A new handset designed to take on the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy could be launched in the UK before 2017 is out. Essential, founded by Android inventor Andy Rubin, hopes to take on the industry leaders and has secured £230 million ($300 million) to make it happen. The technology firm has held talks with major network operators to secure a launch date for the minimalist mobile in the UK, Japan and western Europe. Customers in the US who pre-ordered the handset, however, are still waiting for theirs to arrive and there have been rumours of trouble at the startup. A new handset designed to take on the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy could be launched in a number of major markets before 2017 is out. Dubbed the'Essential Phone PH-1', the phone is based on the Android operating system and will be shipped without any apps A new handset designed to take on the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy could be launched in a number of major markets before 2017 is out.