✓ VERIFIED

Essential PH-1

2017–2020 · handheld

Specifications

Cpu: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Ram: max: 4 GB (not upgradable) · base: 4 GB
Modem: LTE, titanium frame with ceramic back and Gorilla Glass 5
Ports: USB-C · Two magnetic pogo-pin connectors (rear, for modular accessories)
Camera: Dual 13 MP rear (RGB + monochrome), 8 MP front
Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion, 3040 mAh
Display: 5.71" QHD (2560x1312) IPS, near-bezel-less with an early top-center notch cutout
Storage: base: 128 GB · options:
Os Support: latest: Android 10 (before Essential shut down in February 2020) · shipped: Android 7.1 Nougat
Release Price: $699

Variants

Colors

Pure White

Stellar Grey

Ocean Depthslimited availability

Upgrade paths

battery

Sealed, stretch-release adhesive mounting · iFixit scored the PH-1 1/10 for repairability, one of the lowest scores recorded at the time; battery removal needs careful adhesive work.

HARD

other

USB-C port soldered directly to the motherboard · No modular port assembly, a common failure point with no simple repair path.

LOCKED

other

360 camera and other magnetic mods via the rear pogo-pin connector · Snap-on modular accessories, though the ecosystem never grew beyond the launch camera.

EASY