Andy Rubin, co-creator of the Android mobile phone operating system, has launched a new company called Essential Products, featuring a high-end smartphone and a home assistant device.

Essential said the new Essential Phone features an edge-to-edge screen, a titanium-and-ceramic case and dual cameras. The phone sells for US$699 (A$938) and will run the Android operating system.

Essential also launched a household assistant called Home to compete against Amazon.com’s Echo and Google’s Home speaker.

Backing Essential shareholders include Chinese tech company Tencent, iPhone manufacturer Foxconn, Redpoint Ventures and Altimeter Capital.