This is the Essential Phone, itâs a brand-new Android smartphone with a very special heritage.
You see this phone is the brainchild of the man who actually created Android.
In many ways then this has been designed to be the Android phone that trumps all Android phones and on paper at least, it looks incredible.
For starters thereâs that huge bezel-less display that curves all the way up to the top of the screen and even wraps around the front-facing camera.
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It looks odd but seasoned Android users will realise itâs a stroke of genius. Google never uses that space in the top centre of your phoneâs screen, and so by sticking the camera in the way youâre optimising space.
In case youâre wondering the camera is an 8MP sensor thatâs capable of capturing 4K video footage.
The screen is impressive, as youâd expect. Itâs a 5.71-inch QHD display that boasts a resolution of 2560 x 1312.
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Thereâs a fingerprint sensor on the back and a dual-camera system that uses both colour and monochrome sensors to capture exceptional low-light photos.
Youâll also notice a number of small gold connectors, these are magnetic ports which will allow Essential to build accessories that connect to the phone.
At the moment thereâs only one, a 360-degree camera, but the company plans to build many more.
In terms of the phoneâs design weâll admit that other than the display, itâs not exactly groundbreaking.
What sets it apart though is its durability. The Essential phone is tough, and we mean really tough. With a titanium frame, ceramic back and Gorilla Glass 5 display this phone is about as indestructible as they come.
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Thereâs good and bad news on availability. The Essential phone is currently only available in the US for the not unreasonable sum of $699.
That doesnât mean it wonât be launching elsewhere, in fact it seems very likely that it will, however it does mean that youâre going to have to be a little patient.
In the mean time however, here are some amazing smartphones you can actually buy:
Apple iPhone 7
Eduardo Munoz / Reuters
This is Appleâs best iPhone ever, and if weâre honest itâs one of their most innovative devices yet. It has an incredible camera, is water-resistant and boasts a stunning bright new display. Of course it canât escape the rumours surrounding next yearâs device but if youâre looking to buy a smartphone right now, and Apple are on your radar, this is the phone for you.
Google Pixel
The Huffington Post UK
This is Googleâs iPhone. Itâs that simple. As such there are achievements and compromises. If youâre after an incredibly well-built, powerful Android flagship, Google have given you a truly five-star smartphone. If youâre a photographer, the Pixelâs camera and cloud storage option make this a no brainer. It's not cheap though, with the XL costing over ÂŁ800.
OnePlus 3T
The Huffington Post UK
The OnePlus 3T is simply a continuation of the ethos that makes OnePlus phones so good. Itâs exceptionally well-built, powerful and offers you everything you could want in an affordable and meaningful package. No smartphone will give you more value for money.
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Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
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With a new curved back and larger 5.5-inch display the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is more about evolution than revolution. The S7 edge now sports a water-resistant body, embedded camera and a MicroSD card slot. The S7 edge is also Samsung's most powerful smartphone yet, so powerful in fact that Samsung have actually had to equip a tiny water-cooling system inside the phone. The good news though is that means you'll never have to worry about getting a warm hand.
Apple iPhone SE
The Huffington Post UK
Incredibly, Apple's familiar-looking iPhone SE manages to boast the same performance as its top-of-the-range iPhone 6s making it the most powerful 4-inch smartphone available. If you're keen to return to the days of one-handed texting then Apple's bite-sized iPhone is the smartphone for you.
LG G5
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The LG G5 sets itself apart from rivals like the S7, Xperia XA and the iPhone 6s by being something utterly unique. The G5 is the first commercial 'modular' phone, allowing you to swap out the bottom for new accessories. So far there's an audio one made in partnership with Bang & Olufsen and a camera-focused attachment which gives you extra camera controls.
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Huawei P9
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The Huawei P9 is a smartphone designed for capturing life. Thanks to a partnership with photography legends Leica this dual-lens camera can take pictures that'll put your dedicated camera to shame. Of course it helps that the P9 is also a pretty great Android smartphone as well.
Google Nexus 5X
The Nexus 5X strikes the ultimate balance between power and affordability. Taking over the responsibility from the frankly excellent Nexus 5, Google's new smartphone boast an ultra-light body but still crams in a fingerprint sensor, the latest version of Android marshmallow and a Full-HD display.