Is this the ‘Essential’ Android smartphone?
Andy Rubin promises his new start-up will evolve as you do
He’s the guy behind Android smartphones. Now, Andy Rubin wants to build the “Essential” phone. “Essential” is the name of Rubin’s new start-up, which emerges out of stealth mode with a new edge-to-edge titanium and ceramic Android smartphone featuring robust specs with a 5.71inch display and a top-tier dual camera system.
Alas, while there’s USB-C, there’s no standard 3.55mm headphone jack, as Essential follows the unfortunate path taken by Apple. (There is a 3.55mm adapter.)
What is potentially interesting is the ability to wirelessly transfer data with a magnetic connector, and a modular approach that lets you snap on an accessory such as a small 360 camera.
Of course, there are many first rate smartphones in the market, starting with the proverbial giants of the business, Samsung ’s Galaxy franchise and Apple’s iPhones. How will Rubin’s new $699 phone — or for a limited time, $749 with the 360 camera — be different?
Rubin himself hinted at the question in a blog post on Essential’s website.
“I know people are going to ask me a lot of questions about why I started this company,” Rubin wrote. “Why didn’t I just travel the world, ride my motorcycle, tinker with my robots, hang out at my bakery with friends and family. And to be honest I still do ask myself that sometimes … but not too often.”
It’s competitive in terms of the technology: a Quad HDdisplay, powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.
We’ll see if it’s truly essential. The company is taking reservations on the new phone now, and I’m eager to get my hands on one.