The eBay Essential PH-2

Rob ⚡️ · 2024-12-12T17:30:00+00:00

![](https://s3-nothing-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2024-12-12/1733992412-481442-ph2.jpg "banner") Over the past year I've spotted a few articles about Essential Phone prototypes that have gone up for auction on eBay. The main subject of interest is the Essential PH-2 (Project Gem), most recognisable for its candy bar form factor and extremely tall aspect ratio. It got me wondering: why does this device capture so much attention and who are the elusive buyers spending big bucks to get their hands on them? Fortunately, it didn’t take long for me to find out; one of them was bought by our very own @"3DPrintedCat"#18245 back in July! So, since he’s a well-known face around here, I’ve hit him with some questions about the device for your viewing pleasure: > **R: Let's cut to the chase, why did you bid on a PH-2?** > > **3D:** In a sea of similar phone shapes, it's always the odd ones that stand out. Big, small, wide, thin—there’s always going to be discussion on how we feel about them, and I want to dive headfirst into that conversation every time. > > When we still called them “Phablets” I had one and loved the perspective shift it brought to computing. The larger screen made multitasking more of a feature, fundamentally changing how I interacted with technology. Combine that love of off-the-wall form factors with my admiration for Essential and their simple yet thoughtfully crafted designs, and it was impossible not to fall in love with their Gem Phone. > > I remember the excitement of telling my mom about it when posts started appearing on Twitter. I gawked at how perfectly it seemed like it would fit in my hand. That green-teal candy-bar phone became an object of obsession. When Essential slipped away, I was devastated; I thought I’d never get my hands on that dream device. Years later, it’s amazing to see the device resurface, bringing back all the nostalgia and excitement. > > With its connection to Nothing after being bought by them, and my standing in the Nothing community as a concept artist, I knew I had to get it. It’s not just a phone; it’s a piece of design history I’m proud to admire. > > ![](https://s3-nothing-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2024-12-10/1733843694-365133-image.png "banner") > > **R: How much did you spend, if you don’t mind me asking?** > > **3D:** I spent £1,012 (about $1,293 USD after conversion). At any other time, I wouldn’t have been able to justify the expense, but with my company doing well, it felt like the perfect moment to secure this piece of tech history. > > ‎ > > **R: You’ve presumably spent some time exploring the device. What are some of the standout quirks?** > > **3D:** The device is an odd one, and it’s not just the form factor. The stock launcher is heavily widget-based, something it shares with NOS, as both focus on at-a-glance usability of the home screen. Much of the phone’s software is heavily custom-built, likely because not many developers designed for the form factor of a thick Apple TV remote. The camera, while fairly well-performing, features a noticeably large bump—a stark contrast to Essential’s only other phone, the PH-1, which had no bump at all. The keyboard has an unusual diagonal layout, but it quickly becomes second nature. > > That said, running normal Android apps is possible if you know how to sideload them, as the browser struggles to handle APK installations. The battery life is pretty lacklustre, but given the device’s developmental stage, it wasn’t intended for mass-market sale. > > [upl-image-preview uuid=47fd79d7-77bd-4d24-8034-9fcdfb0185c3 url=https://s3-nothing-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2024-12-10/1733843513-633607-image.png alt={TEXT?}] [upl-image-preview uuid=b3e39128-50a0-4ef0-99db-ba6165fbc024 url=https://s3-nothing-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2024-12-10/1733843562-718181-image.png alt={TEXT?}] > > ‎ ‎ > > **R: What do you think some of the perks of this candy bar form factor are?** > > **3D:** This device feels perfect for the digital detox lifestyle. It’s small enough that you don’t want to use it constantly but feature-packed enough to avoid feeling disconnected in a modern world. Its compact size means it likely won’t create the signature wear marks current phones often cause. Designed for single-hand use, it evokes the Steve Jobs philosophy of one-handed reachability. Ultimately, its shape and simplicity make it ideal for AI-driven interactions rather than extreme, detail-oriented data input—a unique balance between form and function. > > [upl-image-preview uuid=7e6fd3c7-ec73-414f-8c4d-4db0ef130c76 url=https://s3-nothing-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2024-12-10/1733843603-963739-image.png alt={TEXT?}] [upl-image-preview uuid=94ea6a8c-9e44-4187-a41e-9c56f77f789d url=https://s3-nothing-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2024-12-10/1733843611-751039-image.png alt={TEXT?}] > > ‎ > > **R: What do you plan to do with it now you have it?** > > **3D:** As a software developer, I find it fascinating to see how software can be adapted to work well and look good on such an unusual form factor. I’ve even used it as a reference for conceptualizing a Nothing-branded version of this device. It’s exciting to imagine what Nothing might achieve with this foundation. One day, I’d love to see this phone displayed in a case charting the evolution of iconic smartphones—a true testament to its innovative spirit. > > [upl-image-preview uuid=33627712-e860-431c-a761-83ee415d1cec url=https://s3-nothing-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2024-12-10/1733843750-13359-image.png alt={TEXT?}] [upl-image-preview uuid=4506dca8-d38e-4720-b336-5f319650dabc url=https://s3-nothing-prod.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/2024-12-10/1733843783-954914-image.png alt={TEXT?}] A big thank you to @"3DPrintedCat"#18245 for taking the time to share some photos and thoughts! Personally, I'd love to try dailying a PH-2 for a week, just to experience a truly different form factor - but what do you think? See you in the comments below ⬇️

amPotato

wth why is this actually good

Ezotericar

that aint no phone, thats a remote

DawiD

cristian probably because apple likes safe options. Especially now. As companies mature, they become more and more “boring”. And it’s also kinda what majority of customers expect unfortunately. Humans seem weirdly conservative when it comes to design of everyday things. Keyboard would be one of those things I’d say.

cruise_Jj0A1

@3DPrintedCat

I am reaching out because I recently acquired an

Essential GEM PH-2 (Project GEM)

prototype, but it is unfortunately missing its original SIM tray. Given the rare, ultra-slim form factor of this device, standard trays are not compatible, and I am looking for a way to fabricate a replacement.

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