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Essential was a U.S. smartphone startup founded by Android co-founder Andy Rubin. Its Essential Phone PH-1 stood out for a minimalist titanium and ceramic design, clean Android software, a nearly edge-to-edge display and modular accessory pins, but the company shut down in 2020 and the brand is now discontinued.

Essential - FAQ

Answers to common questions about Essential phones.

What is the Essential Phone?

The Essential Phone, also known as the PH-1, was a single premium Android smartphone released in 2017 by Essential Products, the startup founded by Andy Rubin, co-creator of Android.

What is the price of an Essential Phone in Canada?

The Essential Phone is discontinued and no longer sold new, so pricing depends entirely on the condition of any used or refurbished unit you find. Compare current offers above to see what's available.

Are new and refurbished Essential Phones available?

No new units are available since Essential Products shut down in 2020. Any units in circulation today are used or refurbished, check the phone's page to see current availability.

Can I get an Essential Phone with or without a mobile plan?

The Essential Phone is generally found unlocked and sold on its own rather than bundled with a carrier plan. Pair it with a SIM only plan from the Canadian provider of your choice.

Which Canadian carriers offer plans with an Essential Phone?

Since Essential Products is no longer in business, no Canadian carriers currently offer a bundled plan with the Essential Phone. You can still pair the device with a SIM only plan from any provider that supports it.

How much storage does the Essential Phone have?

The Essential Phone was released with 128GB of storage, a fixed amount since Essential only ever made this one model.

What made the Essential Phone stand out when it launched?

The Essential Phone was known for its titanium frame, ceramic back and one of the smallest bezels of any phone at the time, along with a nearly stock version of Android.

Do I need to unlock an Essential Phone before using it in Canada?

Most Essential Phones in circulation are already unlocked, which lets you insert a SIM card from the Canadian provider of your choice without any additional unlocking steps.

Does the Essential Phone still receive software updates?

No. Essential Products shut down in 2020 and no longer provides software or security updates for the Essential Phone, so buyers should expect it to run older, unsupported software.

How can I compare Essential Phone offers in Canada?

Use the filters above to compare pricing and condition across any current listings for the Essential Phone.

Who made the Essential Phone?

The Essential Phone was made by Essential Products, a company founded in 2017 by Andy Rubin, one of the co-creators of the Android operating system, before the company shut down in 2020.

Is the Essential Phone still worth buying today?

Since it no longer receives software or security updates and was never officially sold new in Canada, most buyers today look at the Essential Phone as a collector's or budget secondary device rather than a primary phone.