Sidephone: Sneak Peek at the New Dumb Phone with Android OS

Key Takeaways

1. The Sidephone features a compact 2.8-inch screen running on Android, with essential apps and customizable quick settings tiles.
2. Initial messaging support will include only SMS and MMS, with RCS unavailable at launch due to privacy concerns.
3. Users can customize buttons and choose from different keyboard options, including a T9-style keypad for the first 1,000 units.
4. The App Library allows for sideloading and updating apps, with detailed information about permissions and source code links.
5. Pre-orders for the US are set to begin in mid-August 2025, with initial shipments expected in Fall 2025, while other regions will follow in early 2026.

The Sidephone captured significant interest when it was revealed in April 2025. Since then, the team has been preparing for the device’s release, and we now have a sneak peek at the operating system demo shared by u/sebastiansnell on the r/sidephone subreddit. In a 15-minute video, he delves into different features of the upcoming “dumb” phone.

Display and Key Features

The video kicks off by demonstrating Android on the compact 2.8-inch screen. u/sebastiansnell rearranged the widgets, highlighted the quick settings tiles, and showcased the default applications that will come with the Sidephone. These apps include various essential tools.

He then opened up each of the mentioned applications to show how they function on the tiny touchscreen. Due to privacy issues, full messaging capabilities weren’t displayed in the video; however, Sebastian noted that the messaging service will support only SMS and MMS at its initial launch—RCS won’t be available just yet.

Customization Options

At the 4:09 mark, he highlighted how users can customize different buttons on the Sidephone, which includes a swappable keyboard. Users can assign important functions like play, pause, or next track to any button they choose. It’s important to note that the first 1,000 units will come with a T9-style keypad, as confirmed by the company. A physical QWERTY option and an MP3-style keypad will be available for pre-orders starting at the end of September.

The App Library allows users to sideload and update Sidephone applications, providing access to a comprehensive list of compatible apps. Here, users can view source code links, permissions, and other details about each app. Sebastian mentioned that a complete list of available apps would be released in a couple of weeks. Additionally, users can scan QR codes to add repositories to the Sidephone to enhance the device’s functionality, such as by installing GPS apps.

Typing Experience and Launch Details

Finally, he showcased the typing experience on the on-screen QWERTY keyboard, which included quite a bit of autocorrect and predictive text—something expected on a smaller display. Sebastian mentioned that the T9 keyboard on his device was a bit buggy, so he opted not to use it for the demonstration.

In an earlier Reddit post, the company announced that pre-orders for the US would start in mid-August, with the first batch of Sidephones expected to arrive in Fall 2025. Although as of August 27, there’s no pre-order button visible on the website, it should appear soon. Pre-orders for other regions will kick off in Fall 2025, with initial shipments planned for early 2026.

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