Essential Phone PH-1 128GB Unlocked Smartphone – Black Moon

Product Overview

The Essential Phone PH-1 is an Android smartphone introduced by Essential Products in 2017. The Black Moon version combines a titanium frame with a ceramic rear panel and Gorilla Glass 5 over the display. Its 5.71-inch LCD uses a 2560 × 1312 resolution and incorporates a small cutout around the front-facing camera.

The PH-1 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 mobile platform with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Photography hardware includes two 13-megapixel rear cameras, using separate color and monochrome sensors, plus an 8-megapixel front camera. The phone also includes a rear fingerprint sensor, NFC, Bluetooth, dual-band Wi-Fi, GPS, and USB Type-C connectivity.

A 3040 mAh non-removable battery supplies power, with USB Power Delivery used for wired charging. The PH-1 does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack or microSD card slot. Essential also designed a magnetic accessory interface for connecting proprietary accessories such as its 360-degree camera.

Essential ended operations in 2020. The PH-1 received its final official software and security update that year, making its discontinued software support an important consideration when evaluating the device today.

Product Information

Identification

Physical Information

Product Identifier Summary

Model Number

The model number identifies a specific hardware design within a manufacturer’s product range. The PH-1 is also associated with the internal model designation A11 in regulatory and product records.

MPN

A Manufacturer Part Number is used to distinguish a particular manufacturer’s product for inventory, service, distribution, and catalog management. It can help separate similar devices or configurations.

UPC

A Universal Product Code is a 12-digit retail barcode identifier. It is commonly used by inventory systems and product databases to distinguish specific commercial configurations.

EAN

EAN identifiers are international retail barcode numbers within the broader GTIN system. A separate EAN value is not listed because an independently verified EAN specific to this configuration was not established.

GTIN

A Global Trade Item Number provides a standardized identifier for commercial products. UPC codes can be represented within the GTIN system by adding leading zeros when required by the database format.

ASIN

The ASIN is a catalog identifier associated with this specific Black Moon PH-1 product record. It is not a manufacturer-assigned model number.

ISBN

ISBN identifiers are intended for books and certain published works. They do not apply to this smartphone.

Common Uses

• Voice calls and text messaging on compatible cellular networks.
• Android application use.
• Web browsing over cellular or Wi-Fi connections.
• Email and internet-based messaging.
• Photography with the dual rear-camera system.
• 4K video recording.
• Video calls using the front-facing camera.
• GPS navigation with compatible mapping applications.
• Bluetooth audio and accessory connections.
• NFC-based communication with compatible services and devices.
• Media playback and streaming.
• USB connections to compatible computers and accessories.

Maintenance and Care

The PH-1 contains glass, ceramic, titanium, electronic components, and a permanently installed rechargeable battery. Routine care should minimize exposure to liquids, abrasive materials, excessive heat, and physical impact.

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth when cleaning exterior surfaces.
• Disconnect charging cables before cleaning the device.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage surface coatings.
• Keep the USB Type-C connector free of dirt, lint, and moisture.
• Avoid placing excessive pressure on the display or ceramic rear panel.
• Do not attempt to remove the built-in battery through normal user disassembly.
• Avoid storing the phone in extremely hot or cold environments.
• Inspect older batteries for abnormal swelling or physical deformation before continued use.
• Use compatible USB charging equipment that follows appropriate USB power standards.

Safety Information

The PH-1 is an electronic communications device containing a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery is not designed for routine user removal.

• Do not use a device with a swollen, punctured, leaking, or otherwise damaged battery.
• Do not expose the phone or battery to fire or excessive heat.
• Use compatible charging equipment and undamaged cables.
• Avoid using damaged USB connectors or charging accessories.
• Do not attempt unauthorized battery disassembly if appropriate electronics repair procedures are not understood.
• The device received FCC authorization for operation in the United States.
• The PH-1 does not have a documented consumer water-resistance rating and should be protected from liquids.

Technical Specifications

Product History

Essential Products announced the Essential Phone PH-1 in May 2017. The Black Moon version became available later in 2017 and was the company’s first and ultimately only commercially released smartphone.

The PH-1 attracted attention for its titanium frame, ceramic rear surface, compact display cutout, and magnetic accessory system. Its design appeared during an industry transition toward displays with smaller bezels and larger screen-to-body ratios.

Essential provided multiple Android platform and security updates after release. The device progressed from Android 7.1 Nougat to Android 10 during its official support period.

Essential announced in February 2020 that it was ending operations. The February 3, 2020 security release became the final software update supplied by Essential for the PH-1. The company also stated that no additional official customer support would be provided.

Essential developed a later experimental mobile device known as Project GEM, but it never became a commercial successor to the PH-1.

Key Features

• Titanium structural frame.
• Ceramic rear surface.
• Gorilla Glass 5 display protection.
• High-resolution 5.71-inch LCD.
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor.
• 4GB of system memory.
• 128GB of integrated storage.
• Dual rear-camera arrangement using color and monochrome sensors.
• 8-megapixel front-facing camera.
• 4K video capture capability.
• Rear-mounted fingerprint reader.
• USB Type-C connection.
• USB Power Delivery charging support.
• Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
• Dual-band Wi-Fi.
• NFC support.
• Magnetic accessory attachment system.
• Unlocked configuration for use with compatible networks.

Package Contents

Original package contents can vary when the PH-1 is encountered today because the model has been discontinued. Documentation for the original retail configuration identifies the following core items.

• Essential Phone PH-1.
• USB Type-C charging cable.
• AC power adapter.
• USB Type-C to 3.5 mm headphone adapter.
• Product documentation.

The Essential 360 Camera was an optional modular accessory and should not be assumed to be part of a standard PH-1 package unless a specific bundle identifies it separately.

Compatibility

Cellular Networks

The PH-1 was sold in unlocked form and supports multiple LTE and earlier cellular bands. Current compatibility depends on the carrier’s active bands, certification policies, voice-over-LTE requirements, and network changes made since the phone was released.

SIM Cards

The phone uses a Nano-SIM. It is a single-SIM device rather than a dual-SIM model.

Wi-Fi Networks

The PH-1 supports common 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi standards through 802.11ac. Compatibility with a specific modern network can depend on router security and configuration.

Bluetooth Accessories

Bluetooth can be used with compatible wireless headphones, speakers, vehicle systems, keyboards, and other supported peripherals.

Wired Headphones

The phone has no integrated 3.5 mm audio socket. Conventional analog headphones therefore require an appropriate USB Type-C audio adapter with compatible digital-to-analog conversion.

USB Accessories

The USB Type-C connector supports charging and data functions. Compatibility with third-party USB accessories depends on the accessory, cable, power requirements, and Android support.

Essential 360 Camera

Essential developed a proprietary 360-degree camera that attaches through the PH-1’s magnetic accessory interface. This connection system is specific to compatible Essential accessories.

Android Applications

Application compatibility now depends on whether individual developers continue to support Android 10 and the PH-1’s hardware. Applications requiring newer Android releases may no longer install or receive updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What phone is B074BWGRKH?

B074BWGRKH identifies the catalog record associated with the Black Moon Essential Phone PH-1 with 128GB of internal storage.

What is the Essential Phone model number?

The consumer model is PH-1. Regulatory and product records also identify the hardware as model A11.

Who manufactured the Essential Phone?

The PH-1 was produced for Essential Products, Inc., the technology company that developed and marketed the Essential Phone platform.

When was the Essential PH-1 released?

Essential announced the PH-1 in May 2017, with commercial availability beginning later in 2017.

Is Essential still in business?

No. Essential Products announced the shutdown of its operations in February 2020.

Does Essential still support the PH-1?

No. Essential ended official PH-1 software updates and customer support when the company ceased operations in 2020.

What was the last official update?

Essential stated that the security update released on February 3, 2020 was its final software update for the PH-1.

What is the newest official Android version for the PH-1?

Android 10 was the final Android generation officially supplied by Essential. There is no official Essential update to Android 11 or later releases.

Can modern Android applications still run on it?

Some applications remain compatible with Android 10, while others now require newer Android versions. Compatibility must be checked with each current application.

Is the Essential PH-1 unlocked?

The configuration covered by this page is an unlocked model. Actual network operation still depends on current carrier compatibility.

Can the PH-1 work on any cellular carrier?

No smartphone is universally compatible with every carrier. The PH-1 supports a broad selection of cellular bands, but current carrier requirements should be checked before activation.

Why might an unlocked PH-1 not activate today?

Cellular networks have changed substantially since 2017. Carrier device certification, LTE voice requirements, retired network technologies, and supported frequency bands can affect activation.

Does it support 5G?

No. The PH-1 predates commercial 5G smartphones and uses LTE for its highest-generation cellular connection.

What SIM card does it use?

The Essential Phone uses a Nano-SIM card.

Does it support dual SIM?

No. The PH-1 uses a single physical Nano-SIM configuration.

Does it have expandable storage?

No. There is no microSD memory-card slot, so storage cannot be expanded through removable flash media.

Can the internal storage be replaced?

The integrated flash storage is not designed as a user-replaceable storage module.

What materials are used in the phone?

The PH-1 combines a titanium frame, ceramic rear panel, and Gorilla Glass 5 display cover. These materials distinguish its construction from phones primarily using aluminum and glass bodies.

Is the ceramic back unbreakable?

No. Ceramic is a hard material but can still crack or chip after sufficient impact. The titanium frame also does not make the entire device immune to physical damage.

Is the PH-1 waterproof?

The PH-1 does not have a documented consumer IP water-resistance rating. It should therefore be protected from water and other liquids.

Does the Essential Phone have a headphone jack?

No. Wired 3.5 mm headphones require a compatible USB Type-C audio adapter.

Can USB-C headphones be used?

Compatible digital USB Type-C audio devices can be used, but not every USB-C headphone or adapter implementation is necessarily compatible.

Why do some USB-C audio adapters not work?

USB-C audio accessories can use different methods for processing audio. The PH-1 requires compatible hardware, and some analog-only adapters may not provide the necessary conversion.

Does the PH-1 have Bluetooth?

Yes. Bluetooth can be used for compatible wireless audio equipment and other supported accessories.

Does it support NFC?

Yes. NFC hardware is integrated into the device.

Does it have a fingerprint reader?

Yes. The fingerprint sensor is positioned on the rear of the phone.

Does it have wireless charging?

Qi wireless charging is not part of the documented PH-1 hardware feature set. Charging is normally performed through USB Type-C.

Does it support fast charging?

The PH-1 supports USB Power Delivery for wired charging when appropriate compatible charging hardware is used.

Can the battery be removed?

The battery is internally installed and is not designed for routine user removal.

Can an old PH-1 battery be replaced?

Battery replacement requires disassembly of the device. Because the manufacturer no longer provides customer support, parts availability and third-party repair capability vary.

What should be checked before charging an older PH-1?

An older device should be inspected for battery swelling, physical damage, damaged connectors, and abnormal heat. A visibly damaged lithium-ion battery should not continue to be charged or used.

Does the Essential Phone have two rear cameras?

Yes. The rear imaging system combines separate color and monochrome sensors rather than using the second camera as a telephoto lens.

What does the monochrome camera do?

The monochrome sensor captures luminance information without a conventional color filter. Essential’s camera system used information from both rear sensors during supported imaging operations.

Can the PH-1 record 4K video?

Yes. Both its rear-camera system and front-facing camera support 4K video capture under supported recording modes.

Why is there a cutout at the top of the screen?

The small display cutout accommodates the front-facing camera while allowing the screen to extend around it. This design reduces the amount of conventional upper bezel.

Does it have a physical home button?

No. Android navigation is handled through software rather than a traditional front-mounted physical home button.

What are the two contacts on the back of the phone?

They form part of Essential’s proprietary modular accessory interface. Magnets hold compatible accessories in position while the system provides the required accessory connection.

What accessories used the magnetic connector?

The Essential 360 Camera was the primary commercially released camera accessory designed to attach directly to this interface.

Can ordinary magnetic phone accessories use the connector?

Physical magnetic attachment alone does not provide compatibility. Functional accessories require support for Essential’s proprietary connection system.

Can the PH-1 connect to a computer?

Yes. Its USB Type-C connection can be used for supported charging and data-transfer functions with compatible computers and cables.

Can the phone be cleaned with household cleaners?

Harsh or abrasive cleaning products should be avoided. A soft, lint-free cloth is more appropriate for routine exterior cleaning.

Is manufacturer warranty service still available?

Essential no longer provides customer support because the company ceased operations. Original manufacturer warranty service should therefore not be expected for devices in current circulation.

Are replacement parts still manufactured by Essential?

Essential no longer operates as the original device manufacturer. Replacement components encountered today generally come from remaining inventories, salvaged devices, or third-party sources.

Was there an Essential Phone PH-2?

No PH-2 became a commercially released successor. Essential later demonstrated the experimental Project GEM concept before the company shut down.

Was the PH-1 Essential’s only smartphone?

Yes. The PH-1 was the only smartphone model Essential commercially released before ending operations.

Buying Considerations

Ended Software Support

Official software support is the most significant current limitation. Essential has not supplied Android platform or security updates since 2020, leaving the device without current manufacturer security maintenance.

Application Compatibility

The final official operating system is Android 10. Current applications increasingly require newer Android releases, so individual software compatibility should be verified rather than assumed.

Cellular Network Compatibility

The PH-1 was designed for cellular networks operating in the late 2010s. Modern carrier activation policies and network changes can prevent an otherwise functional unlocked phone from working on a particular service.

Battery Age

All original PH-1 units are now several years old. Lithium-ion batteries chemically age even when devices are lightly used, making remaining battery capacity and physical condition important considerations.

Repairability

Essential no longer provides official repair or warranty service. Replacement displays, batteries, ceramic rear panels, and other components may therefore depend on third-party or remaining aftermarket inventory.

Storage

The integrated 128GB storage cannot be expanded through a microSD card. Users dependent on removable storage should account for this limitation.

Audio Connections

There is no built-in 3.5 mm headphone socket. Wired analog headphones require a compatible USB Type-C audio adapter.

Water Exposure

The phone lacks a documented IP water-resistance rating. Its construction materials should not be interpreted as protection against water intrusion.

Accessory Ecosystem

The proprietary magnetic connector has limited practical value today because Essential’s accessory ecosystem was discontinued. Availability of original modular accessories is therefore limited.

Customer Feedback Summary

This section summarizes recurring themes found in historical public reviews and owner discussions. These observations are subjective user experiences and are not verified product specifications.

Commonly Praised Aspects

• The titanium and ceramic construction was frequently praised for its distinctive appearance and substantial feel.
• Owners commonly viewed the compact body and relatively large display as an appealing combination.
• The Snapdragon 835 platform was often described as responsive during the device’s active support period.
• The 128GB internal storage capacity was frequently considered useful, particularly because no memory-card expansion was provided.
• Users often appreciated the relatively uncluttered Android software experience.
• Essential’s rapid delivery of Android and security updates became a commonly praised aspect during the phone’s supported life.
• The small front-camera display cutout was frequently viewed as less intrusive than some larger notch designs of the period.

Commonly Reported Limitations

• Camera performance was one of the most frequently criticized aspects of the original device, particularly during its early software releases.
• Users reported that camera processing and responsiveness improved through updates but remained a point of comparison with competing flagship phones.
• The absence of a conventional headphone jack was inconvenient for users of wired headphones.
• The lack of microSD expansion limited storage flexibility.
• The ceramic rear surface could be difficult to repair after physical damage.
• The proprietary modular accessory ecosystem remained limited compared with the broader concept originally presented for the device.
• Current owners face increasingly significant limitations from ended official software support and aging hardware.

Historical feedback should be interpreted in the context of the phone’s 2017 release period. Current experiences can differ substantially because batteries have aged, cellular networks have changed, and official software maintenance has ended.

Related Products

• Essential 360 Camera: Proprietary modular camera accessory designed to attach to the PH-1’s magnetic interface.
• Google Pixel 2: Android smartphone from the same 2017 hardware generation using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 platform.
• Google Pixel 2 XL: Larger 2017 Android smartphone with an extended display design.
• Samsung Galaxy S8: 2017 Android smartphone featuring the Snapdragon 835 platform in its U.S. configuration.
• OnePlus 5: 2017 Android smartphone built around the Snapdragon 835 mobile platform.
• LG V30: 2017 Android smartphone using the Snapdragon 835 platform and an OLED display.

Last Updated

August 9, 2026