A year ago, many people dismissed the announcement of the Minimal Phone, believing it to be just another tech concept—one of those dream projects that would never come to life. Well, we have good news for those who were intrigued: the Minimal Phone is not only real, but it’s also set to hit the market soon.
At first glance, the Minimal Phone evokes nostalgia for BlackBerry’s golden era, featuring a wide design, a compact screen above a full keyboard, and an overall clean aesthetic. However, its standout feature is its 600 x 800 resolution monochrome E Ink display—an unusual yet practical choice for a modern smartphone, especially if reducing screen time is your goal.
A Full-Fledged Android Experience—With Limits
Despite its E Ink display, the Minimal Phone runs a full version of Android 14. This means that all standard Android apps are available, except those requiring significant hardware power—so don’t expect to play Call of Duty: Mobile on this device.
Smart, But Not Too Smart
The developers set out to create a phone that’s smart enough to keep users connected to the digital world but limited enough to discourage constant use. The E Ink display plays a crucial role in achieving this balance. While it’s a great technology for e-readers, it’s not the ideal choice for a smartphone due to its low refresh rate.
Unlike traditional LCD or OLED screens, E Ink displays don’t emit light. Instead, they rely on electrophoresis, where tiny black and white pigment particles move within microcapsules under the influence of an electric field. Each capsule contains positively charged white particles and negatively charged black ones. Depending on the charge applied, either the black or white particles become visible, forming the grayscale image on the screen.
One major advantage of this technology is its energy efficiency—power is only consumed when the display content changes. However, the slow refresh rate makes it unsuitable for fast-moving visuals, which is precisely what the developers intended.
Hardware: A Mixed Bag
The Minimal Phone’s hardware capabilities leave a mixed impression. Its 16-megapixel camera is functional but not extraordinary. Additionally, it lacks 5G support, meaning users will have to settle for slower 4G LTE connectivity. However, there are some pleasant surprises: the phone supports NFC payments, has a fingerprint sensor, Qi wireless charging, dual-SIM functionality, expandable storage, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack—something many nostalgic users will appreciate. And, of course, it features a full physical keyboard.
The Rise of Unconventional Phones
Originally, the Minimal Phone was supposed to ship to its Indiegogo backers in August 2024, but multiple delays pushed the timeline back. The first units finally began shipping in December, with broader availability expected by March. The retail price is set at $399.
Interestingly, the Minimal Phone isn’t the only unconventional device making waves recently. In the fall, HMD introduced the Barbie Phone, a flip phone that brought a touch of glamour to everyday life. This sparkling device even featured a front-facing mirror, allowing users to check their makeup on the go.
With a growing demand for unique and distraction-free smartphones, the Minimal Phone is poised to carve out a niche among those looking for a digital detox without completely disconnecting from the modern world.
source: index.hu
image: X.com, The Minimalist Company
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