Minimal Phone First Look! The E-Ink Smartphone With A Physical Keyboard!

[@Oscar-xs9cv]

Love the white on white. Only phone that can be all white vs LCDs that turn black when they are off

[@TechOdyssey]

It is definitely unique

[@9s-l-s9]

Wow, I am impressed. The fingerprint sensor, newer android and headphone jack makes me think it might be better than my Boox palma. I also like the physical keyboard, would be even better if it had a sliding keyboard to get the entire space if one just wants to read.

[@megamegaO]

People miss the black berry keyboard...but damn I wish they brought back slide keyboards back...

[@deekman78]

@@megamegaO horizontal keyboards FTW! Man do I miss my Droid

[@megamegaO]

@deekman78 frrr it was so satisfying to me. I actually looked forward to texting

[@racetron]

I cannot wait for this. Just pure text & email with great battery

[@TechOdyssey]

Definitely good for that.

[@d.neilmckay7709]

Thanks for taking this phone seriously, Adam. As a die-hard BlackBerry Key2 user, I have been seriously contemplating buying a Motorola moto 5G stylus owing to my declining battery. I'd heard of this phone, but not through people I trust. thanks for giving me something to consider besides the 2024 Motorola 5G Stylus.

[@Mehavingfun]

Build quality, plastic/metal...compared to...? How is the typing compared with bb classic? Can you configure the keys to shortcuts? is there a ctrl c ctrl v key? The website says "trackpad"....is there one? How is the speaker phone compared with....? How is the response time opening an app compared with...? Does the 3.5mm give good quality for music?

[@shevonmullings4131]

It has a design that is slightly reminiscent of the Blackberry Q5.

[@TechOdyssey]

I can see the resemblance

[@lucasatkins3674]

Wish it had touch capacitive keys like the BlackBerry Passport for autocorrect

[@hisnameisjoel]

I preordered this right when it launched. Im so excited!

[@TechOdyssey]

Very cool. I hope you enjoy it.

[@stonndun]

Thanks for the update. Looks great and looking forward to getting mine.

[@brylip8106]

Thanks for the preview. You are one of a small number of reviewers who still have time for physical qwerty phones so seeing you with one in hand it feels like it's getting real. I'm two phones on since my key 2 died so had to be a day one backer for this (Was an astro slide backer too but never got the perk so can understand backer nerves!). Look forward to seeing the full review but even more to having those keys clicking in my hand. Thanks again.

[@dragonflyhk]

Please show more of the phone in action! That’s why I come to your videos.

[@TechOdyssey]

I will when I get the production unit and I can do a full review.

[@dragonflyhk]

@@TechOdyssey Thanks! Looking forward to it!

[@ericfielding668]

As a former Blackberry user, I might be a target market for this sort of phone. However, as I get older, I want a bigger screen. No simple phone has a big enough screen. I moved back to a flip phone and am quite happy.

[@Luis-ph7tu]

This video. Convinced me to purchase one this weekend. I’m trying to get my life back on track and sadly my phone is the biggest problems.

[@colbyboucher6391]

This being a full Android phone is honestly the biggest part of this for me, since in the U.S. the only e-ink phone we can really get is the Lightphone which is intentionally stripped way back. Having a physical keyboard is just a big bonus.

[@furycorp]

Still having zero privacy is a big thing for you?

[@colbyboucher6391]

@furycorp While I appreciate projects that completely yank the Google out of Android (there is an argument to be made for that here and I'd appreciate it, but it would limit the audience further, also people will probably do it themselves) is the fact is there's a million ways you're getting tracked regardless. Opened a web browser? You're getting tracked. Browser footprint, your ISP, etc., you need to be REALLY hardcore for anything resembling real privacy. And again, with a device like this, someone'll flash it.

[@MrWadeant]

In terms of industrial design and use: the Blackberry Priv is the nicest phone I have ever used, with the blackberry Passport being a very close second. Currently using a Unihertz titan, but this looks very cool. As some one who is a bit ambivalent to their phone, but loves a keyboard I really like this idea.

[@Happyhaha9000]

This is so sick. Definitely gonna get one when it finally releases

[@ankaz4469]

OMG physical keyboard (still typing on blackberry) and jack and extra storage! And android 14 . And fingerprint sensor...

[@TechOdyssey]

Yup. Physical keyboard!

[@alexlalonde4190]

Can't wait for full review 👍🙃

[@drewlipps]

Great coverage of this. I’m pretty excited for it. Always happy to see a new phone with keyboard, and a new take on better device/life balance. Curious to see how they do long term and how they continue to iterate as this evolves.

[@adamt2525]

Thanks for the preview😊 exactly what I've wanted/needed - a reassurance. GJ

[@mill335]

Thank you for the review, sir! I watch your vids all the time and appreciate the advice….HOWEVER, you didn’t mention the one thing we were all hoping you would discuss. How does the keyboard compare to blackberry? Which bb would you say it’s closest to in terms of keyboard feel? Is it just as satisfying? Thank you!

[@serdip]

Looks amazing! Never heard of this product till now, so thanks for sharing!😎

[@TechOdyssey]

You're welcome!

[@emmaeertink]

My perfect phone (hopefully)! Thank you for your review! Awesome

[@daniel.santos]

Instantly hooked.

[@miroslavsvoboda367]

Thanks for notifying us on such a niche product, I am always looking out for e-ink "hybrids" so I will try this one as well!

[@TechOdyssey]

You are so welcome!

[@husamminawi]

I preordered mine. Can’t wait to experience it ❤️‍🔥

[@husamminawi]

I picked the fully white skin 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@muhammadferdiansaputra9761]

​@@husamminawi please tell us your experience after you get yours

[@edkij]

mine would be black one. Plus i ordered it with case

[@zevahc3928]

My kids are all grown, but this would be the phone to get for a teen or to give them when they get their regular phone taken away, but you still need to be able to communicate.

[@rtw68]

Definitely want to see more. Very interesting device!

[@dotancohen]

If this supports an S-Pen stylus I'm buying right now. That's what got me married to the Note and S.

[@passivaggressor]

Idk why but I am so interested in these simple phones. New light phone looking promising

[@ssj4alvaro]

I was hesitant to order it. I just purchased due to this video. Fingers crossed.

[@TechOdyssey]

Hope you like it.

[@lyndont]

Excited to see how this will pan out

[@ADesignersLife]

I’m interested to get my pre-order and deep dive on this phone myself… hopefully they actually ship these soon 🤞🏻

[@TechOdyssey]

Hopefully soon!

[@j.m.4444]

They are reliable in one thing: Delays. You won’t see it in the flash by spring 2025.

[@maywe9]

I pre-ordered at the initial campaign and forgot about it as things have slowly developed. But looking forward to it! Woo hoo, who doesn't love a keyboard!

[@rainerjager8225]

Preordered one...hope they come not toooo late ... Thanks for the Video.

[@TechOdyssey]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@LCrossJr]

Looks very interesting. Thanks for sharing. I will keep my eyes on it.

[@TechOdyssey]

Glad you liked it!

[@solarpunkstation]

Excited to see that it looks like this is real!

[@Karthik_Hypnoticz]

If only blackberry your dream phone comes back like this. I bet u will be extremely happy

[@TechOdyssey]

Yeah…

[@CaptianNic]

Beautiful phone men

[@tomipiriyev]

Love it , i was looking for other epaper dump phones to quite smartphones , i was searching japanese dump phones , but this is what i really want

[@LauraMalvoyante]

Thanks for the review! I hope that the text size can be increased because I couldn't see a word on the screen.

[@mryoukhna]

Text size can be increased. 🙌

[@LauraMalvoyante]

@mryoukhna thanks Andre! I love how the keyboard looks! Great job 👍

[@mryoukhna]

@@LauraMalvoyante thanks! Stay in touch 🙏

[@TechOdyssey]

Ha. Yes. Andre beat me too it.

[@andrewspencer5996]

Ehh.. I don't see it in the specs so you may not know but does it have Hotspot functionality? I like everything about it but there are rare occasions I need to leverage my smart phone to give wifi access to my laptop. I looked through the specs but couldn't see it.

[@mryoukhna]

Yes, The Minimal Phone has hotspot capabilities.

[@TechOdyssey]

Yes. It does.

[@dezem7]

i like the simplicity and e ink. Will it support android auto for in car nav?

[@TechOdyssey]

Yes. I mentioned that in the video

[@5idi]

Me, asking my e-ink tablet if it wants an e-ink phone friend.

[@TechOdyssey]

lol

[@BenjaminCrouch-q2c]

Nice to see it in action!

[@TechOdyssey]

It’s a neat phone

[@sherrilltechnology]

Hmm very interesting idea, might be worth a look. Thanks for the great video!

[@JojongsTa]

if its take the whole in color and make it like blackberry,., im IN!!!!

[@veedreen]

Used to love blackberry pearl curve and key one. Would love to try this

[@pburski]

Once there will be a smaller version such as the BB Classic, I am all in!

[@212helpdesk]

Ok, somebody pls take my $, this sounds good

[@szenka43]

Please create a more detailed video about this phone🤗How is battery life, daily usage, typing experience, build and sound quality? Are there any news on software updates or security updates? And also could you please show some applications in action! Thank you for your help! ❤ I am very curious!😁

[@BlackHoleGasket]

and also a comparison with Q5 or q10 in matter of the quality of the keyboard - please..

[@Raftie-m7k]

Looks like what you would get if a BlackBerry and a Kindle got busy and had a kid...

[@TechOdyssey]

Yes! lol

[@nail2638]

I can wait to receive mine

[@robpowell7856]

Been waiting for this

[@callmemarc]

I could see using this as a dedicated work phone but considering that it still has access to all the same apps, I am not sure how it's really going to reduce use.

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

Love the idea. Not crazy about that UI lag.

[@Milkpixel69]

Thats just what eink does

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

@Milkpixel69 ah, ok

[@TobiasLeininger]

They have different modes, there are faster ones, but they decrease the resolution. That's unfortunately the best E-Ink can do today.

[@robertmckeeverii6038]

Can you explain the SIM card tray? Is it a dual sim where the second slot options as the SD slot?

[@ThijsStrooper-c5x]

Jupp

[@macbadapple]

Wow! Looking at this, One has to wonder why they couldnt get a BlackBerry on the market.

[@FTC1985]

Thanks for this video! But how much does it weigh? And what material is it made of? Thank you

[@ac979]

Made of plastic.

[@armenyoussefian]

160 grams

[@bobcollinge4292]

Love the keyboard!

[@TechOdyssey]

Me too

[@St3veWright]

Great to see this out an and about. Any news from Minimal on shipping dates?

[@TechOdyssey]

They told me they would be announcing an update on that very soon.

[@cdl0]

September 2024, according to the website.

[@ufgator18]

This is great!

[@ThaddIp]

Any idea how long software would be supported for? Plans for an update to Android 15?

[@TechOdyssey]

Android 15 for sure. Not sure what the official software support schedule looks like. Hopefully that will be available soon.

[@NickyMetropolis1313]

Love it. So unique

[@TechOdyssey]

It's definitely unique

[@pjmq]

Wireless charging? Would love a full review, would love it more if you daily drove it for a week.

[@TechOdyssey]

When I have a production unit I will.

[@JavierLópezFigueroa-h3p]

Is dark mode possible?

[@LetsMu]

They said possible

[@RagingUtai]

How does the keyboard feel compared to a blackberry key2. As i am currently using that phone, will it be a noticeable downgrade?

[@Yaduny]

It's nice to see an outside party handle this device and deliver some thoughts! I was very unsure about this thing due to the unreliable communication that was delivered by the team. Do you know if there's gonna be a protective case? I want this phone so so bad but im terribly clumsy, and i worry, I'll break it very soon after getting it 😅

[@c32amg25]

Thanks for the info! How close is this to what OM had in the works?

[@danieloherrick6332]

Headphone jack! 😀

[@TechOdyssey]

Yup yup

[@NaitsirkC]

This is super cool! I want to pre-order but can't decide on color. Is the black a fingerprint magnet? It kinda looks like it in the vid, I'm a sweaty greasy guy so I might go for the white if that's the case.

[@buttercup5470]

Will you be getting a Light phone 3 and doing a video on it?

[@TechOdyssey]

Doubtful

[@martinvanoene7192]

Is it available in canada

[@TechOdyssey]

I’m not sure. Maybe the website helps. It’s unlocked though so it should work.

[@armenyoussefian]

Yes, we ship to Canada.

[@Doviruses.existbaileyonodysee]

I'm one of those ppl fixated on the idea of something like a 4:3 5.8" phone. But The keyboard I think would be awesome if Integrated into the case like a barn dutch door (I'm sure it's been done if I searched it😅). The 7.8" boox eink I have is boss, but it collects more dust then fingerprints (more so because I tend to scroll manga more then i consciously sit to read without digital distraction).

[@basmets]

Maybe stupid question but: does eSIM work as well?

[@hstallcup]

I wish someone would bring back the Blackberry Pearl design!

[@TechOdyssey]

Probably a bit too compact at this point

[@thibaldus3]

I much prefer a sliding keyboard. Allows so much more room and leaves the screen to be as bifg as one wants.

[@HenG20]

Omg omg omg! ❤🔥

[@MorphicMoons]

How is the battery life so far?

[@TechOdyssey]

Seems pretty good. The e-ink display really helps out

[@MorphicMoons]

@@TechOdyssey Ok would be cool to have some numbers

[@TechOdyssey]

@@MorphicMoons it’s not a review. When I review the production model once it’s released I will evaluate for numbers

[@MorphicMoons]

@@TechOdyssey ok, thank you

[@JewMonGee]

Very important to have a physical and separate antenna not good for the bands to be where you hold the phone.

[@demonmcdade]

The price and the features of this is kind of turning me off from this. No 5g is a bit weird is an example. I think that something that reminds me of an old phone back in 2014 to update it just a bit doesn't qualify for the cost for me. A product that's suppose to be designed to keep me off it that are missing certain features that it should cost less than a budget pixel. I do like to point out the idea of something being minimal since I have a love and hate relationship with how much time i spend on my phone. Great video as always!

[@tomgroth3455]

Oh so it is real!? 🎉🎉🎉

[@TechOdyssey]

Yup

[@fpl_bailey]

Im excited but still going to wait till fully released

[@TechOdyssey]

Nothing wrong with that

[@deany252]

I like it For me personally I hope they do one without the physical keyboard

[@ivolucio4560]

For that you already have different phones with e-ink screens on the market.

[@deany252]

Hi, thanks for the reply Many I've seen seem limited on features (boox, hisense and bigme) or use old android version but open to ideas if I'm missing something 🤔😊 It's encouraging to see this type of device advancing however

[@TaylorSaundersYT]

Yay it’s finally out! 😁

[@exodous02]

Wonder if you can have the lock screen just keep the last thing on the display with a lock symbol in the corner to show it is locked. That way if you're reading an ebook it will just say up but disable the touch screen. That is how I use my ereaders.

[@trentl14]

Now MKBHD needs one

[@sautronjohn]

I wanna make the move and order it but not even the first batch was released😢…..my Key2 died this week so ordered a Titan pocket and also thinking to order a Motorola Razr (to get complete the drawback of Unihertz device)….but yeah i am so eager to have a replacement of my Blackberry devices!

[@deekman78]

I have both. Switched from the Razr+ back to the Titan Pocket last week. I don't know what I was thinking, buying a phone that's 3/4 touchscreen.

[@bevinguenther8688]

I want one

[@TechOdyssey]

They are available for preorder

[@MikeHightower1]

You're sanctioned to that phone for holiday events. 😅 So u are focused on family 😅

[@GGori_99]

This could be great for certain type of people.. but still the decision Apple stop making the iPhone mini has just been so unfortunate.. bcoz of the 13 mini...i myself have been gettin less screen on time on my phone and focus more on my works and surrounding..

[@BeautyofScent]

Is there a certain perfume you recommend that would go well with this new phone?

[@TechOdyssey]

Raw garlic

[@nathannguyen2041]

I miss Blackberry.

[@TechOdyssey]

Me too. Me too.

[@bonespiel]

The only problem with this is that you are not able to purchase Kindle books with it. You are only able to read Kindle books that were previously purchased with a Kindle device

[@TechOdyssey]

Isn’t there an app for that on android?

[@BlackHoleGasket]

Is the keyboard customizable like the old bb keyboardas

[@goemboeck]

Thanks for the video. How are the keys in the white model? Looks like they would get all smudgy over time? I think I may get one - I only use my phone to cast music to my BT DAC, and Whatsapp. The rest is just nonsense social media scrolling I can live without.

[@scottygalloway5769]

Shipping updates? Ordered June 1, 2024… crickets since then. You got the money and deliver ads but no email responses.

[@mryoukhna]

I've personally responded to every email. Please check your Spam/Junk folder. Let me know if there's anything I can help you with.

[@murtazachaudhary3339]

Nice video

[@TechOdyssey]

Thanks

[@dorkydicken]

I'll just say goodbye to it unless it comes out again with epaper color display like TCL has.

[@moomin7461]

TCL nxtpaper isn't e-ink. It mimics the look though and has a matt screen.

[@JeepSheep]

Is there an app list? Does it support signal?