Still can't pull the trigger on buying

[Umass021]

I don't know why but I still can't pull the trigger on this phone for that price. It seems like such an excellent deal and it's a great pooking phone but still struggling. Anyone else in the same boat?

 

[modifier]

Why are you struggling? Buy it or don't buy it. It's just electronics. No need to agonize over the decision. No one will fault you if you do or don't.

Worse case, wait for Amazon to get more in stock since they don't have a restocking fee.
Try it and return it.

 

[Robbie317]

I was interested when they announced it and the $699 price had me shy away.. I almost pulled the trigger when Best Buy discounted it to $599 and once Essential dropped it to $499 it was an easy decision. I am glad I got a bad Pixel 2 XL because I really do love this phone. and $499 was a steal so $449 should be an even easier decision.

Essential isn't going away any time soon. They have a ton of financial backing so I'd be confident in this thing getting decent support over the next year or two.

 

[PhiPsi32]

I love the phone . . . I hate the cell reception . . . there's no value in it even with discounted price.

 

[1901Madison]

I love the phone . . . I hate the cell reception . . . there's no value in it even with discounted price.

Cell reception is the reason I returned the Essential as well.

 

[Stinger4321]

Cell reception is the reason I returned the Essential as well.

Thought reception issues were early units? What service? Heard on Verizon its fine

 

[anon(9918034)]

I have no reception issues with mine. it gets better reception than my iPhone 8.

 

[modifier]

A lot of the issues were with early devices and early software. My latest one has been fine on TMO. Same reception measured in dBm as my prior benchmark BB10 phones.

 

[andrew_ackley]

No reception issues for me either. I think they must've fixed that at some point just like the ear piece issue.

 

[raqball]

OP is you are still undecided at $450 then maybe it's best to just forget about it and move on. At $450 it's probably the best deal on the planet spec wise at least..

I don't know if I will like mine or not but I could not pass up the chance to try it @ that price.

 

[dannyar11]

If you don't mind a used one, Amazon is selling Warehouse Deals models for as low as $379.

 

[PhiPsi32]

Thought reception issues were early units? What service? Heard on Verizon its fine

I used Essential with Verizon and T-Mobile. With Verizon, no service. Service is spotty with 5X & 6P, drops to 3G at times. T-Mobile goes in and out on Essential phone. Solid T-Mobile service with 5x & 6P.

 

[Morty2264]

Is there any kind of warranty/return period if you buy the Essential Phone through your carrier or outright - whichever one you choose? You could always return it if you change your mind!

 

[gibsonb2]

I currently own a white one and, before that, I was an early adopter and had the black one. I had zero service issues with either of them on Verizon. I really enjoy having this phone. Recently got the 360 camera with the F&F code I received. It's cool too.

 

[1901Madison]

Thought reception issues were early units? What service? Heard on Verizon its fine

On Verizon.

 

[Umass021]

After ordering the phone I ended up canceling it. Unfortunately I can't take a chance with the service issues and I would have had to pay a restocking fee if I opened and use it.

 

[modifier]

Oh well. We tried. Good luck with whatever device you end up getting.

 

[shashankmittal]

Is there any kind of warranty/return period if you buy the Essential Phone through your carrier or outright - whichever one you choose? You could always return it if you change your mind!

15 day return period from Best Buy and Essential.com, with a $35 restocking fees. Amazon's policy is different and they have no restocking fees.

After ordering the phone I ended up canceling it. Unfortunately I can't take a chance with the service issues and I would have had to pay a restocking fee if I opened and use it.

..or you could have just ordered it from Amazon for $450 and tried it out yourself. As others have said, there is no better phone under $500. If you are willing to spend more, then surely go for something else.

 

[Umass021]

I'm still considering getting it on Amazon at some point.

 

[messypotamia]

<snip> I had zero service issues with either of them on Verizon. I really enjoy having this phone. <snip>

gibson2, were you using straight Verizon or on a MVNO? Reason I ask is mine works fine voice/sms, but the MVNO (US Mobile) tech support does not know why I don't get mobile data.