Giant slayer: Essential’s first take on the smartphone

Essential is emerging as one of the few mobile phone startups that could mount a challenge to tech leaders such as Apple and Samsung.

The company is headed up by Andy Rubin, a co-founder of the mobile software giant Android, who plans to launch an ecosystem of smart products that seamlessly work together, according to The Verge.

The first product to come from the smartphone maker is the Essential Phone. The device runs on third-party operating software Android Oreo, but the website says it will act as a “vanguard” for future first-party exclusives.

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The smartphone’s design is unlike that of most of its competitors. It boasts an edge-to-edge display with a small indent at the top for its front-facing camera. The display is housed in a titanium and ceramic body, an unconventional alternative to the glass and aluminium designs that appear on many high-end devices.

Power comes from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 processor, the same chip that’s found in the HTC 10 and Samsung Galaxy S7, says Expert Reviews. The phone comes with 128GB of storage, although there doesn’t appear to be a microSD slot to expand that.

The smartphone boasts a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera and an 8-megapixel lens at the front, the site says, both of which can shoot video in ultra-HD 4K resolution. The quality of both shooters is “commendable”, even if you compare the phone to its more expensive rivals.

Buyers can spec their smartphone in one of two colours: Black Moon or Pure White. Each version costs $499 (£380), but that rises to $678 (£515) if you opt for the 360-degree camera accessory.

Unfortunately, Essential is only selling its smartphone to buyers in North America, but this could change if it proves to be a popular alternate to the iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy S8.