Essential Phone now packs TIDAL MQA audio

Remember the Essential PH-1, the Android handset that was the first phone with the notch? Well, it’s just added Master-Quality Audio to its feature-set.

Essential Products was founded by Android co-founder Andy Rubin. The company has now partnered with MQA to deliver Master-Quality Audio (MQA) studio quality sound to the Essential Phone.

This boost to the handset’s audio capabilities follows Essential’s commitment to deliver new software features and updates to its community.

Essential MQA

Essential customers will be able to stream MQA music via TIDAL. The number of ‘Master’ quality tracks on the streaming service is ever growing.

The decision to add the ability to a phone falls in-line with a recent study by IFPI. Their recent Music Consumer Insight Report “Connecting With Music” shows that 90% of paid audio streamers use a smartphone for music listening.

Words

Mike Jbara, MQA’s CEO stated,

This partnership sees MQA working with a truly innovative tech team. Our goal is to deliver the best audio quality to as many music fans as possible, and this collaboration with Essential represents a further step towards this ambition.”

TIDAL Chief Operating Officer Lior Tibon added,

TIDAL is proud to partner with a company that values superior sound quality. We strive to provide fans with elevated listening experiences, and our partnership with Essential illustrates how we’re committed to this mission.”

Price and availability

The Essential PH-1 costs $499 direct from their website. You get 3 months free TIDAL access after which you will have to subscribe. TIDAL Premium costs £9.99 per month but for high fidelity lossless, including ‘Master’ quality, it’s £19.99 per month.