Minimal Phone Begins Shipping
The Minimal Phone, which has a unique E-Ink display and a physical QWERTY keyboard reminiscent of Blackberry devices, has started shipping after meeting its crowdfunding target. This smartphone was first revealed last year and successfully raised over $600,000 via an Indiegogo campaign. For those who didn’t back the project during its original funding period, it’s still available for purchase at $399, with new orders set to ship in March.
Unique Display Features
This smartphone distinguishes itself in a world where large, vibrant OLED screens are the norm. Rather than appealing to users who enjoy multimedia, it aims to provide a simple and distraction-free user experience, featuring a 4.3-inch black-and-white E-Ink touchscreen. Unlike standard smartphone displays, E-Ink screens only use power during refreshes, making them great for long battery life.
Operating System and App Performance
The Minimal Phone operates on a tailored version of Android 14, giving users access to the Google Play Store to install third-party apps. However, due to the characteristics of E-Ink technology, some applications may not work as well as they would on a regular screen.
Power and Storage Specs
Equipped with a MediaTek G99 processor, the Minimal Phone has 6GB of RAM alongside 128GB of internal storage. There’s also a microSD card slot for additional storage needs. The device includes a full QWERTY keyboard that enhances its attractiveness for users who like the feel of physical keys while typing. The keyboard features 35 keys, a customizable hotkey, and a 0.15mm key travel for a satisfying typing experience.
Camera and Battery Life
When it comes to photography, the phone offers a 16MP rear camera with an LED flash, along with an optional 5MP front camera. It is powered by a 3,000mAh battery that, thanks to the energy-efficient E-Ink display, can last for several days with just one charge. The phone supports 18W wired fast charging as well as 15W wireless charging.
Connectivity and Design Options
The Minimal Phone is available in three colors: Pebble, Onyx, and Fusion. It has a fingerprint sensor built into the power button, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C charging port. In terms of connectivity, it supports 4G LTE, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC, although it does not offer 5G compatibility.
