(Part 2) Best products from r/essential

Reporting back:

I applied the screen tonight. Here's the screen+toolkit I bought, and here's the extra adhesive tube I bought. More on this adhesive tube below (I would strongly recommend it).

(1) The process was pretty simple. I followed the removal directions from this video that I found in several other places on this sub. Since my screen was already cracked, I didn't need to use a heat gun or hair dryer at all. I just inserted a fine flat head screwdriver near the top at the notch, then wedged the guitar-pick ply-tool to start pulling it up, and then just slowly slid it around the screen. It came off really easily. I saw some other comments saying to be careful not to crack/chip/break the ceramic edging, and some other comments saying that you may split the glass from the digitizer if you get the ply-tool between them, but that you should notice it either because it gets harder to slide or (in my observation) I could physically see that I wasn't pulling the white-silvery layer up. That said, if you're hoping to save the screen for any purpose, maybe it pays to use the heat gun or be a little more careful in case you want to re-apply the old screen in case the new one doesn't work or something. The kit I bought also came with a long-handled pry-tool which I found helpful to pull off the connector without damaging anything, and it came with a suction cup which may have been helpful to pull up on the screen and get leverage (since the edges are hard to hold on to), but my screen was so busted that I peeled it up like a busted windshield and I didn't need the suction cup anyway.

(2) When installing the new screen, double check to make sure the connector actually snaps in. I saw a couple comments of people saying it wasn't attaching well/staying attached.. and when I applied mine I thought it was on and then when screwing it in I pushed on it again just to square everything up and THEN it snapped into place. So... just double check. I might also recommend briefly turning it on and making sure you're getting an image and some touch response before glueing everything back together... I didn't want to glue it all on and then realize I hadn't connected it or had gotten a crappy/non-working screen.

(3) I used some rubbing alcohol and Q-tips to remove all the glass fragments and old adhesive strips to get a really good reapplication. I followed this comment's suggestion on where/how to put adhesive (and where NOT to put adhesive). My experience had two big takeaways (a) you REALLY don't need a lot of glue. Like genuinely that ledge is like 0.5mm wide, just put enough to barely wet it. Take your time and be patient. The glue doesn't dry TOO fast, so you'll have time to apply it and then get everything situated. (b) the kit I bought came with a tiny tube of B-7000 adhesive, but definitely pay $8 and get the tube with the fine-tipped metal applicator. The tiny tube I had was just way too large and even being as careful as I could I couldn't help but get it all over. Luckily it didn't get into the buttons or on anything critical, and supposedly I can just peel/scratch-off the excess around on the outside in a day or so. I didn't realize that metal applicator was on the other tube and realized it after I'd already done the whole thing.

(4) The whole thing turned out alright. I have a little glue squeezed around the edges, but I'll probably scratch peel-off in a day or so once it's good and cured. Depending on how careful you are, you could probably get away with doing this whole thing without any special tools. You WILL need a micro-phillips head screwdriver, and you will definitely need something very fine like a micro-flat head screwdriver to start that initial pry off. And you can use a playing card to pry the edges off. But, I went ahead and got the tools since it was basically the same price as the other sets on Amazon, and that way I knew I at least had it. I probably could have done it without the tools, but this way I knew I had everything I needed, and I have it for the next time if I ever need it again.

(5) It could be my imagination, but the screen feels like I'm getting better touch-response, less jumpy/lag, and when it initially turned on it looked a little ... bluer ... than before. That could all just be my imagination, but at the very least the screen is at least as good as the old OEM screen. Maybe better!

Sorry for being wordy, but I figure if I can help out, I will! Also, here's all the other links I looked at during this process, in case you want to read through them yourself.

https://www.reddit.com/r/essential/comments/baloka/diy_screen_replacement_experience/

https://www.reddit.com/r/essential/comments/8y0f5w/screen_replacement_tips/

https://www.reddit.com/r/essential/comments/biqeez/screen_replacement_lessons_learned/

https://www.reddit.com/r/essential/comments/9trptp/screen_replacement/

https://www.reddit.com/r/essential/comments/99xewm/tips_for_diy_screen_digitizer_replacement/

https://www.reddit.com/r/essential/comments/91zw9z/essential_phone_screen_replacement_adhesive/

We have less selection in Canada when it comes to glass screen protectors. I am using these:

https://www.amazon.ca/Essential-Protector-Anti-Glare-Anti-Fingerprint-Premium/dp/B073XMLR14

But am so so on it. I like the matte finish prevents glare, but they are slightly too small for the screen, so either you will ignore it or it will drive you crazy. The good thing is that it was easy to apply, there are 8 in case of scratches, and it works with a case. I am still on the lookout for a glass protector to use with a case.

I was more lucky with the case. I am using the Tudia clear case https://www.amazon.ca/Essential-TUDIA-Lightweight-Minimalist-Absorption/dp/B077JGGL16

So far I am loving it. I haven't dropped my phone yet, so I can't speak to the drop protection, but I can say it prevents scratches and has a nice textured grips on the side. While it's a shame to put the PH-1 in a case, I am liking this one so far. I might get a the smoke grey one so I can hide a magnetic mount on the inside so I can clip it in my car.

HTH

Clean the edges clean of old adhesive. I used 2mm adhesive when I replaced my screen and it was a little thicker. 1mm would work just fine. Cut them to smaller pieces and use a tweezer and magnifying glass if you need to but make sure every available edge surface has adhesive. You'll need the edges that will stick to the screen.

Once you have edge lined, remove the top side (of the double sided adhesive). Take your time and press down on edges. Once it's closed, get even heat on it (hairdryer, heat gun). Make sure you don't leave it on one place for too long. Move the heat around the edge for about a minute and a half or hot to touch. Put the phone down on flat surface, lay a cloth on top and put even weight on (stack plenty of books if you have it?). Leave it to cool for about 15 minutes with at least 3 dictionary worth of weight.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K4VZNBG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_jz0IBbKXG3THR

I use the Glossy Clear version of the TUDIA Lightweight Minimalist Case.

Initially I had purchased a more rugged case but I hated it for several reasons. The other case was more bulky, it detracted from the classy look of the phone and since it was so rugged it didn't fit in my pockets easily.

I also decided against many other cases because they had big logos with the brand name on them.

The Tudia case offers some protection when you set your phone face down, it prevents the phone from sliding off of surfaces, and it provides a bit of shock absorption. The sides offer some nice grip and let you hold the phone more comfortably. In addition, before having a case on my phone I couldn't quickly distinguish the volume +/- buttons versus the power button but the case has a volume rocker so it's very clear at first touch.

I made a second charging stand for my office and thought I would show others in case they want to build one.

Get stand and USB cable (ideally one that screws apart).

Mark the location of the phones pins on the top of the stand.

Open up the stand and gut it.

Cut end off of USB cable and feed thru the back of stand

Solder on 2 wires to the red and black wires and tape then securely.

Notch holes on to of stand for the wires.

Assemble stand and bend/trim wires to make solid connection to pins on phone.

I would recommend this stand. https://www.amazon.com/NANAMI-Wireless-Certified-Compatible-Qi-Enabled/dp/B07MTSYXSC

Good luck!

Here is a link to the one I just bought.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FC8J3F4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

This is the XDA post I found it from. OP is the guy that designed the adapter, and you can see in the thread he's actually been working with people to work out any bugs they may have. I just got mine today and it works great with just headphones. I'll try the charging while playing part today when I leave work and can report back (I don't have a C cable with me to test with). I thought it was cool to have someone working directly with the Essential forum to make sure his product worked so I figured I would give it a shot.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/essential-phone/accessories/kill-pains-2-1-hi-res-audio-pd-fast-t3816249

​

A playing card (or a metrocard or similar thin flexible plastic card) works well to cut through the adhesive. Start around the earpiece and go around carefully. Try not to exceed 1mm or so or you can damage the lcd. Screen should then be able to flip out. If you do end up damaging the lcd, it should still likely be usable. A replacement (seemingly non-oem) is around $40 on ebay.

As for the battery, the two strips of adhesive are supposed to pull from the top to release, but I've found them to break apart. Again, using the playing card is good to get it free.

For reassembly, I didn't use anything to affix the battery or screen afterwards since it's held in find with a case. If you're running bare though, light leakage around the edges can be a problem. A lot of people recommend b7000 glue, but I'd imagine some 1mm double sided tape would be better/easier.

Essential PH-1 - HDMI, Wired Ethernet, Power Delivery, USB working on this device https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L5JFFFY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . The product description on the Amazon page includes the model identification hardware inside the device.

Before Android 10 it only worked on my 1080p TV (everything), not my 4K. After Android 10 it now works on the 4K TV.It has been discontinued or something, but I have seen other devices which advertise the same chip specs in my search to find one that works.

Here is what it says concerning hardware.Specification:LAN: USB3.0 1000MbpsTransmission Rate: 5GbpsConsecutive Usage Hours: 10HInput: USB3.1(Type-C), 5~20V 2AOutput: 5V 0.9A Type C(onlyCharge)+USB3.0*2+LAN+HDMI2K/4K+TF+SDResolution: HDMI 2K 1080P, 4K 3840*2160@30HzChip: PD 2.0/FL7102*HDMI/PS176*LAN/RTL8153*TF/SD/GL823KApplication: Mac OS; WINDOWS; Linux; Android


Did a search on specs, found one - one left.
https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-USB-C-USB3-0-USB2-0-Reader/dp/B07HRDR3PH/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=PD+2.0%2FFL7102*HDMI%2FPS176&qid=1567700787&s=wireless&sr=8-1

​

​

Here is what didnt work BEFORE Android 10. I do not know if they will work now. All of them either didnt work at all or only 1 thing would work*The nice one that is like a stand https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0776XH2HJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1*https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Charging-Ethernet-Compatible-Thunderbolt/dp/B07QNJZGP3

*https://www.amazon.com/C2G-28845-Docking-Ethernet-Delivery/dp/B07JN73HQK/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3JRC1RWX0OT3F&keywords=c2g+usb+c+docking+station+with+4k+hdmi&qid=1567700338&s=gateway&sprefix=c2g+usb+c+docking+stat%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-4

​

All of the above work in every way with Samsung Note 8

There are a bunch of FM transmitters that are only a little bit bigger than a regular car charger, and have different higher powered USB ports on them that may work for you.

​

This one is from Anker, it doesn't have any specific quick charge standard, but it does have "intelligent" USB ports. Usually these do a good job of keeping things topped up.

​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GJ7DHMP

​

There are some other random ones with 2 USB ports and at least 1 of them is QC3.0:

​

https://www.amazon.com/Transmitter-Ainope-Wireless-Bluetooth-Compatible/dp/B07DMHMRV5/

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Transmitter-Hands-Free-Compatible-Electronics/dp/B0771M35KW/

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-FM-Transmitter-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B07F2RTN5Z/

​

And this one, the FM transmitter controls are on a gooseneck thing, but the second non-QC3.0 USB port is 2.4A, if you care about such things.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Transmitter-Wireless-Display-Compatible/dp/B0761NJRQY/

You'll need this or something like it:

https://smile.amazon.com/AUKEY-Adapter-Supported-Converter-Resistor/dp/B01ANLA6OU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1527120623&sr=8-7&keywords=micro+usb+to+usb+c+otg

The ones I currently se are by Zorloo.

https://www.zorloo.com/product-page/z-ero-digital-earphone-red

I bought them a couple of years ago and they work great.

They have a version of earbud that is USB-C that is supposed to be better but I have never used them:

https://www.zorloo.com/product-page/aero-digital-earphone-usb-c

They also have a DAC that works that has a separate volume control on it like the earbuds.

So? Perfectly fine for charging. If you really want USB 3.1 (and shorter cables and bigger connector housings and twice the price), here ya go: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JYDQ7N/

I would suggest this. Extremely great quality to come out of this type of cable. I have a nice pair of v-moda Crossfade LP²s and it's a great matxhup https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2DTTGT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OzhSDbA33KWPM

This one by OKRAY looks nice:

https://www.amazon.com/OKRAY-Nylon-Braided-Extension-Extender/dp/B01FF0HU48/


Is it something like this you're looking for?

The deal was 20 days ago when I bought it for $224.

The clear link to the phone is this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078SQ7GWK

You play dirty, I'm not blind nor troll, you seem like a referral vampire...

Thank you.

My 8-pack J&D screen protectors will be arriving today, so I'll see how they are. I didn't even want an 8-pack, but after hours of research, that's what was the most highly recommended to me. (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073ZBNLMB)

Best I've found is what I'm using. Doubt they'll allow links so search Amazon for "essential phone tudia"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077JGGL16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YWa1AbK27XVDW

Yeah that's the sad truth. I'm using this one: [8-Pack] Essential PH-1 Screen Protector, J&D Premium HD Clear Film Shield Screen Protector for Essential PH-1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZBNLMB?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I use this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B073ZBNLMB/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 with Incipio NGP clear case.

Read the top review on Amazon. It seems simple actually: https://www.amazon.com/HIDIZS-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier-Smartphone/dp/B07F2DTTGT

looks to no longer be available but I used this one from amazon. came quick too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCYV96C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

also ended up getting this clue because heard the tape wasn't as reliable

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072XNPQ4B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

don't know if links are available but we'll see. Took about 15 minutes.

also to note, there is a Halo Gray phone for pre order with Feb 21st release date, for 449$. https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Factory-Unlocked-Phone-Warranty/dp/B078SQ7GWK/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1518801369&sr=8-10&keywords=Essential+Products

Edit- Looks like its a new color, with amazon only. Bit different then the new gray ver coming out, but cheaper non the less

I bought one from Amazon for $356. Look for amazon warehouse deals, and only get one with 'cosmetic damage to accessories'. Mine seems absolutely perfect, and no issues with the accessories either.

Edit: link to see warehouse deals: https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B078SQ7GWK/

Looks like it's back up with no issues!

https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Phone-Halo-Edge-Edge/dp/B078SQ7GWK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520869249&sr=8-1&keywords=essential+halo+gray

Not only that, but $98.74 (USD) to send it to Canada (southern Ontario).

Try this.... Change the ".com" in your link to ".ca" and see what Canadians routinely see. The exchange rate (and even any shipping) doesn't explain the difference either. It should be listed at $901 (CAD) + shipping

Bought this one and hasn't yellowed in months
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B077JGGL16/ref=sxts_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541788499&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

Link to phone:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078SQ7GWK/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_v3m1AbS46HVQZ

This works - https://www.amazon.com/Headphone-Compatible-Essential-Hi-Resolution-Reduction/dp/B07FC8J3F4/

Essential Phone PH-1 Case, TUDIA Lightweight Minimalist [SKN] TPU Bumper Shock Absorption Cover for Essential Phone PH-1 (Glossy Clear) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077JGGL16/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_paXJAb6SE81MK