The Essential Phone gets better quality photos from a modified Google Camera APK

Left: Essential Camera; Right: Google Camera with HDR+

The reviews for the Essential Phone have started to come in and what we’ve been seeing so far is criticism towards the camera quality of the new device. But it doesn’t seem to be because of the camera sensor itself but something more to do with Essential’s camera software. The Next Web’s Napier Lopez reviewed the device and he installed a modified Google Camera APK that works with most Snapdragon 820+ phones into the Essential Phone to check whether it’s a hardware or software issue. And he found better quality photos on it, which means, the issue lies on software. The good thing about that is, software can be remedied. Let’s hope Essential works on that soon, and we know they already have enough issues to deal with now.

Essential accidentally shared customer's drivers licenses over email

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Call it a rookie mistake, but Essential has admitted to accidentally sharing customer's drivers license information via email. In a bizarre turn of events, Essential requested customers who pre-prdered the Essential Phone to include their drivers license info to verify shipping information.

The unfortunate result of this was that crucial personal information was leaked via email to other customers and exposed customers to phishing scams. Not a good look for a company that's desperately trying to make an impact.

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First Look at the Essential Phone

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Toronto-Media received a preview of the Essential Phone which is Android co-founder Andy Rubin's take on a modern premium handset. Revealed here at an event in Downtown Toronto, we got to check out this 5.7-inch smartphone and learn more about its construction and features.

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Essential Phone coming exclusively to TELUS in Canada

Anyone interested in the Essential Phone, which is Android creator Andy Rubin's first news flagship smartphone, will be happy to know that the device is coming to Canada exclusively through TELUS. Pricing and availability are still being determined but Canadians can pre-register at telus.com/essential to be the first to know when pre-orders will be open late July. The Essential Phone will be available in store and online later this summer.

Rather plain looking and blocky, the Essential Phone is crafted from titanium, offers expansion with a 360' camera and has a unique edge-to-edge display as well as premium smartphone features.