SpecEagle
Launch report · Essential

Essential Phone PH-1: Andy Rubin's 2017 modular flagship with a titanium frame and ceramic back.

SpecEagle Editorial·Aug 2017·$699·Score 58/100

Essential Phone was the Android co-creator's ambitious 2017 comeback — a titanium-ceramic flagship with one of the first notched displays and magnetic modular accessory pins. The unbreakable build was real; the camera and Mod ecosystem disappointed. A landmark "what could have been".

Key specs at launch

Display
5.71" LCD
Chipset
Snapdragon 835
Memory
4 GB · 128 GB
Main cam
13 MP + 13 MP mono
Battery
3,040 mAh
Weight
185 g
What stands out
  • Titanium frame + ceramic back — virtually unbreakable.
  • Magnetic accessory pins for snap-on Mods.
  • Edge-to-edge display with notch (early adopter).
  • Stock Android with timely updates.
What to watch
  • Mono speaker, no jack.
  • Average camera launched buggy.
  • Mod ecosystem barely materialised.
  • Andy Rubin controversy hurt sales.