Essential gives PH-1 Phone users Digital Wellbeing; PH-2 concept video wows viewers but fails to convince

While Google Pixel 3 owners have been enjoying storage optimizations with the March software update, those in possession of an Essential Phone PH-1 have also started receiving the latest update, which contains more than the usual Android security patches. The useful Digital Wellbeing app has also been included in the Essential update, which as usual for the American company has been issued with stellar rapidity.

Digital Wellbeing creates a dashboard for users that depicts their smartphone usage and habits. It will tell you how long each day you are on your phone, give you information about the apps you are using, and it will detail how many notifications you get. The idea behind the app is to help users manage their smartphone time and learn to disconnect from their device. Previously, it was only available to Pixel users, so now Essential Phone owners can enjoy its functions as well.

Separately, there is a YouTube clip claiming to show the “leaked” design of the Essential Phone 2 (PH-2). The same video also offers rumored specifications, pricing, and availability. Obviously, this is a well-crafted concept video, but the comments left by viewers seem to clearly demonstrate that there is a lot of anticipation and desire for an Essential Phone sequel.

For those that want to know, the clip claims the Essential Phone 2 (PH-2) will come with a Snapdragon 855, 6 or 8 GB RAM (possible variants), 128 GB or 256 GB storage, and a very fancy-looking rear triple camera setup with a dual LED flash. In-display fingerprint scanner, ceramic back, Gorilla Glass 5, punch-hole selfie camera, fast-charging 4010 mAh battery – this PH-2 is loaded with the goods. The video even states the device will have a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

It would be reasonable to suppose the cost for such a well-fitted Essential Phone 2 would be astronomical, and the release date would no doubt be in late 2020 or even further beyond. However, the video claims an “expected price” of just US$450 with a release date of August 2019. A truckful of salt needs to be taken with this one, but it certainly looks great – even with the non-Essential-like branding. Unfortunately, those eager for news of a PH-2 will just have to keep waiting for a more plausible leak.