The Essential Phone's super slick, but it's no iPhone or Google Pixel killer

The "father of Android" is ready for his next act.

Andy Rubin, who co-founded Android more than a decade ago, is back with a new Android-centric startup. But instead of software, his new company, Essential, is tackling hardware. The company's first product is the highly-anticipated Essential Phone, an Android phone with flagship specs and, at $700, a flagship price tag.

Considering that without Rubin, Android likely wouldn't exist, it's no surprise that the Essential Phone highlights the best parts of Android, even if there are a few bugs.