This Minimal E-Ink Phone Is Bringing Back the Blackberry Look

The Minimal Phone: A Retro-Modern Smartphone Experience

This crowdfunded smartphone, reminiscent of a modernized BlackBerry, boasts a unique combination of an E-Ink display and a physical QWERTY keyboard. Initially slated for a 2024 release, the Minimal Phone, after several delays, is finally shipping to its backers.

The device features a 4.3-inch E-Ink touchscreen (600 x 800 resolution) positioned above a full QWERTY keyboard. This distinctive design caters to users seeking a less distracting, E-Ink-based mobile experience.

Under the hood, the Minimal Phone packs a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, offering 6GB or 8GB RAM options and 128GB or 256GB of storage, expandable via microSD. Connectivity includes 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and dual SIM support. Other features include a 16MP main camera, a 5MP selfie camera, a fingerprint sensor, Qi wireless charging, a headphone jack, built-in speakers, and a 3,000mAh battery.

While the E-Ink display and specifications limit its capabilities for demanding tasks like gaming or high-resolution video playback, most Android apps function smoothly. Importantly, it runs Android 14, a relatively current operating system.

Key competitors include the Light Phone 3 and TCL NXTPaper, but neither offers the E-Ink display and physical keyboard combination that sets the Minimal Phone apart. This unique feature is a rarity in today's smartphone market.

Originally scheduled for August 2024, shipments were pushed back to December and are now underway. Pre-orders are open, with March delivery anticipated. Early bird pre-orders currently receive a $100 discount, reducing the price to $399.

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