[@skulltrailRFL]

This phone is an Essential FAIL

[@HampterCEOalt]

NO HATER

[@sangyoonsim]

Is headphone jack really that essential? Well, ask your mother, if you have one...

[@changye9604]

No, it really isn't.

[@bobbyjeff32]

Chang Ye yes it is

[@mikldude9376]

Chang Ye yeah well , it is essential if you want to sell phones . Why would I pay good money for a phone that skimps on useful convenience features , can you guess which phones I will not be buying this year ??? They can stick their dongles .

[@CommodoreFan64]

Yes a headphone jack is essential if you have a decent collection of headphones like myself, and want to use them on your phone, and don't want to have to carry around another device like a pair of Bluetooth headphone/earbuds you have to remember to charge, and most of them don't have enough charge to get threw your day, Plus as someone who was born with heading difficulties I find most Bluetooth headphones/earbuds not be loud enough or not to have enough low end bass, so I end up using a Fiio E6 Fujiyama portable headphone amp, or a Reveel bgst r213 portable headphone amp(yes both of them hold more then a long enough charge to get threw my day, and then some) depending on which pair of headphones I'm using, and how much power output they need, and lastly I've found that if you use Bluetooth headphones/earbuds with the ROKU app for Android in private listening mode it adds lag to the audio stream, and does not always sync up with the video on your TV, so again yes a 4 pole 1/8in aka 3.5mm headphone is still essential to a lot of people on a smartphone, and will be for sometime to come, and I won't buy a phone without one period end of story.

[@BulletMagnetMan]

Nope. Just use the provided adapter. Same audio fidelity.

[@VChlorok]

I've seen every single review of the PH-1 and you are the only one who actually answered my question about how good their EIS is. Best reviewer as always. Why on earth everyone else didn't even bother to mention anything about PH1's EIS, taking into account that less than a month ago everyone was complaining about the "terrible lack of EIS in Oneplus5's 4K video mode" (which is fixed now btw via OTA) is still a mystery to me.

[@Teejaye1100]

No one does reviews like Mr. Mobile. Love it.

[@princessKenny]

Even the Note 8 is better than this, and it SUX

[@Lawanbusally]

Are you on crack?

[@linusmlgtips2123]

PrincessKenny It's not bad, just overpriced

[@buzzkillington2844]

And Let me guess you think apple dominates

[@khaledkakeesh4136]

the note 8 is the best device right now *other than the battery

[@K0Flo]

Kean Kakeesh I'll stick with my almost year old pixel. Still the best phone out in my opinion.

[@Kyle-wb7wx]

You have the best reviews hands down! 🔥

[@Chad_KBH]

Great review Michael! Can not believe the camera shortcomings.

[@KnightMD]

Thanks Mr. Mobile. Great review as usual.

[@jeanlucpicard4225]

I love your reviews and the startrek clips in your reviews!!! Shocking that the camera is so bad.

[@jakelindsay6251]

Surprised about the camera. They really tout this thing as being something special. Glad I received this push notification and thanks to MM for the quality review.

[@MikeEDude]

Amazing video as always Mr. Fisher!

[@mineral520]

I don't know if anyone has ever mentioned it before, but your use of Star Trek clips is absolutely amazing!

[@Imxeimxe]

Great and honest review.. Youre slowly but surely becoming my favorite tech KZbinr! 👏👍

[@Boebus666]

Hey, I still remember your HTC HD2 Throwback video when you were a part of Pocket now.. Loved that video.. You're a damn good reviewer! :)

[@JasonClarke247]

Thank you for pure review unlike others that didn't touch on the quality of the camera.

[@lifestylesdefined]

Great review as always Michael, thanks for holding no punches! This phone is a great 1.0.... but not there yet.

[@bellbellbell15]

Mr. Keeps it 💯does it again! Your honesty is much appreciated!

[@ariesego2329]

Thank you for being honest with the camera portion. I've seen so many others tip toeing around it like "ehh" but never just were just straight up about it like you.

[@wilfredorivas8353]

MrMobile needs to be noticed more. You are so good at your videos!

[@Alexander0189]

Perfect review as always. Pretty much agree with every point you made! You always look at products realistically and from a consumers point of view, great stuff. You'll always be my favourite tech KZbinr.

[@RehanKhan-mp3bm]

A well thought out, well put together reviews. Thumbs up 👍

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Thanks for your usual comprehensive review Michael. Your camera review is much more thorough then The Verge's which made the cameras shortfalls sound like a few firmware updates short of good to very good. I've already ordered, but this phone may just have to go back

[@Rustyybucket]

You're quickly becoming my favourite reviewer.

[@uber_stuber]

another excellent review, mr mobile ;)

[@pfk2005]

Excellent review as always Mr. Mobile.

[@danjoekelch]

And yet... regardless of what is being reviewed, liking Mr. Mobile's content is always essential. :)

[@AdrianBigyes]

8:18 That wallpaper though! So elegant! Matches your youtube channel photo :)

[@alak2250]

Best and accurate review from the best reviewer. you deserve at least a million subs

[@L0stW0n]

Great review! I appreciate your honest, unbiased, and thorough review.

[@bettysayshey23]

Absolutely love your honesty. That’s why I keep coming back... ❤️

[@CDRiley]

I love how you put clips of Star Trek in your review.

[@the_bioway]

The Review is like 'Mr. Honest'... Great review Mr. Mobile👌🏼

[@michaelcarver3168]

I really appreciate your honesty, Michael. This was a fantastic review.

[@dushyantkochar3276]

Excellent video. The only you tuber whose videos are ACTUALLY helpful when you are getting a phone.

[@brentos96]

I'm not even in the slightest bit interested in this phone, but you're voice, and style of reviewing is always so relaxing that I'll watch a video of you reviewing paperclips!

[@arharsh46]

one of the best review around here for essential phone.. just showing how its not exactly 'essential' and its more like a startup currently