US operator Sprint and Canada's Telus have announced the beginning of pre-orders for Essential Phone, the first smartphone from Android co-founder Andy Rubin’s Essential Products. The Essential Phone is also available on Essential.com, Amazon and Best Buy for pre-order, with the first deliveries expected in September.
Sprint confirmed it will be the exclusive US retail carrier for Essential Phone, with the black version available for pre-order now and the white model to be made available at a later date. Full retail availability is expected within a few weeks. The phone costs USD 699 but for a limited time Sprint customers can acquire the device through the company’s Flex Lease programme at a 50 percent reduction by paying USD 14.58 a month for 18 months and no down payment.
In addition, Sprint customers can purchase the Essential 360 Camera for USD 199.99, or pay USD 16.67 a month for 12 months with Sprint's Installment Billing option. The clip-on accessory is described as the world’s smallest 360-degree 4K camera and connects magnetically to the top of the phone.
Canadian operator Telus also announced the start of pre-orders for the phone and camera on its website. The phone starts at CAD 290 on a two-year contract or CAD 1,050 outright. The Essential phone will reach Telus stores in September.
The Essential Phone is also available unlocked on Essential.com, Amazon and Best Buy. From the company direct, the phone costs USD 699 unlocked and is available for a limited time with the 360 Camera as a bundle for USD 749. According to Amazon, the phone will start shipping from 01 September.
