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This kind of crap is why I always buy phones that have stock Android. I have been a long time Nexus customer but after Google dropped the line I went for the Essential Phone during the $250 sale. Easily one of the best phone with stock Android .

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The reviews of the Essential PH-1 were hilarious in this regard.

People were annoyed that they had to install "obvious" apps for their Essential that every other manufacturer forcibly included.

Yeah, I'm not sure why the PH-1 didn't take off. 128 GB storage, Snapdragon 835, and ceramic backing is amazing for less than $300 after tax. The only "downside" is the non-OLED screen, weird reception for T-mobile, and subpar camera app (which the pixel 3 port fixes). The screen is still great and vibrant though.

They would have needed to get on Verizon or T-Mobile to really make a dent in the US, being only available on Sprint was never going to be enough.

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