Essential PH-1: Pros and Cons

Essential announced the launch of the PH-1 smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.71 inch LTPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 MSM8998 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The PH-1 comes with Android OS v7.1 (Nougat) pre-installed. This phone has only one rear-camera (13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos. Is the cost justified by its features? I'll strive to answer that by the end of my review.

Table of Contents

• Essential PH-1 specifications
• Weight, dimensions, colors
• System, chipset, performance
• Display type, size, resolution
• Memory, storage
• Cameras, flash
• Connectivity, network, wireless
• Battery type, capacity, charger
• Features, sensors, specials
• Verdict, pros and cons

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Essential PH-1 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Essential PH-1 specifications

Weight, dimensions, colors

The weight of the Essential PH-1 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

The Essential PH-1 comes with Android OS v7.1 (Nougat) out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. This octa-core CPU consists: Octa-core, Quad-core 2.45 GHz Kryo, Quad-core 1.9 GHz Kryo. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

The 5.71 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Memory, storage

The Essential PH-1 comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. The PH-1 has 128 GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for their needs. The internal storage of the Essential PH-1 (4 GB) cannot be expanded.

Cameras, flash

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The PH-1 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Connectivity, network, wireless

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. The PH-1 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. You can use Bluetooth to connect your PH-1 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The PH-1 has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The PH-1 has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The PH-1 smartphone does not have 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Battery type, capacity, charger

The Li-Po 3040 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The PH-1 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The PH-1 smartphone has an accelerometer. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in PH-1 smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. With fast charging, you can get a significant amount of battery life in a few minutes of charging. Corning Gorilla Glass is a type of chemically strengthened super-glass.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Essential phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.