I don't understand who's the target market

[flyingkytez]

Essential phone is supposed to be simple, easy, and long lasting. Basically an alternative to Apple. However, the most essential feature of a portable media player is a 3.5mm headphone jack. Who else agrees? Design is nice but what else is there?

 

[raqball]

I personally couldn't care less about the headphone jack.. I don't think I've ever in my entire life needed to charge and use the jack at the same time.

My reason for wanting it is that I am a small form factor type of person. This always means I am stuck with smaller and lower res screens. The Essential offers a phablet sized screen in what was previously a 5" form factor phone size..

 

[mxmarcus]

I always use a BT headset

 

[grooks]

I also do not use the headphones jack. I have been using BT headsets the last few years.

 

[buzzard75]

It's not a portable media player. It's a phone. The most essential thing it does is make phone calls. If it didn't do that, then there'd be a problem. I've also jumped on the BT headphone wagon. The pair I have are actually really good and just as good if not better than the wired Sennheiser buds I replaced. Even if you don't like BT headphones, there's still the option to plug in the included adapter and plug your headphones into that. I don't know why some people are so against using the included adapter. At least it's included and you don't have to pay extra for it.

The screen size is larger than the iPhone 7 Plus, has a higher resolution and more ppi, and yet the overall size is smaller. And with those two pins on the back and the USB speed wireless transmission rate that is faster than BT, there are limitless possibilities for accessories.

This phone is for those people who are willing to take a chance on a relatively new company and a new product, yet still get a high end flagship type device that uses some unique materials and design features in its construction.

 

[Ry]

Essential phone is supposed to be simple, easy, and long lasting. Basically an alternative to Apple. However, the most essential feature of a portable media player is a 3.5mm headphone jack. Who else agrees? Design is nice but what else is there?

Which doesn't have a headphone jack.

 

[scottysize]

Cut the cord and step into the 2010's. There is no reason for a corded headset. Just stop. It's an old argument that's stupid.

 

[msp1518]

This phone really does call out to me as I am tired of the trend of making curved glass screens that shatter from the slightest blemish. It seems madness to continue to make phones that are less sturdy than their predecessors. The Samsung Galaxy S8 is gorgeous, but I have watched two of them break from short falls (one belonged to a friend and the other a gal at a Starbucks). Ouch.

The ceramic and titanium construction of the Essential Phone looks robust and with no curved screens, it's likely a strong mofo. But... there are so many unknowns. Will the camera be any good? Early looks don't bode well. What about compatibility with carriers? Sprint has pretty much zero coverage in my hometown so I'd have to buy unlocked and go Verizon.

But I also travel and so far I cannot get any definitive word from Essential as to my phone working in China, where I spend much of the year.

And how much of the phone will rely on google? Google is blocked in china so will it be a useless brick over there? My only experience in China has been with the iPhone 6 and 6S+.

I currently have the iPhone 6S Plus and it has served me well. But damn is it thick in a case. Hate that! I'll not be going for the iPhone 8 due to its all glass exterior (you think they Apple is sending out 400 screen fixing machines just for the fun of it?!).

Anyway, just giving my thoughts.

 

[cbreze]

I thought it was for those looking for a more pure android experience. Like nexus and pixel folks. No carrier bloat, heck, no carrier, well "Sprint".
Unlocked to work anywhere. I will be following along when this device gets released as I am quite interested to see how it does, but more importantly how it performs for the real end users. Also, pretty curious about how timely updates will be.

 

[cstmstyle]

I'm wondering if it will support all carrier features. Namely Verizon's VoLTE or WiFi Calling

 

[Ry]

I'm wondering if it will support all carrier features. Namely Verizon's VoLTE or WiFi Calling

VoLTE yes.

 

[ChuckG73]

i am really curious to see what type of headphones come out for the port on the back of the phone. Would like one day to get a nice pair of bluetooth headphones

 

[msp1518]

I hate headphones that are two little pieces. The changes of losing them are far too great. They need to be connected to each other by a wire. Somehow. Otherwise they will go missing at some point in my ownership.

 

[jjinal]

Cut the cord and step into the 2010's. There is no reason for a corded headset. Just stop. It's an old argument that's stupid.

Yes there is. All of the cardio machines at all 3 gyms I use have 3.5mm headphone jacks for you to listen to the TVs. That's why I still use Bose Sport wired headphones with my workout iPod touch. That's right, I still use an iPod. My phone stays in my locker in airplane mode while I workout. Some things are still sacred!!

 

[anon(1733)]

What some forget is while yes there is a large group of uterine who use the headphone jack there is also a large group of people who do not. Not every phone is built for everyone.

 

[modifier]

Not every phone is built for everyone.

Exactly. So many get angry and defensive over the choices we have. If a new phone is missing features that one person wants then it must be a terrible choice for everyone, not just the person complaining. If they can't afford a phone model then they complain that the price is too high, ignoring the fact that no one really needs a flagship phone. It's a luxury, period. Or, they drone endlessly about how their current phone is so much better than something just announced, trying to push their grocery list of needs as fact for everyone, not just themselves.

It's black or white, never grey. You either agree with the herd or you're wrong. It's a bizarre trend.

 

[ChuckG73]

Looking forward to Bluetooth 5.0 accessories

 

[EnemiesInTheEnd]

Cut the cord and step into the 2010's. There is no reason for a corded headset. Just stop. It's an old argument that's stupid.

You mean aside from wired having better audio than Bluetooth?

 

[e30ernest]

You mean aside from wired having better audio than Bluetooth?

This is true, but I've found that if audio quality is something you are after, most phones won't cut it either. I've resorted to bringing a dedicated music player for listening to music so the loss of a 3.5mm jack doesn't bug me as much. Don't get me wrong, I do wish it had it (for watching videos in public at least), but it's not a deal breaker.

 

[modifier]

This is true, but I've found that if audio quality is something you are after, most phones won't cut it either. I've resorted to bringing a dedicated music player for listening to music so the loss of a 3.5mm jack doesn't bug me as much. Don't get me wrong, I do wish it had it (for watching videos in public at least), but it's not a deal breaker.

Great point. The chances of the PH-1 having a Wolfson or Burr-Brown DAC are about zero, leaving the door wide open for external DAC/amp combos if audio quality is needed. For casual listening or wired headsets, the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter should do just fine.