Are you a fanof Kindlesor otherE Ink devices? If so, this new smartphone might pique your interest.
TheMinimal Phoneis the first Android device with an E Ink display and a physical QWERTY keyboard. After facing multiple delays, the device recently began shipping to backerson Indiegogoand is up for pre-order onMinimal’s website. The phone resembles a Blackberry but has the charm ofa Kindleand theBoox Palma 2.
The Minimal Phone is meant to be a “distraction-free” phone. It runs Android 14, which means it supports many essential apps in the Google Play Store, like Spotify or WhatsApp.
However, its 4.3-inch 600 x 800 pixel resolution E Ink display and octa-core MediaTek processor might be enough to deter you from downloading any games or social media platforms. The phone is available in three colors: pebble, onyx and fusion. It starts at $400, but there is a pre-order promotion to get the device for $300 on itswebsite.
Minimal Phone
The Minimal Phone offers the Android 14 experience with an E ink display and physical QWERTY keyboard. The phone is marketed as a “distraction-free” device.
A new Kindle might just be the reading slump cure I’ve been needing
Call it being overly optimistic about getting back into reading.
An E Ink device with a few surprises
It has LTE support, unlike the Boxx Palma 2
The Minimal Phone has a few extra perks you might not expect of a device of this caliber. Unlike the smartphone-sizedBoox Palma 2, the Minimal Phone has a dual SIM card tray and supports a 4G LTE connection. Other features include Qi wireless charging, NFC payments, expandable storage, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
TCL’s Nxtpaper phonesare the next closest thing to the Minimal Phone on the market. At CES 2025, TLC announced theTCL 60 XE, which offers a paper-like color display with a feature called Max Ink Mode, which converts it into an E Ink-like monochrome display. The 60XE is exclusive to North America and starts at $200, slightly cheaper than the Minimal Phone.
The Minimal Phone’s QWERTY physical keyboard should make texting feel like you’re back in 2010. If the 4.3-inch display isn’t too small for you, its E Ink display might make reading on the go more pleasant. The phone is available for pre-order now for $300, though I would hold off until reviews are out for it.
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