The Essential Phone is without a doubt the phone I’ve been the most interested in getting my hands on in recent months. And that’s over the Galaxy Note 8, LG V30, and whatever else might have been or might still be on the horizon. I say that because it’s different. It’s new. Sure, the phone is made by a familiar face, but it’s the approach by the company that captured my attention from day one and held onto it as I’ve moved into this Essential Phone review period.
You see, the Essential Phone isn’t supposed to be just another phone. Forget the name and the idea that it only brings the essentials, to me this phone attempts to fill a niche I’ve been waiting to see someone fill. This phone wants to not only ship with the most premium materials one can find for a phone, it then gets out of the way when it comes to software. So you’ve got a titanium and ceramic body that feel f*cking incredible in hand, but then you get stock, bare bones Android, the way Google intends for it to be displayed. This is a combination of ideas that are exactly what I have been looking for in a phone.
Remember, Google ships the software that enthusiasts like me enjoy, but their hardware hasn’t exactly been the best over the years. Samsung has managed to ship incredible hardware with premium materials (assuming you classify glass as premium), yet their software drives me insane even after years of tweaks and overhauls. Essential nailed both hardware and software, at least on paper, with its first phone.
After having one in hand for a full week now, it’s most definitely review time and the opinions are coming strong. Did this phone fulfill the void I’ve been needing someone to fill? Almost! The funny thing here, which you’ll see in our Essential Phone review below, is that even though there are a couple of areas that are quite disappointing, I’m still struggling to put the phone down. In fact, with an average-to-below-average camera and shaky software performance, I don’t know that I’m ready to go jump onto the shiny Note 8 sitting here next to me as I type this. I don’t know that I’ve experienced these feelings with any other phone at the end of a review period.
Enjoy the review.
Essential Phone Review
Buy Essential Phone:
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- Sprint
Despite all the complaints, nearly 14,000 views on YouTube. No idea how that compares with page views, but it’s YouTube’s bandwidth and extra monetization.
I can skim written reviews at work but I can’t really stop and watch video reviews. Meh.
How disappointing to read the intro, scroll down to the review, and see a YouTube link. Pass. Sorry guys, most of us don’t have 10+ minutes to watch a video review. Can’t watch/listen to it at work and the beauty of a text review is that you can take it in chunks as time allows.
I don’t care if the software is stock. The cameras suck, it lacks IP68 rating, and it’s demanding a $700 price tag.
No way. Bring on the Note 8.
Video review? lol. No thanks, Jeff.
Essential phone is a FLOP .. sorry but that’s the truth. I hope they come out with a better product next time for THIS KIND OF PRICE.
Can’t believe you did a video review. Man is this site going downhill fast.
Uhm, Droid-Life has been doing video reviews for a few years now.
Stuttering, slow, crap camera, LCD screen, slow fingerprint reader….. for the price, these are big. He reviewed it as if it was a budget phone. OnePlus 5, galaxy s8 are all better and cheaper.
So, my thoughts are….
For $700, I would expect MUCH, much more. I have a Galaxy S8, so I was hoping for a lot more, for a bit less. That said, specifically (in no particular order): 1) I want higher resolution camera. I take tons of pics with my phone, and I often crop significantly. For that reason, I want 20mp to be the norm. 2) I want stereo speakers. I had them with my HTC One and loved it. 3) I want water resistance. It seems to be fast becoming a standard thing, and I see no reason why it’s not included. I really don’t care about wireless charging – I think that entire craze is way overblown. Ya need wires to run to the charger, so what is the big deal??? This may be well known, but since I don’t know I will ask. How often are they planning on releasing new devices? Will they only offer premium type devices, or budget as well? Just my 4 cents (inflation is a bitch).
Kellen, you hit it out of the park on the review. I have the exact sentiments on the phone. Used it for a couple days, wife has been using it since. She is more forgiving than me, is coming from an iPhone, and is willing to wait for some fixes…really like the feel of the phone…
Excellent review Kellen. Seems like maybe they just rushed the phone out to beat the Note 8 and V30 and just didnt have things ironed out. Have to admit was not really interested in this phone, but like you, it has a lot of things I would like in a phone. Seems like an awesome start for a killer second phone if they just shore up a few things. I hear they are very well funded
I can’t believe all these comments are about video versus text review, and no one is commenting on the phone!
We already knew the phone was going to be DOA or close to it.
So far, I have had 4 opportunities to sit down with my phone or my tablet and read a detailed text review but none of those opportunities were suitable for playing a video with sound and/or had sound: in bed next to my sleeping wife, in a lobby waiting for a meeting to start, at work during a slow stretch with people around me, and again in bed next to a slumbering spouse. If this were MKBHD or Lisa with MobileTechReview but a WWW site or blog I expect to be able to read my content. So i will glean what I can from the comments instead of being able to listen to the video!
THANK YOU!
Here I am, about to enjoy nice sunny day at the beach in foreign country and grab my ancient phone with T-Mobile international data (2G) speeds so I can finally see about Essential hype. Of course, video review, close tab.
I love this site, but if I wanted to watch videos, I would subscribe on youtube
Yes, a very fair and difficult review. I have always lived by the “trust your gut” creed. If the “gut” is disappointed as you want to root for it but it just doesn’t perform the way it should or as advertised, then one should just get rid of it and move on. Sounds like the “gut” is telling you the overall experience isn’t worth the money…and time.
Unfortunately for them, a stack of twenties also feels good in hand. Not a reason to buy a phone–just a perk for a phone worth buying.
I’m also jumping on the “I prefer text over video” bandwagon. Poll time?
I’ve been using this phone for 5 days and have not experienced the “unstable software” that seems to have plagued others. I also am not having any issues with my taps being registered. The only difference I can imagine is that within 15 minutes of turning on the device, I switched all of the animations to .5. I’ve found the software snappy and responsive for everything that I’ve thrown at it as part of my day to day. The battery has been amazing! 5 hours of screen time and easily lasting through my day which typically includes a couple of hours of phone calls.
I’m coming off of a Nexus 6 // Motorola X Pure combo and simply cannot say enough good things about the Essential in this regard. Now, if we’re talking about the camera …. yeah that is really disappointing. I am optimistic that a software update or two will resolve it. It actually reminds me of the Nexus 5 camera (however many years ago that was). Anyhow, the Pixel Camera software works well enough as a (hopefully) short term fix.
I think that many of the critiques about this phone are from people with inherently different needs (in other words, NOT the target market). This phone is NOT trying to be a Samsung or Motorola or even (in some ways) a Pixel. It is its own thing and either you’re part of the audience that understands this or you’re not. Of course, if you’re not … then it is time to check out a device from one of these other companies as this is not a good fit for you.
Thank you @iamkellex for “getting it” and for the balanced review.
Nah. For that price you could buy 14 Verizon Moto E4s and unlock them with an eBay code for $2. I bet side by side in real world use the E4 matches the Essential in all the essential tasks.
Better luck next time Essential (if there is a next time).
Also count me into the crowd that would prefer text reviews. I mostly read these on my break at work and can’t really watch videos.
As always thanks Kellen. Your review was spot on with exactly how I feel about this device. It got so much good going for it that you just want them to fix the minor issues which also just so happen to be major ones. You really can’t put this phone down. Its perfect in the design arena. Come on essential we need updates. The software is the only thing wrong with this phone.
Yes, a very fair and difficult review. I have always lived by the “trust your gut” creed. If the “gut” is disappointed as you want to root for it but it just doesn’t perform the way it should or as advertised, then one should just get rid of it and move on. Sounds like the “gut” is telling you the overall experience isn’t worth the money…and time.
Honestly, if Kellen had written the exact same number of words, but had directed them towards what he actually thought about the phone instead of prologue that was intended to get you to watch the video, I think he would’ve had enough for a pretty serviceable review. So it isn’t really about doing more work…
“Quicker to do” is a provider-centric way of looking at it. A text review is much quicker to read than a video is to watch, and doesn’t involve the hassle of finding headphones to avoid disturbing other people. Frankly I can’t remember the last time I bothered watching the video where both are provided.
Can you provide links to some of the fotos (both essential-cam and google-cam)?
Christ again with the video reviews… 100% skip for me. Thanks.
“Quicker to do” is a provider-centric way of looking at it. A text review is much quicker to read than a video is to watch, and doesn’t involve the hassle of finding headphones to avoid disturbing other people. Frankly I can’t remember the last time I bothered watching the video where both are provided.
While I generally like text reviews, this video review was very good. I’ve read other reviews about the phone already. The video review puts a face on the software issues plaguing this phone. You can see the crap camera app. You can see the touch response lag. You can see the conflict in Kellen’s face and hear it in his voice. This ‘Essential’ phone has glaring issues. It should never have been shipped like this.
Good job, Kellen! Nice review!!
Video reviews come only if there isn’t a major flagship release. Text and video reviews are for major flagship releases. That is what they said they would be doing a year ago The Note8, Pixel 2, and V30 will more than likely get both video and text reviews. Anything else they review will probably get a text review. This all started with the Moto Z Play.
Bah!! No way this phone comes even a fraction to being as great as the V30!! Even if Essential made an updated phone, it still wouldn’t touch LG…simple fact! LG Ownz Joo All! Total Pwnage!! LG is the undisputed king of cellular goodness for 2017!! Poor Apple and Google Pixel :'( LG slays!!
I also wanted to like this phone. Had it for a week before I reluctantly returned it today for a refund. The LCD display and camera app just got to me.
100% Prefer the great video reviews > Text Reviews. Keep up the great work.
As for the review Kellen thinks exactly like me about phones when it comes to size and simplicity. I thought Essential was the one, but I just can’t so unstable software.
Yes this phone is perfect. If you really can’t get past the software do not I repeat do not pick up this phone in a store. Do not look at the screen. You will be hooked immediately. This is not a warning. Lol
You’re not getting it anymore?
Nah. I just can’t do the Janky software. That’s supposed be to the entire point of Stock. Hardware Is great though, checked it out at Best Buy
I feel you on that. I’m still holding out for the white phone, but all this is kinda disquieting.
Bah, video review. Please post text reviews!
I’d prefer a text review too. Videos dont mesh well in a lot of scenarios.
how do you mess up a stock phone with the most basic task?
Software optimization, even with stock Android, is an incredibly important task. Seems like they kinda skipped this step. 🙁
“Seems like they kinda skipped this step. :-(” . Not kinda they really did miss something and to think Mr Andy Rubin would catch it is so disappointing.
Honestly, if Kellen had written the exact same number of words, but had directed them towards what he actually thought about the phone instead of prologue that was intended to get you to watch the video, I think he would’ve had enough for a pretty serviceable review. So it isn’t really about doing more work…
Stuttering, slow, crap camera, LCD screen, slow fingerprint reader….. for the price, these are big. He reviewed it as if it was a budget phone. OnePlus 5, galaxy s8 are all better and cheaper.
I agree. Based on what I have seen so far, it is the dissapointment of the year. Well, the Moto Z Force 2 is pretty dismal but I had zero expectations from Lenovo as usual.
Christ again with the video reviews… 100% skip for me. Thanks.
Still want that Ocean Depths model
I REALLY wanted the Ocean Depths model too, but with the camera deal I couldn’t wait so I settled with Black Moon.
Do you have it yet? If so, do you share the same beef of this review?
Are you guys not doing text reviews at all anymore? I’m really not interested in having to watch a YouTube video for every review I was hoping to read…
I enjoy the video reviews, but often I’d rather read than watch. Both would be ideal.
Agreed — I’m not against video reviews at all. Sometimes I really enjoy them, too. Just not if it means the text reviews go away.
I do too, but often times I’ll read these in between tasks at work. I can’t sit and watch a 10 minute video.
I really miss the text reviews 🙁 Unfortunately but completely understandably video reviews are probably a lot quicker and easier to do, and when there’s so many phones to review this makes it possible with only the two of them. Still, it’s a bummer!
“Quicker to do” is a provider-centric way of looking at it. A text review is much quicker to read than a video is to watch, and doesn’t involve the hassle of finding headphones to avoid disturbing other people. Frankly I can’t remember the last time I bothered watching the video where both are provided.
I started and ended my comment by saying how I prefer text reviews. But Kellen and Tim are people, not robots. If you don’t want this kind of content that’s completely understandable but you’ll probably have to go elsewhere.
I respect that, but reviews are one of the most important types of content they produce. I don’t think it’s asking them to be robots just to type out their thoughts. Is the next step to do away with the articles altogether, and just include a list of topics they discuss in the podcast?
Writing a review is way, way more complicated than “just typing out their thoughts”? They need to be carefully written and edited before being release, and this can take hours or days alone. Then you need to get images together; the process can take a very long time and a lot of effort. Yes, it takes longer, ask any content creator. This is part of the reason why journalism as an industry is moving towards video (yes the other is because people have shorter attention spans than they used to). Yes, writing an article is a lot more difficult / time consuming than making a video.
It has a lot to do with the correlation between time and reward. If a video is easier to make, easier to share, and easier to consume then you will get more money for posting that content than you will text content.
Again, I’m not saying that video content is better, I’m literally just saying video content is easier to make.
Honestly, if Kellen had written the exact same number of words, but had directed them towards what he actually thought about the phone instead of prologue that was intended to get you to watch the video, I think he would’ve had a pretty serviceable review. So it isn’t really about doing more work…
Actually, given the production value, the video reviews area probably more difficult and time consuming…especially because they need to write up the notes anyway. I imagine the videos are more enjoyable to make and do a better job of spreading the DL brand.
I don’t know if that was quicker. It looks like Kellen has put a lot more work into production since the last review video I watched. Stepped it up quite a bit actually.
Usually though I’m at work when I’m checking out the site and don’t want to put the headphones on to watch a video. I’m solidly in the do both camp.
They should just do text + video (yes, I know that’s more work). I prefer videos, but obviously a lot of people lean towards reading.
Gotta get them Youtube views.
If Pictures are worth 1000 words surely video is worth more.
a video is worth zero words if you dont hit the play button….
Same goes for a picture if you don’t look at it.
90% of the time I skip video reviews. Text or bust.
Okay, I just watched it. Won’t do that with most video reviews but I’m just like Kellen here – an Essential wannabe-fanboy and I’m incredibly fascinated by this phone (haven’t bought it yet). The video was produced incredibly well – well done!
However, my original comment remains – text or bust 90% of the time for me! This just happened to be in that 10%. 😉
I agree with compwagon, it would be nice to get the reviews in both texts and videos. I often read text more and personally prefer text above video as I don’t have the time to go through most videos especially if I’m not buying the phone but just want to update my knowledge.
I just scrolled through looking for a tldr, and then went to the comments hoping to find one when I didn’t see one pop out.
Gotta agree. While I do like the video reviews and know it would obviously be more work for you to do both, it should be both.
with you.. dont watch vids. Just want the conclusion in text so i can get the whole video in a paragraph or 2
+1
So predictable ….
wow really nice job on the video review. the production value is really high – keeps getting better and better.