Having left Google in 2014, Android creator Andy Rubin could have easily retired, but instead he embarked on a new venture that’s culminated in the unveiling of the Essential phone. The first smartphone from his Palo Alto-based company Essential is marked by impressive specs and modern design, featuring a dual-camera lens setup and a 5.7-inch screen, which has no bezel aside from a small notch for the front-facing 8-megapixel camera. The case is made from a durable blend of titanium and ceramic, and inside is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, a 3040mAh battery and 128GB of internal storage. The most compelling aspect of the phone might be the two magnetic pins on the back, where Essential-made accessories, including a 360-degree camera, can be attached. Offered in four colors — Black Moon, Stellar Grey, Pure White and Ocean Depths — the Essential phone ships for $699, or $749 with the aforementioned 360-degree camera. Pre-order yours now.
