yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] XDA_RealLifeReview:
Yes, yes, it's possible to love a phone. Heck, you sleep next to it, don't you? Rate this thread to indicate your love for the Essential Phone, all things considered. A higher rating indicates that the Essential Phone is an incredible phone that you enjoy tremendously. You love it. :o

Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] tardis_42:
The release has been plagued with logistical and customer service problems, and the software still has more than its share of bugs to squash, but I love this phone and hope the company recovers from its early stumbles so they can keep pushing more refined versions of what's already stunning hardware. Very happy Essential owner here!
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] eakrish:
I love everything about the device... that being said, the signal it pulls is less than adequate for daily use. I had to switch back to my s8. T-Mobile service provider
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] frhoward:
I love this phone. I kind of had a buyers remorse when I first pulled the phone out of the box and it was due to the size of the phone and the fact it felt like I was going back in time to the iphone 4s days but when I compared the screen to my 6p its just as big. I know it says 5.7" but it truly feels like a 4" device. I noticed a few minor scratches to the ceramic coating and GG5 but disappears amongst the glowing beauty of the rest of the phone. The screen on this thing is a joy to look at. I always find myself using apps, etc just to get the full effect of the screen. Once they iron out the software issues this will be the phone to beat imo. It sets the bar. The iphone 8 is said to have a similar screen experience and hopefully more phones are to follow. But after owning this phone I will definitely keep it but I am even more excited for the PH-1.2.

Ps. Its funny to see people do a double take when they first notice the screen, "Is that the new iPhone" , my response is no its my "Ph-1". :silly:
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] Kukaless:
I have had this phone all of 4 hrs and love it.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] ndonnine:
Strangely, the more I use it the more I enjoy it. I'm on TMobile and cell service is similar to my old so. I hope they add wifi calling
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] going_home:
Its a step backwards from the S8+ (charging pad, no case available, better screen, image stabilization) but we'll see if my mind changes when the 360 camera arrives later this week.

Its slicker than snot and hard to hold on to without a case, maybe when I get the skin on it that will help....

The big plus is no curved screen, I absolutely hate that on Samsung phones.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] tech_head:
I got mine Friday and since I don't have root, it took some time to manually set up things through ADB backup and restore. Some things I had to manually move over. That being said the phone is a work of art. The build quality is second to none.

I wish there were at least some basic cases available. I have a crude skin on the back and ordered a real skin.

I plan to get some acrylic or abs and make a case. I'll bend the plastic under heat and use a Dremel to get everything else aligned..
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] xela19115:
It has WiFi Calling.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] itstee:
Each phone will get its negative reviews and positive ones too. All comes down to the owner if they love it or hate it. I love it. The software still has some bugs but hopefully it gets ironed out. Definitely not a smooth start for Essential as a new company rolling out a new phone. But i hope after what happen, they improve on it and the successor to this first phone is much better and the overall customer service much more smoother. The phone's camera app isn't perfect but i didn't think it was that horrible like some people on the internet said it was. Its okay...

Hope Android Oreo will roll out soon!!!!
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] anandlal:
Was going through airport security today and the TSA guy pulled me over. He said he saw the phone and liked it. He wanted to know if that was the new iPhone. Told him it's the brand new PH-1 wrapped in ceramic and titanium!
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] tardis_42:
This is the funniest abuse of TSA power I've heard of in years.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] dpackerz:
Tell him on his salary, he can't afford it. He'll have you strip searched in no time!
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] anandlal:
And that's not something I want!
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] iswope:
I'm on T-Mobile and wifi calling is working for me.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] &roid:
I second that. As is VoLTE.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] Pawor:
Had the phone for 24 hours and really enjoyed it. Picked it up from my jeans pocket about an hour ago and the phone has gone into a infinite boot loop. Seems to be the powerbutton or what's underneath it that is not willing to play along. Hardware in all its glory but of my over 50-60 phones I have gone through I have never encountered this problem this early on. Pretty ridiculous.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] parusia:
I really love this phone, I'm with T-Mobile and have no problems with signal, data, phone's calls. The touch screen is working properly, WiFi working perfect, no light bleeding effect like other people. To be honest I got my note 8 still unpackaged because this phone is really nice. I know a lot people got upset because the CS communication, but honestly this is a company that is in their infancy. We just have to give time for the company to mature enough to be competing with company's that got years in the business. Just my 2 cents.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] anandlal:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/0...tes-strong-ceramic-back-easily-broken-screen/
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] spotmark:
Every day, I like this phone more and more. The latest camera update improved the pictures. They're still not great, but they're getting better. I've gotten better at being more precise with my taps, so the touch sensitivity isn't much of an issue. With updates I only see this phone getting better and better. Let's hope Essential gets their act together and stays on top of it. I've made my mind up that I'm keeping it. The look, feel, and build materials elevate this phone above any other model I would consider. Just going to keep my fingers crossed that development starts to happen, but even if it doesn't, I know I'm keeping the phone. That's saying a lot since I've been a flashaholic going back to the original Moto Razr days.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] anandlal:
Same here. I knew from the start that I was buying something from a company with a zero track record. So all the hiccups at launch is the risk I knew I was taking. Now that I've been using the phone, it's great and I don't want anything else.

Now it's time to see how often they fix issues with updates and of course, the time frame for getting Oreo but more importantly, I want the Treblized version of Oreo.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] bill3508:
Just received this device and so far I like it. Build wise it's beautiful. There are some software hiccups, most notably for me is that they seem to have added a smoothing feature to scrolling to make it smooth but not quick. Just feels a little odd. Only negative I have so far is the Bluetooth audio qualify is no where near as good as my Axon which has had the best audio quality of any device I've had. Seems constrained if I had to put a word to it. Phone setup quick and easy with Verizon just like the Axon also.

Camera is already noted issue as off the bat it's compressing images to 1.4 - 1.6 mbs, while the Google cam app is 2.8-3.8 mbs. Hopefully that will be fixed.

So I'm looking forward to see what updates they make to the software over time. Can only get better.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] cybertec69:
It's T-Mobile not the phone, no issues here with the PH1 on Verizon.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] oxbatz:
Beautiful, functional phone. Go beyond the hype and experience greatness.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] huck007:
I didn't love anything but the hardware at first, but I get more attached to this damn phone every day. The few small imperfections are heavily outweighed by way this phone looks and feels.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] bcltoys:
I have a question does this phone work on Verizon if so does it play well with Verizon's most advanced cell sites I/E 4x4 MIMO gig sites.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] hitello:
I'm using the Essential on T-Mobile and it works just fine.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] spotmark:
After seeing the leaked pictures of the Pixel XL 2, I like my PH-1 even more now. For a supposedly side to side screen, the XL 2 looks like it still has some rather large side bezels, and after using the Essential, the XL 2 screen just doesn't look right not going all the way to the top. I'm sure it will be a performance beast, but it's an ugly duckling next to the PH-1.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] LastQuark:
Are you talking about this one? Yes, it does not look good.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] lsmith1981:
I truly believe essential is on to something with this phone. I'm sure everything they have planned for the device and there other products will be top notch. I'm glad to see no leaks or anything else related surfacing at all either.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] TheDethEgineer:
Pixel 2 XL looks fine, you can even call it an LG G6 Pro. The Pixel 2 is what I am worried about. I was planning to buy the Pixel 2 for 650 dlls, but then last week I saw an Essential on swappa, the guy accepted local pick up for 640. Ended up paying less for a better phone :D
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] andril:
great feel and clean Android much cleaner than nexus and Pixel experiences
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] dnmorenof:
LG 6 clone
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] quadcrap1:
I love the form factor, the feel in my hand, the responsiveness. I have come to terms with the camera, which is still just OK.

But the Essential is a flaming pile when used with Verizon. It loses LTE connection in places where my other phones never has. And when it loses LTE connection, it frequently can't find it again, even if you move to a better reception area. The only solution in these cases is to reboot the phone.

I was using the Essential with Android Auto last night, and about a mile into my freeway trip it lost all connection and I had no real time anything. I have never had this issue (same road, same car) with any other phone I've used.

Even phone connection is really really sketchy. Pick up the phone in a marginal area and you can lose signal. Heck, don't pick up the phone and you can lose signal.

Sorry, but I have found the Essential on Verizon to be an entirely too frustrating experience. For the moment, the phone is going into the box and I'm hoping that a firmware update in the not-so-distant future fixes things. But for now, I need a phone I can rely on to actually make calls and connect to the internet.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] pastryman:
Phone Love

I own this phone - worth every penny.

I love this phone - beautiful hardware, impeccable build, essential software.

No issues with bluetooth, cell signal, call quality.

It has frozen a couple of times, so did my Pixel, so did my OnePlus 5, so did my Nexus 6p. It happens.

Essential PH-1 is my new love.

Camera gives me everything I expect and need - have always used post processing even with my pixel XL - sometimes the photograph has a lot to do with the photographer and not the camera.

Criticize, say what you want.

It was my dollar and I feel it was well spent.

---------- Post added at 06:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:27 PM ----------

I posted these same comments on Android Central - the reviews there were so unfair to this phone I felt I had to speak.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] mark_20:
Would be higher if it worked with the Verizon Advanced Calling Features
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] Voxpop:
Why It Dropped From a B+ to a D

The positives:

Best looking phone since HTC 1

Pure android experience

Fit and finish

Supporting the underdog

Nice B&W camera

Not run of the mill

Negatives:

Cell data doesn't work on all bands (thus needs be set to slowest network)

Not waterproof/resistant

Mediocre Color camera

No headphone jack

The worst thing however appears to be a flaw in the design that causes the screen to crack from minimal drop. Within a week of getting it, the phone slipped off an 18inch bench (have pics) and the bottom right corner of screen front cracked. This is the same exact crack spot as in drop test video. I contacted Essential several times and their response was to take it up with the carrier/insurance. New phone less than a week later it clumsily slipped out of my pocket while I was seated...and argh a cracked screen with glass even fall out at SAME EXACT SPOT. I've dropped numerous phones including Edge series and they've held up. For a phone that claims that one doesn't need a case (not that any good ones are available) and is very slippery, it appears to have a serious design flaw. Due to a combo of stiffness of materials used and how it is assembled this is the least durable phone I've ever owned. I rooted for the company and was extolling the virtue of the phone to many others, but given this glaring issue I cannot recommend it.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] asgerbb:
needs some dev work on it and the camera is disappointing but great phone otherwise
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] VennligFiende:
+1
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] WraeDeoHed:
Want to make the jump, buuuut........

Greetings good people of AF. So, I've been obsessed with this phone since news of it first dropped, but was turned off by the image quality. I've since pre-ordered the Pixel 2 (like a lot of people). However I still can't take my eyes away from the form of this phone, and it's promise to be one of the best. Ever since the price was lowered, I've considered cancelling my pre-order even more.

What I'd like to know, from a non-biased opinion (as much as that's possible):

How has the phone been with OS performance since the latest updates?

How has camera performance been since the latest updates?

Is crashing or reboots still an on-going issue?

Is image quality still suffering from noise, and blurriness?

I'm coming back to Android from Windows after a long time (Be nice). So OS performance is huge for me, as well as camera performance. Windows Phone 7,8, and Windows 10 mobile were highly optimized for memory, so there were rarely OS crashes, and there simply was never any lag, so using an Android phone is always a step backwards (I don't mean that in a mean way, it's just my personal experience), but the app market is a vast improvement. I'm a photography hobbyist, so the camera quality is a huge deal as well. Especially coming from a Lumia 950XL.

Users I've noticed that PH-1 users seem very technical for the most part which is great, because you've given great information, but I'd really like to some real-world opinions on the phone post latest updates.

Thanks so much.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] lightfire:
Not any help, but I am receiving my Essential ph in the next few days and returning my Pixel 2 XL. If it works properly, gonna keep it. Google is flat out lying about the problems with their phones and attempt to cover it up with non-imaginative tech talk.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] yuhan0331:
I also jumped on this once the price dropped. So far no regrets. I'm coming from the Huawei Mate 9, which I absolutely LOVED! This phone is just as good imo. The battery is 25% smaller than Mate 9, but I can still easily get through the day no problem (I'm not a heavy user)

The OS has been fine for me. People mentioned about phone no responding with taps when they first got it, but I haven't had much of those issues. The only time I noticed it was when I ran every single app back to back to test it. Besides that it's been fairly responsive with no hiccups.

As for camera quality... This is hard for me to like due to the fact that Mate 9 had such an awesome camera. But I haven't experienced the hiccups people were saying. But low light photography definitely struggles. You can use the pixel port to make it better though.

Lastly I seriously love this phone. The form factor itself and build quality is enough to ignore the other minor issues. And hopefully with Android Or coming out. These software issues can be optimized even more.

Hope this helps. :good:
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] Notchr302:
I'm ordering it too. I have no issued with my 2XL but the price is double the ph-1. I'm sure performance as far as smoothness and speed will take a hit though.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] lightfire:
I have had the Essential Phone for a week. I do believe I will keep it. Occasionally it is slow to respond to something like a notification/menu pulldown. But other than that I have not noticed a huge performance differential. It is difficult not to like the Pixel 2 XL but it is going back.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] loconess:
I'm starting to lust over this phone. Problems with the pixel is too bad.

This phone just need some good custom ROM
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] Turbojugend:
Probably going to sell my S8 and buy this with the huge price drop. This phone looks and feels great.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] phokused:
I came from Moto Z Force on Verizon and then went the budget route with T-Mobile and purchased unlocked Moto G5 Plus. I have always had high end phones, but the G5 plus just didn't do for me. After the price drop and recent updates I jumped on it and absolutely love the PH-1. I've been keeping my eye on it and it seems like they are keeping the promise of updates. As far as the camera, which is most important to me I installed the Google Camera HDR+ app and photos do seem better with that app. hope this helps.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] putt4doh:
Been lurking around the Essential section and finally took the plunge. Visited my local BB and they had a demo unit behind the counter---thought for sec I might need a secret handshake.

I was completely taken the build quality and screen. This device is pure class. Quite frankly, I don't understand why there's not more love for this phone. I must have missed something, I thought the Androidisti loved stripped down Android and an impeccable build. Oh well, love feeling like I have the best kept secret in tech...
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] Notchr302:
I think if it would have had a stellar camera and better software out of the gate, it would have been better received. Many bugs but the have been addressing them slowly. I'm hoping they are learning from their mistakes.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] twcook:
I'm a couple weeks into this now, and this phone continues to grow on me. I like the size and the feel, the speed, and the look. I'm getting great battery life. The camera is actually pretty good - I was skeptical but after using it on a couple of events the results are very satisfactory.

There's something about the overall combination that just feels right - this phone is a delight to use.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] putt4doh:
Totally agree. The industry moves too quickly to miss their opening shot. However, to Essential's credit---they're fixing stuff quickly. Their responsiveness, along with build quality, screen, and price point, make it a no brainer for me.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] Turbojugend:
Tried this out at Telus today and really like the feel of it. I like it way more than the feel of my S8 (hate the curved screens). Will probably sell my S8 and get this, any reason why I shouldn't? Some people said it slows down after a few weeks of usage?

With the price drop does anybody see development for it taking off?
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] DaveHTC200:
After having it for a week I haven't looked back from my Pixel XL.

As for development, it'll get there when the images are released, though progress is being made already
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] Notchr302:
You having stutters with scrolling or anything? I'm seeing so many confilicting reports on this. Some say it lags and some say it's fine.?
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] DaveHTC200:
I've seen the occasion stutter but nothing I find obtrusive. It's not all the time just on rare occasions.

I just look at it with a mind that further updates, through Devs or essential will resolve any small issues!

For the design and feel alone I think it's worth it!
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] Notchr302:
Thats kinda how I feel about the updates. Good to know it's not severe. Seems some have already contacted essential via Reddit and got a response that they are aware and working on it.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] DaveHTC200:
It's not severe and I was sceptical about getting it shipped to the UK but I haven't looked back and love it.

Watching the development and it's becoming an exciting phone to own. They're my views at least
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] Turbojugend:
Sweet. Time to sell the s8 and pick this up.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] xxBrun0xx:
Wish it was a little less slippery (metal back?) And wish it unlocked a bit faster (fingerprint sensor is very fast, but there's a delay when you hit the power button). Otherwise, phone is damn near perfect.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] bcltoys:
Android Only.

All I have owned is Android phones and want to stay with Android so I won't say that other brand, so help me want to go with this phone. I've own Nexus's rooted and non rooted so I love non bloated Android. The Pixel 2 is also interesting.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] wackydroid:
Got mine today and all I can say is it's exquisite.

It took a few updates out of the box so I'm not seeing most of the quirks everyone has mentioned. I am seeing a strange one, however... When I plug into my PC, the phone does not show up so I can't transfer files from the PC to phone. I get a drop down on the noti bar telling me to tap there to decide USB options but nothing happens.

I've emailed Support so I'm sure it'll get fixed soon.

CANNOT WAIT FOR ROOT. This is my first unrooted phone since the Original Evo.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] dpackerz:
Touching the USB connection message in notifications should let you select MTP. It's how most phone act, selecting charging as default. If it's not letting you select, enable development mode. Then in Settings-Develope Options-Select USB configuration- choose MTP.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] mackentosh:
Don't waste your money on the Pixel 2 XL that phone is not worth 8 and $900 I had it for 2 weeks and I love 8.0 but it ain't worth $950. The Essential is better unless you're big on Cameras and 8.0 but the Pixel still not worth that much money and the phone feels and looks cheap. With the updates the Essential phone has come a long ways.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] mimin0:
My first day playing with the phone and I love it! Truly exquisite, amazing build, perfect size for one hand operations, fast and no bloat, pleasure to handle. One thing I'm not so keen about is the cut out for the FF camera, but that's something I will get used to over time. For half the price of Pixel 2 this one is the keeper.
[Essential Phone Real Life Review] KevTN:
Ok trying to figure out my next phone. I have narrowed it down to the Essential and Pixel 2 XL. I got play with an Essential at best buy but it still had 7.1 on it. I thought it felt good in the hands screen looked good. I could not use the camera as it was in demo mode. I put it Nexus to my N6P and screen looked alot better (to me).

My questions are this....

1) how is the camera? I am not looking for studio quality but something I can use around the house or softball fields.

2) I am on Verizon how is the signal quality?

3) How are the updates pushed? (I like how the Nexus get software first)

4) How is the battery life?

I appreciate Any information. Thanks