Essential Phone gets portrait mode and reduced compression

Although the Essential flagship had a delayed start followed by multiple problems, it looks like this premium handset is finally moving in the right direction. Since its launch that took place back in August, the Essential PH-1 received 5 OTA updates for the operating system and 6 for the camera app (available via Google Play). Now, the time has come for the camera app to receive a new update.

According to the Google Play page of the Essential Camera app, its current version is only 0.1.088, but it has been installed by more than 10,000 users already. The update apparently went live two days ago, and the changes worth being mentioned are three in number:

• portrait mode now available
• exposure compensation added to all regular camera modes
• reduced JPEG compression for better image quality

In addition to the above, the update contains multiple stability fixes as well. Sadly, Essential did not reveal all the details that some users might like to be able to take a closer look at. However, it is very likely that most Essential PH-1 users simply don't care about these small updates, since Android Oreo is getting closer with each day now.

Those eager to take Android 8.0 for a spin on their Essential handsets can do it already, as long as they have no problem trying out beta-stage software. Those who do not have the phone yet can grab one from Amazon for just US$499.