I'm Surprised! The Essential Phone is WAY better than expected!

[modifier]

1. On my GS4/VZW (SCH-I545) entering that keycode doesn't do anything. Does that only work on pure android?

2. On my PH-1 it works only with the native dialer ("Phone"), and not with the dialer that came with "DW Contacts & Phone 3.0.6.1", which I'm probably going to keep because it has the features I like. Again, if someone could explain why that is, I'd thank you bigly

It only works in the stock Google dialer. I'm not sure what your GS4 uses but that might be using a Samsung dialer app. Try downloading the Google dialer instead.

I think there was some confusion on the overall performance. The performance is great and I would not have sent back my Pixel 2xl if it wasn't. Touch scrolling needs patched. The consensus on Reddit is that essential is working with Qualcomm to fix with firmware and possibly present with Oreo.

The Qualcomm patch is still in the works. Essential mentioned it in the last AMA on Reddit. As far as scrolling slow goes, it's far better than it once was.

 

[Darius DuPree]

I don't know how the title changed but anywho.

I'm starting my third day with the phone and other than my dead pixel issue, which Essential is fixing by sending me a new hopefully issue free device, it's pretty much the first device I see myself keeping exclusively until the next iteration is released.

Rehashing the same sentiments in my original post the build, screen, updates and support have been excellent and I think the biggest surprise for me is the battery life I'm getting is phenomenal. I get it's only been two real days and I started day 3 less than a hour ago but I got 5.5 hours Screen On time the first day and yesterday pushed it to over 6 hours Screen On.

The really only gripe with the camera I have is the lack of stabilization inherently, you can edit your video afterwards with the stabilization option but it gives a strange DoF/fish eye effect off to me but I've really only cared about camera tech for about 3 months when I got myself a cat. So I only the Essential camera for stills and quick shots and just Google Camera for shooting video.

 

[DominionRoofs]

I don't know how the title changed but anywho.

What do you mean?

 

[DesertTwang]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I haven't used an Essential yet, and my impressions of this phone have largely been guided by what I've read about this so far. On paper, it sounds like the exact device I've been looking for. There just seem to be little things about it that - to me at least - suggest that it might suffer from a few issues that the developers may have to smooth out (see OP's post and https://www.droid-life.com/2017/11/06/fresh-look-essential-phone-worth-now/). To be clear, I'm not knocking this device by any means; on the contrary, I'm very interested in it, which is why I'm following this thread.

 

[messypotamia]

It only works in the stock Google dialer. I'm not sure what your GS4 uses but that might be using a Samsung dialer app. Try downloading the Google dialer instead.

App store says stock google dialer isn't compatible w/ my GS4 (a VZW SCH-I545 on Lollipop); maybe it's blocked in the build.

 

[raqball]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. I haven't used an Essential yet, and my impressions of this phone have largely been guided by what I've read about this so far. On paper, it sounds like the exact device I've been looking for. There just seem to be little things about it that - to me at least - suggest that it might suffer from a few issues that the developers may have to smooth out (see OP's post and https://www.droid-life.com/2017/11/06/fresh-look-essential-phone-worth-now/). To be clear, I'm not knocking this device by any means; on the contrary, I'm very interested in it, which is why I'm following this thread.

What specific issues are you concerned about?

 

[modifier]

I'm very interested in it, which is why I'm following this thread.

I'd ask the same question as @raqball. What exactly are your concerns? The review you linked actually sounded quite fair, which is refreshing, and I agree with most of it.

Keep in mind that the Internet in general is quite negative since those who are happy with their devices aren't posting online. It's far more common to come here for complaints and issues than to speak highly of a device. Those who do speak positively tend to get followed by those who aren't having positive experiences and the bad drowns out the good, even if the bad is only a fraction of the good. Much of what you read about this phone is also old and based on prior software, apps, bugs, etc. Those of us with current devices on current software are generally happy.

At the end of the day it's just a hunk of electronics. You'll either like it or you won't. If you can't try one in a local Sprint or Best Buy then your only option is to buy from Essential, Amazon or Best Buy and return it if it's not a good fit. I think you were also looking at the Pixel 2 or 2 XL. The same advice holds true of it as well.

If you have any specific questions or concerns, ask away and we'll do our best to answer.

 

[Darius DuPree]

What do you mean?

When I originally posted this thread it was just titled "Surprised", not what it is now. But no biggie

 

[revtech]

Welcome to AC.

What's wrong with the Essential software and why isn't it ready for "prime time" in your opinion? Can you be more specific? Have you used one yet?

Trying to delete my response since it's already been addressed and I didnt see it, unable to do so for some reason so just typing this to fill the space . .

 

[modifier]

No he hasn't, he said based on what he's read/heard, and despite your defensiveness most reviewers have said "not ready for prime time". Now that's changed alot with subsequent software updates, especially the camera, but a lot of places (AC included) have not updated their reviews . . That's what he's talking about, and there's not much to dispute there whether he's used one or not . . .

Thanks for the insight. He can answer his own questions.

 

[revtech]

Thanks for the insight. He can answer his own questions.

Yes, I apologize, violated my cardinal rule of posting, read the thread before responding to something early on . . In doing so I realized you are very well informed and I didn't need to say what I said, he also answered for himself which I didn't see and I'm embarrassed for speaking up when I didn't need to.

 

[modifier]

Yes, I apologize, violated my cardinal rule of posting, read the thread before responding to something early on . . In doing so I realized you are very well informed and I didn't need to say what I said, he also answered for himself which I didn't see and I'm embarrassed for speaking up when I didn't need to. ??????

It's OK. Definitely not the worst I've dealt with today. lol ??????

 

[revtech]

despite my poor entry to this thread I am in a similar boat as I loved all the anticipation around this device, then heard all the reviewers pan it, and now people saying the updates are doing wonders to correct the initial concerns . . so most of you with the phone seem to think it's got potential, its going to get there? 499 is a great price but I don't want to "experiment" with it . . .

 

[revtech]

It's OK. Definitely not the worst I've dealt with today. lol

Thank you . . Tried to delete it before it got out but no dice . . .

 

[modifier]

despite my poor entry to this thread I am in a similar boat as I loved all the anticipation around this device, then heard all the reviewers pan it, and now people saying the updates are doing wonders to correct the initial concerns . . so most of you with the phone seem to think it's got potential, its going to get there? 499 is a great price but I don't want to "experiment" with it . . .

It's far less of an experiment now in my opinion. Software updates have been quick and the camera app isn't terrible anymore. If you need the absolute best camera then this isn't a Pixel 2, but for half the price of a 128GB 2 XL it's one heck of a device.

If there's one thing I'll defend about any device it's in giving it a fair chance. It's too easy to get wrapped up in the negative and overlook the positive.

 

[DominionRoofs]

It's far less of an experiment now in my opinion. Software updates have been quick and the camera app isn't terrible anymore. If you need the absolute best camera then this isn't a Pixel 2, but for half the price of a 128GB 2 XL it's one heck of a device.

If there's one thing I'll defend about any device it's in giving it a fair chance. It's too easy to get wrapped up in the negative and overlook the positive.

This. I also got discouraged by everything I was reading. You have to try it for yourself. I've been using this thing almost non stop for 3 days and I can't put it down. F the chatter. Try it and see!

 

[raqball]

Just got another Camera update... Check the Play Store, it should show as available..

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.essential.klik&hl=en

 

[anon(10271520)]

Well hello guys. I had a Pixel 2 that I sent back to Google since I didn't feel it was worth the price of admission. So, my white Essential Phone will be here tomorrow for me! YAY! I have to ask though, the first thing I do with it is grab the APK for the google camera app, right? And not bother with Essentials?

 

[raqball]

Well hello guys. I had a Pixel 2 that I sent back to Google since I didn't feel it was worth the price of admission. So, my white Essential Phone will be here tomorrow for me! YAY! I have to ask though, the first thing I do with it is grab the APK for the google camera app, right? And not bother with Essentials?

The stock camera app is fine. I have zero issues with it so you might want to try it out before downloading the Google Camera apk..

 

[mmcpher]

I had a Galaxy S8+ and a Note8 in the pipeline so the Essential wasn't an option for me. But I visited the Essential the other day and it is gorgeous device! Stood out even among the Samsungs and the Iphones. I worry that the pricing discount will cause subsequent Essentials will have discounted materials and features.