Sidephone SP-01: A Defiant Return to Simplicity
In an era dominated by omnipresent screens, the Sidephone SP-01 emerges as a subtle resistance to the digital norm. This compact mobile device, with its classic candybar design and tactile keypad beneath a modest touchscreen, is the brainchild of a dedicated team ardently focused on simplicity.
The device operates on a tailored version of Android, emphasising essential functions such as calls, messaging, and select applications. Recently, pre-orders for U.S. customers commenced at a price point of $249, with shipments anticipated later this year.
The SP-01’s dimensions are notably compact, standing at a mere 5.5 inches and weighing less than 5 ounces, making it effortlessly portable alongside your wallet and keys. A 2.8-inch 480×640 screen resides above a detachable keypad, affording ample room for fundamental navigation.
While the screen accommodates touch inputs for swipes and taps, the principal allure lies within the device’s core. Thanks to a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, light tasks are managed with aplomb.
The device houses a 1800mAh battery, promising up to 8 days of usage for calls and messages alone, albeit halved with the inclusion of additional applications. A 12MP rear camera provides satisfactory images in well-lit conditions, complemented by a front-facing speaker conducive to clear conversations.
The lower half of the SP-01 is ingeniously modular; the default numeric keypad attaches magnetically and can be swiftly replaced. This keypad integrates T9 predictive text for messaging, with each press cycling through the characters assigned to the respective number.
Users can customise key mappings within the device’s settings, enabling shortcuts for essential applications such as the camera and clock.
This versatile design fosters creative experimentation, transforming the phone into a tailored tool for daily tasks. Additionally, Sidephone offers affordable replacement parts, alleviating concerns about drops or key breakage.
Among the unique accessories offered, the Sundial keypad captivates attention. Priced at $29, this circular module evokes the feel of a vintage media player wheel while encompassing nine buttons underneath a sleek dome.
The central key serves as play/pause, while the surrounding buttons facilitate track skipping and volume control. The default corner keys perform fundamental operations, yet full remapping enables personalisation for specific needs like podcasts or audiobooks.
Forthcoming is a full QWERTY keyboard tile, expected to launch in March of next year. This accessory will boast a more compact key arrangement, allowing for expedited typing of emails and notes in comparison to the numerical keypad.
Sidephone advises customers to make their purchases based on current availability to avoid disappointment from potential delays. The company is also contemplating the development of additional specialised tiles, catering to gamers or note-takers, to expand its offerings over time.
Pre-orders will roll out in stages, starting with an initial batch of 1,000 units reserved for waitlist sign-ups from the previous fall. Each personalised link is available for only 48 hours, ensuring fair access amidst high demand.
As a token of gratitude, buyers of the Founders Edition will receive exclusive bonuses along with complimentary shipping.
Source link: Techeblog.com.
