Take amazing photos with this unlocked 128GB Essential smartphone. The edge-to-edge 5.71-inch display is ideal for streaming videos, and the octa-core Kryo processor and 4GB of RAM let you play games without lag. This Essential smartphone runs the Android operating system, which provides you with access to thousands of Google Play Store applications.
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First thing is the software, it's completely stock with zero bloat outside of essentials own camera app. I had 2 updates when I turned the phone on that improved performance and the camera plus the September security update. I'd expect a timely update to 8.0 Oreo with this phone.
Hardware is phenomenal. The mirror finish on the back ceramic is eye catching and even though it collects tons of smudges (as does all recent phones with glass/shiny backs) it wipes off way easier than glass. It is slick and a P.S.A. there are zero cases for this phone anywhere. So have that in mind when you buy it. Although it should withstand a drop better than the all glass/aluminum Samsung. Titanium can take a beating. The LCD display is pretty dang good to my eyes. Whiter whites than the note 8 I have sitting right next to it. Zero light bleed when viewing a black screen. But, if I were on the essential team id of gone with an OLED panel instead of LCD, just for them deeper blacks. But with that said this screen is as good as it gets with LCDs.
The phone is smooth and I've had zero hiccups or lag. I'm using a T-Mobile SIM and I have VOwifi and VOlte. Doesn't have band 71 (600mghz) but that doesn't bother me as my area won't have that for some time.
Great phone for the non-fan boy of the major players in this market.