Review of Essential's Delayed Skinny Android Phone
The tech world got a surprise this week when the long-lost Essential “Project Gem” smartphone reappeared.
Initially introduced in 2019 but never released, this unique device was found by Rob Wainwright, a software engineer working on the Nova Launcher, who discovered it on eBay. The slim, candy bar-style phone, officially known as the PH-2, looks like a stretched-out version of a standard smartphone, reminiscent of the taller screens seen in some Sony Xperia models.
Closer Look at Project Gem
The Project Gem phone comes with a noticeably tall 5.7-inch AMOLED display, which measures 2,160 by 560 pixels, has a hole-punch camera at the front, and a camera module protruding from the back, not forgetting a fingerprint reader that does not work.
Similar to the PH-1, this PH-2 is another fingerprint magnet, true to its design.
Rob Wainwright has shared a video showcasing a functional device featuring card-style widgets for apps such as Spotify and Uber, complemented by a smartwatch-style clock at the top. The incomplete UI comes with a custom Android launcher and swipe-up gestures from bottom corners for navigation.
Why Project Gem Never Launched
Essential’s first phone, which launched in 2017, sold only about 150,000 units. It was a troubled company with disturbing reports about the sexual misconduct allegations surrounding founder Andy Rubin’s departure from Google before its launch.
With poor sales and troubles galore, it ultimately cancelled the second phone and then shut down in early 2020. The firm explained it had “no clear path to deliver” the new device to customers.
Despite this kind of interesting design, PH-2 was not without its flaws. Most of the apps on home-screen are basically just web apps; further, opening them doesn’t fit well with the phone’s unusual aspect ratio. For example, a YouTube video is just a tiny little postage-stamp thing at the top, while the rest of the screen shows the video description, comments, and other suggested videos.
Final Thoughts
The reappearance of Essential’s Project Gem reveals an intriguing look at what could have been one of the most interesting smartphone marketplace variants ever. It is highly unlikely to ever reach consumers, but the PH-2 still stands testament to Essential’s innovative but troubled journey. Its awkward form factor and drama surrounding this company serve as a bittersweet view of the challenges and uncertainness in the world of tech innovation.
The Essential Project Gem smartphone represents a fine line between the potential and pitfalls of pushing the boundaries in smartphone design. It will be recalled by devices like PH-2 as technology goes even further, that innovation is fraught with risks and that not every bold idea is going to make it to the market. However, the spirit of experimentation that drives such projects remains a vital force in the tech industry.
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