Essential PH-1. Essential Ph-One. Essential phone.
I really like the OS called Android. You can use it without changing anything, but if you want to change it, you can change it exactly. I've been using the iPhone 5s for three years because I was overwhelmed by the iPhone pressure from people around me saying "Isn't there iMessage? I'll send it via AirDrop!" I'm here.
However. As for the recent Android devices (available in Japan), there was nothing that appealed to me. I always get the impression that it's kind of messed up or that it looks a little cheap, so I stop buying new ones (when will the Pixel come to Japan...?).
When I was having such a problem, the smartphone "Essential PH-1" made by the company of Andy Rubin, who is also called the father of Android, started shipping to Japan from the end of April this year. turned over. The phone was released in the US about 10 months ago, but the design of the case still feels new, it has a high-performance processor, and it runs pure Android 8.1 without any waste. Ph-1 is, so to speak, the highest grade "egg of my smartphone".
But the price is $499 (about 55,000 yen). Overall, it's one of the most satisfying handsets you can buy right now.
I reviewed the Essential PH-1, a good smartphone for those in the know.
I will open the Essential Phone that came to Japan! Live broadcast on GIZMODO TV from 19:00 tonight
Geeks and nerds from all over Japan were waiting. Gizmodo TV, a live program from Gizmodo. Beta distribution continues every week, but it's always a success and I'm grateful...
https://www.gizmodo.jp/2018/05/essential-phone-13.html
Good smartphones start with good materials
At first glance, the Essential PH-1 may look like an ordinary smartphone with an aluminum frame sandwiched between two pieces of glass. But that's not true. The frame is made of titanium and the back panel is made of ceramic. And this isn't just an aesthetic choice, it also serves a functional purpose.
Titanium first.
Apart from the impression that it is cool, this is a material that is harder than the aluminum commonly used in smartphones, and can withstand minor scratches and impacts. However, because of its high density, the PH-1 feels heavy for its size, but it's not too heavy, and it's something you'd call a "sink" with a luxurious feel.
Next is the ceramic back panel.
This material has an extremely high scratch resistance rating of 8 on the Mohs scale, which is higher than steel. So even if I accidentally put it in my pocket with my house keys, the back panel wouldn't get damaged. However, the windshield appears to be slightly damaged. After all, the windshield is the same Gorilla Glass 5 as other flagship phones (a compliment).
And the visual design can be summed up in one word: "Monolith." It has no logo, no protrusions, a chic and luxurious “monolithic” feel, and a nearly symmetrical “perfect and simple” design. Yet it's not well known, so people often ask me, "What's that smartphone?" A one-of-a-kind smartphone without originality with covers and stickers. This special feeling is exceptional.
iPhone X in the Android World: Advanced Build and Notch
What surprised me when I used the Essential PH-1 was its maturity and future potential. When evaluating Android smartphones, I usually start by comparing it to other Android smartphones, but the PH-1 made me want to compare it to the iPhone X first. It can be said that PH-1 was such an innovative existence in the Android world.
First, let's take a look at the difference in "notch" size compared to the iPhone X.
This is it. It's hard to call it the same "notch" anymore. There is a reason why the iPhone X has a large notch, such as the TrueDepth camera, but many of the Android devices with notches that came out after the iPhone X... If you know the notch of the PH-1, it looks ridiculous. I will come.
Because the PH-1's notch is insanely perfect.
This small space is packed with a front-facing camera, ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, LED indicator, and earpiece speaker, all of which work. Smartphones with large notches are now standard, but the PH-1, which was launched last year, is still one step ahead.
Another thing that I think the PH-1 is ahead of the curve is the way the parts mesh together without gaps. This makes it easier to slide your finger off the edge of the screen, making it very suitable for gesture operations. In fact, the next Android P will allow gesture operation, and regardless of whether Essential Products expected this trend, the PH-1 is ready to include Android P (in other words, the official beta I have a version, so I'd like to review it next time!).
Summary of new Android P features announced at Google I/O 2018 #io18
The new home button looks useful! At Google's conference I/O 2018 held from 2:00 on May 9, the next Android OS "Android ...
https://www.gizmodo.jp/2018/05/android-p-new-feature-io18.html
Just as the iPhone X was launched as representing the "iPhone of the future," the PH-1 is also an allusion to the "Android smartphone of the future." It seems that I will fall in love with Essential Products, which will put out such an advanced smartphone in one shot.
Usage is average or better
First of all, the screen is a high-resolution iPS liquid crystal display of 2560 x 1312, and the color development is glossy and the range of brightness adjustment is large. It's dark enough at night, and the text is readable during the day unless the sun is too bright.
This is especially true when both sides of the notch are black. With an organic EL display, you can make it completely black, but since the PH-1 is a liquid crystal display, the backlight leaks out a little and it looks gray. Nonetheless, it's a pretty beautiful LCD display, so there's no problem at all considering it's a smartphone in the 50,000 yen range.
Although there is no fatal flaw in the audio, it feels like there are many compromises. There is only one downward-facing speaker that emits sound during media playback, and the treble sounds a bit harsh. I still miss the lack of a 3.5mm jack. However, it comes with a high-quality USB-C to 3.5mm jack adapter, so you can't help but feel like you can't help it.
As for accessories, in addition to the adapter mentioned earlier, the charging cable is also good quality. The outside is made of a robust fabric material instead of a typical resin cable. What's more, the cable has a band to hold it together, and the charger itself supports quick charging (27W). It's so nice to see such attention to detail. Other manufacturers are also welcome.
The buttons on the PH-1 are... subtle. The clicks and sounds are very pleasing, but they are lacking in other aspects. The volume button and power button are placed close to each other and have similar shapes, so it's easy to mistakenly press them. I would have liked to see a clear differentiation between them, such as by separating them a little more, or adding a texture to one or the other. But having the buttons on the right side makes it easy to press when holding it sideways, which is good.
The fingerprint sensor is located in the middle of the top half of the back. At first, I felt it was a little too high, but once I got used to it, it was rather comfortable. The speed is perfect. And speaking of unlocking, you can use face recognition with Android's "Smart Lock" on the front camera. However, it is not recommended because the security level is not so high. I use it though. Because it's convenient.
The internal specs are almost perfect. The processor is the 2017 flagship Snapdragon 835, with 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 3040mAh battery. I've often had about 30% charge left at the end of the day, so I think that's more than enough (it also supports fast charging).
The software is pure Android 8.1. There are almost no apps you don't want but can't delete, or features you don't use but keep on. So inevitably the operation is comfortable, and even a little impression is remembered. The only exception is the camera app, which is unique to Essential. More on this.
The camera that was seen as a problem...it's quite normal
The PH-1 camera app, which received severe criticism after its launch, is now on the line of acceptance as a smartphone released in 2017. has reached It was really unpopular at first, and even Giz called it "one of the worst cameras in recent years," but a subsequent software update seems to have greatly improved the quality of the photos. this street.
Picture taken around noon
Picture taken in the evening
Picture taken at night under fluorescent lights
Shibuya at night. The dynamic range is moderate
This was taken in a dark room. A little harsh? (My camera shake?)
When the bokeh looks good in portrait mode
When the contours in portrait mode are disgusting
Rather than now It may be the one who is easy to use. You can start the camera by pressing the power button twice, and you can shoot with the volume button right above it, so you won't miss a photo opportunity.
However, it is true that there is still room for improvement regarding other shooting modes. First of all, there are few shooting modes to begin with, and besides basic photo and video shooting modes, there are only portrait, black and white, and slow motion. Moreover, the portrait mode is still a little difficult to distinguish outlines, so I'm looking forward to future updates.
Other Disappointments
Personally, the most disappointing thing is that it is not waterproof and does not support ARCore.
As far as waterproofing is concerned, it seems to have a "drip-proof" level of IP54, but I'm still worried about that alone. As for ARCore non-compliance, it was a big blow for me who wanted to try various AR apps. But the latter is a software problem, and I'm hoping that it will be possible to fix it with an update eventually.
Also, I thought it was a bit disappointing that the non-metallic back panel doesn't support wireless charging. Rather, I think it's good that it supports fast charging (it saved me several times).
Essential PH-2 won't be released...but support for PH-1 will continue
...Essential PH-2 won't be released... The PH-1 was one of the first manufacturers to anticipate the future with notches and gestures, so I had high hopes for the second smartphone. However, for some reason, it was announced that the development of smartphones would stop.
However, support for the PH-1 will continue for a little over two years, so you can rest assured in that respect. Rather, they are updating it more actively than other manufacturers, and it seems almost certain that they will update to Android P.
2 years of software updates and 3 years of security patches.
— Essential (@essential) May 25, 2018(From launch) 2 years of software updates and 3 years of security patches.
Conclusion: Essential PH-1 is a "Buy"
Those who want to find something better than Essential PH-1 among SIM-free Android devices that can be used in Japan now will have a hard time. prize. After all, the PH-1, as its name suggests, is a smartphone that is particular about the necessary parts without unnecessary elements.
A smartphone with a cool design that can be bought in the 50,000 yen range, equipped with pure Android that uses better materials than the iPhone X and is likely to last for the next two years in software and hardware. I don't think there is a higher level of satisfaction than this.
But if it does, will it be the iPhone SE2, which will compete with the Essential PH-1? I'm happy with the cheap Pixel 3.
Which one are you more excited about, iOS 12 or Android P? Fifth match with expectations!
Can't wait for fall... Both Google and Apple are thrilling us with the release of Android P and iOS 12 this fall...
https://www.gizmodo.jp/2018/06/ios12-androidp-comparison.html
Then, please look forward to the Android P beta version review!
(Corrected at 12:30 on June 25, 2018) When the article first appeared, it was stated that Essential PH-1's "Google Assistant" was not compatible with the Japanese environment, but after confirming again I deleted the relevant part because it was compatible.
Photo: Yuma Yamamoto, Richard Nishitani Source: Reddit, Twitter (Richard Nishitani)
