A proposal that moves away from the smartphone concept that we are all used to: minimalism, physical keyboard and an electronic ink screen. These peculiar characteristics are the letter of introduction of Minimal Phone, a designer phone for lovers of simplicity.
Does a proposal of this type have a place for a device with these characteristics? Only time will tell, although there is no doubt that, for now, this manufacturer has achieved something really difficult: differentiating its product from the rest of the competing mobile phones. A risky bet, but interesting.
The Minimal Company, the phone brand that created this device
Always with minimalism as their flag, the creators of this unique smartphone are also a small company that has less than ten workers on the payroll (that, at least, is what their professional profile on LinkedIn says).
The Minimal Company, whose headquarters are located in Los Angeles, United States, focuses on the design and manufacturing of computers, peripherals and electronic items in general. Its motto is: "Live more, scroll less."
The real creative genius behind Minimal Phone is Andre Youkhna. This mobile phone is the first big bet of this company. Depending on the success of the idea, perhaps the first in a future long line of minimalist electronic gadgets.
What is Minimal Phone like?
Mobile phones are becoming smarter and more powerful. This represents great advantages for us, the users, although it also generates problems that we had not anticipated: this device, which has now become essential for our lives, is an inexhaustible source of distractions and, in some cases, a true addiction.
The Minimal Phone proposal consists of a return to the origins. A practical and functional mobile phone, but simplified to make it more "human". An idea that is reflected in two fundamental features: the E Ink screen and the physical QWERTY keyboard. These are their identification signs:
It has a touch keyboard
Many of the followers of this blog may fondly remember those Blackberry brand phones, whose most notable feature was the incorporation of a QWERTY keyboard under the screen.
This combination of hardware, which seemed to have already gone down in history, is now recovered from oblivion to be captured in this new smartphone. It must be said that in a smaller and quite modernized design, although the essence is the same.
The fundamental difference is certainly paradoxical: the Blackberry keyboard was introduced with the purpose of encouraging users to use the mobile phone, while the idea of the Minimal Phone is precisely the opposite.
E-ink display
Another truly original contribution that this phone brings us is its electronic ink screen (e-Ink screen), the same technology that e-book readers use, which has many advantages for the user's eye health.
This type of screen, touch and backlit, is excellent for reading text for long periods of time without having to strain your eyes as much. Unfortunately, this advantage also entails Some inconvenients: Its low pixel density, coupled with the low refresh rate and lack of vibrant colors, does not make this screen the most suitable for browsing the Internet or watching videos.
Once again, this is intentional, as it forces us to limit the use of the mobile phone to a series of functions. If it was about eliminating distractions, the goal has been achieved.
Battery
The Minimal Phone has a 4000 mAh battery which, according to the manufacturer, offers a autonomy of around 4 days. If so, it far surpasses almost all conventional smartphones available today.
It has the capacity to fast charge: Full charge is done in one hour, being able to go from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes.
Designer
In this section, The Minimal Company's commitment is clear: minimalism, clear and simple lines. Many have described it as a curious fusion between a Kindle and a Blackberry.
Although some details remain to be known, it is also known that this phone will be made with environmentally friendly materials and will incorporate a simple camera.
Size
dimensions from the Minimal Phone They are as follows: 72 mm wide by 120 mm high and 10 mm thick. That is, very compact and very thin.
Is it a smartphone?
The main idea of the creators of this device is to offer an alternative to the current concept of smartphone. We could describe it as a telephone designed to avoid the distractions that mobile phones inevitably bring, but preserving a large part of their own functions.
For example, it is not the most suitable device for watching YouTube videos or enjoying games, although it works perfectly for making calls, interacting on social networks without our eyes getting tired, or listening to music.
When will it be available in Spain?
There is still no date set for the arrival of Minimal Phone in our country. Among the few things we know at the moment, it is worth highlighting that it will have its own software called MinimalOS, although based on Android.
The Minimal Company has launched a crowdfunding campaign to obtain the necessary financing to start producing and marketing this design. Reservations can now be made on the brand's website. As for the price, everything indicates that it will be around 400 dollars.