Essential Phone

[Brad]

I couldn't pass it up for new Essential phone for $335 on Amazon.  Will update to Android Pie.  They promise to update to Q plus all security updates.

[rcjordan]

What provider?

[Brad]

What provider?

Unlocked.  It works with all carriers both CDMA and GSM

[Brad]

The other reason I grabbed the Essential Phone when I saw it at that price, is it is on the list of compatible phones for: https://e.foundation/


Discussion here:
http://th3core.com/talk/hardware-technology/e-the-android-fork-ecosystem-for-smartphones-in-1st-beta/

[rcjordan]

Are you going to put it on Verizon?

[Brad]

>Verizon

No, I already use T-Mobile, which works well in my area.

[Brad]

First impression: this is actually a very nice phone.  It's already updated itself to Android Pie plus a security/bug fix update. 

It's slightly smaller than my Nokia 6.1 but the screen is larger and higher res.  The screen light sensor is better too.  Much faster processor and more RAM and storage than the Nokia too.

The Essential is running as close to pure Android as they could get and I like that.  More after I live with it for a few days.

[Brad]

Price has risen a bit as each supplier runs out of phones.

First full day typical usage and it looks like I can easily get 2 days on one charge.  The screen responds crisply to taps, much much better than the Nokia which is a bit vague and lags slightly. 

I've only taken one picture but the camera worked.  Reviewers say it has largely been fixed, but will never be in the Pixel of iPhone X class.  I don't care since all I take are bad Instamatic type snapshots anyway.  Again, it's better than the Nokia's camera which freezes on my sometimes, probably because I don't know how to use it.

Downside: Essential includes a lot of ringtones and notification tones.  They are serviceable but reminiscent of banging on pipes or tin cans clacking together. 

I like this enough I'll actually pair it to my car.