Traveling light is often touted as an ideal, one prioritizing bringing only the daily essentials, and in turn allowing us to enjoy experiences unencumbered by the clutter of our possessions. What if we were to adopt that same philosophy of less-is-more when it comes to arguably the most overpacked and cluttered part of our lives… our mobile devices? That’s the idea at the heart of the Minimal Phone, a device slated for an autumn release designed around a long-lasting E-ink display, tactile keyboard, and a pared down version of Android designed to keep things accessible without becoming a distraction.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Minimal Phone is its design. Eschewing the sleek, glassy surfaces of typical smartphones, this Android device opts for a minimalist aesthetic centered around a 4:3 aspect ratio, 4.3″ e-ink screen. At 230 pixel per inch resolution, that lands short of a Kindle screen. Nevertheless, the Minimal Phone’s display should be easier on the eyes while also consuming significantly less power than an LCD or OLED display, allowing the device’s 3000mAh battery to last for days without charging – an ideal travel companion that combines the connectivity of a smart phone with the reading resource of an e-reader.
The Minimal Phone’s body is compact and lightweight, fitting comfortably in a hand or pocket, with a tactile keyboard layout reminiscent of early mobile Palm Pilot and Blackberry. The full QWERTY layout of chiclet keys are designed to evoke the same sort of loyalty those bygone devices once enjoyed amongst mobile touch typists.
Minimal’s phone features pared down contemporary case materials designed to complement the typography-based operating system. The screen is modest, just large enough to display texts and basic notifications without overwhelming your senses with an onslaught of apps and icons. The design philosophy is to promote a mindful interaction with technology, encouraging users to focus on the task at hand rather than being distracted by a constant influx of alerts and updates.
Don’t worry, the Minimal Phone is still still outfitted with a 16 MP rear camera and 5 MP front-facing camera to capture images, though we’d be curious about the preview/editing process using an e-ink screen.
Zoomed out as a set of edited features, the Minimal Phone offers the mobile device equivalent of adopting a capsule wardrobe. It’s a statement, challenging the notion that more is always better, suggesting instead that simplicity and focus are as essential as any app. With its tactile keyboard and e-ink display, the Minimal Phone offers a compelling alternative for those seeking to reduce digital clutter. And in a time when distractions are numerous and prolific, the Minimal Phone’s quiet efficiency might speak volumes to those looking to travel light.
The Minimal Phone is currently available for pre-order for $399 in a selection of three color finishes – Fusion, Onyx, and Pebble.
