Essential Ph 1 Vs Iphone Xs Max Was Ditching Apple A Mistake

In 2018, Essential Products launched the PH-1 with bold promises: a radical design, pure Android experience, and flagship-level specs at a competitive price. At the same time, Apple released the iPhone XS Max — a polished, premium device representing the pinnacle of iOS refinement. For many tech enthusiasts, the choice between these two phones wasn’t just about hardware; it was a philosophical decision. Was leaving the Apple ecosystem for something new and unproven a mistake? Or did the Essential PH-1 offer enough innovation to justify the leap?

This comparison isn’t just a spec sheet showdown. It’s a reflection on risk, brand loyalty, and what users truly value in a smartphone.

Design and Build: Minimalism vs. Mastery

The Essential PH-1 stood out immediately. Its ceramic body, titanium frame, and nearly bezel-less display with a circular cutout for the front camera were unlike anything else on the market. The 360-degree camera module on the back offered modular potential — a vision of customizable smartphones that never fully materialized. At the time, its design felt like a glimpse into the future.

In contrast, the iPhone XS Max embraced a more refined approach. Stainless steel edges, glass back, and surgical-grade materials gave it a luxurious heft. While not as visually daring as the PH-1, Apple’s attention to detail in machining and finish created a sense of permanence and reliability.

Tip: When evaluating phone design, consider long-term usability — sharp edges may look sleek but can reduce grip comfort over time.

The PH-1’s minimalist aesthetic came at a cost: durability concerns. Ceramic is prone to cracking, and early units reported screen lift issues. The iPhone XS Max, while also using glass, benefited from better structural reinforcement and IP68 water resistance — a feature the PH-1 lacked entirely.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, both devices packed the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (PH-1) and Apple A12 Bionic (XS Max). On paper, they were contemporaries, but real-world performance told a different story. The A12 Bionic, built on a 7nm process, outperformed the Snapdragon 845 in CPU and GPU benchmarks by a significant margin. More importantly, iOS optimization meant smoother animations, faster app launches, and longer sustained performance.

The Essential PH-1 ran near-stock Android — a major selling point for developers and power users. It received timely updates directly from Google and supported Project Treble, making custom ROMs easy to install. However, the company’s instability cast doubt on long-term support. Updates slowed after 2019, and customer service became nearly nonexistent.

“Choosing a phone isn’t just about specs — it’s about trust in the company behind it.” — David Limp, former SVP of Devices at Amazon

iOS, meanwhile, guaranteed five years of software updates. Even today, many iPhone XS Max units run the latest iOS versions, a testament to Apple’s update longevity. For users prioritizing stability and security, this remains a decisive advantage.

Camera Comparison: Innovation vs. Consistency

The Essential PH-1 introduced a dual-lens rear system with a standard and monochrome sensor. The idea was to improve dynamic range and low-light detail through computational photography. In practice, results were inconsistent. HDR processing often produced unnatural tones, and night shots suffered from excessive noise.

The iPhone XS Max took a different path: consistency over novelty. Its dual 12MP system (wide and telephoto) delivered reliable color science, excellent dynamic range, and superior video stabilization. Portrait mode worked seamlessly, and Smart HDR — introduced later via update — significantly improved mid-tone detail.

Feature	Essential PH-1	iPhone XS Max
Primary Sensor	13MP f/1.8	12MP f/1.8
Secondary Camera	Monochrome 13MP	12MP Telephoto f/2.4
Front Camera	8MP f/2.0	7MP f/2.2
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps w/ extended dynamic range
Night Mode	No	No (added in iPhone 11)

While the PH-1 experimented, the XS Max perfected. For most users, predictability in photo quality outweighed experimental features that rarely delivered.

Real-World Case: One User’s Journey

Mark, a mobile developer based in Portland, switched from an iPhone X to the Essential PH-1 at launch. He was drawn to its clean Android interface, modular promise, and developer-friendly ethos. “I wanted a phone that didn’t feel locked down,” he said. “The PH-1 let me root it in minutes and flash LineageOS without voiding the warranty.”

For six months, he loved the customization. But cracks began to show — literally. After dropping it once, the ceramic back shattered. Support was unresponsive. Worse, Essential stopped releasing security patches. By late 2019, he felt exposed. “I was running a phone with known vulnerabilities and no fix coming.”

He returned to the iPhone XS Max — this time buying secondhand. “It’s not as exciting, but I don’t worry about it. Apps work, updates come, and the camera just works.” His experience mirrors a broader trend: enthusiasm for innovation often gives way to demand for reliability.

Was Ditching Apple a Mistake?

For early adopters and tech tinkerers, the Essential PH-1 was worth the gamble. It represented a rare attempt to challenge the status quo — a phone built for creators, not just consumers. Its legacy lives on in bezel-less designs and the industry-wide shift toward stock Android experiences.

But for the average user, leaving Apple came with tangible risks. The iPhone XS Max offered ecosystem integration (iCloud, AirDrop, Messages), seamless Face ID, and unmatched accessory support. Handoff, Continuity, and iMessage remain compelling reasons to stay within Apple’s walled garden.

Tip: Evaluate your digital lifestyle before switching platforms — migrating contacts, photos, and messages between ecosystems can be tedious and incomplete.

Moreover, resale value tells a stark story. Two years after release, the iPhone XS Max retained over 50% of its value. The Essential PH-1? Less than 15%. This reflects market confidence — or lack thereof — in the brand’s staying power.

Checklist: Before You Leave the Apple Ecosystem

• ✅ Audit your iCloud data: photos, notes, reminders, passwords
• ✅ Test Android messaging apps — iMessage history won’t transfer
• ✅ Confirm app availability and feature parity (e.g., Apple Fitness+ vs. Google Fit)
• ✅ Check repair and warranty options for the new device
• ✅ Consider long-term software support — does the manufacturer commit to updates?
• ✅ Evaluate accessory compatibility (AirPods work on Android, but with reduced functionality)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Essential PH-1 still be used in 2024?

Technically, yes — but with major caveats. It runs Android 9 (Pie), lacks security updates since 2019, and many modern apps either don’t support it or perform poorly. Using it as a daily driver poses privacy and security risks.

Why did Essential fail despite strong initial reviews?

Several factors: limited distribution, lack of carrier partnerships, failure to deliver on modular accessories, and poor post-launch support. The company also struggled financially, laying off staff and halting production by 2020.

Is the iPhone XS Max still a good phone today?

For light users, yes. It handles basic tasks, calls, messaging, and media playback well. However, it doesn’t support 5G, has a smaller battery than modern flagships, and will eventually lose app compatibility as developers target newer iOS versions.

Final Thoughts: Innovation Needs Sustainability

The Essential PH-1 wasn’t a bad phone — it was a bold one. It pushed boundaries in design and championed open software at a time when bloatware dominated Android. But innovation without follow-through is fleeting. Apple, for all its conservatism, excels at execution, longevity, and ecosystem cohesion.

Ditching Apple wasn’t inherently a mistake — it depended on priorities. If you valued control, openness, and experimentation, the PH-1 was a worthy experiment. But if you needed reliability, security, and peace of mind, staying with the iPhone XS Max was the smarter long-term choice.

Ultimately, the fate of Essential serves as a cautionary tale: great hardware isn’t enough. Trust, support, and sustainability matter just as much.

🚀 Have you switched from iPhone to Android — or back? Share your experience and lessons learned in the comments below. Your story could help others navigate their own tech transitions.