Minimal Phone Review: A Phone Designed for Less Screen Time
In a world dominated by flashy OLED screens and endless scrolling, the Minimal Phone stands out with its e-paper display and physical keyboard, offering a unique approach to reducing screen addiction without sacrificing connectivity.
A Nostalgic Yet Modern Design
The Minimal Phone looks like a BlackBerry reimagined for the digital wellness era. Its 4.3-inch e-paper display and 35-key physical keyboard evoke nostalgia, while its Android 14 OS ensures compatibility with modern apps. Available in three colors—Pebble (white), Onyx (black), and Fusion (white with a black bezel)—the phone retains practical features like a headphone jack, microSD slot, and USB-C charging.
Despite its name, the Minimal Phone isn’t small. At 3.07 inches wide, it feels bulkier than most modern smartphones, but the trade-off is a tactile typing experience—though not necessarily a faster one.
E-Paper: A Double-Edged Sword
The e-paper display, similar to those on e-readers, is easy on the eyes but comes with limitations. While great for reading, it struggles with slow refresh rates and ghosting, making animations and fast scrolling feel sluggish. A dedicated refresh button helps, but users accustomed to vibrant LCD or OLED screens may find it jarring.
Surprisingly Capable Where It Counts
Unlike some minimalist phones that sacrifice functionality, the Minimal Phone handles calls, messaging, and essential apps well. Call quality is strong, even in rural areas, and popular chat apps like WhatsApp and Signal work seamlessly—albeit in black and white.
Battery life is impressive with light usage, lasting several days. However, heavy scrolling or typing drains power faster due to the e-paper display’s energy demands.
Cameras Exist, But Barely
The 16MP rear and 5MP front cameras are functional but underwhelming. Framing shots on the e-paper screen is frustrating, and images often look soft or watercolor-like. While better than no camera at all, it’s not a device for photography enthusiasts.
Should You Buy It?
The Minimal Phone is ideal for:
- Digital minimalists seeking to cut screen time without losing essential functions.
- E-reader fans who want a phone with similar display tech.
- Nostalgic users who miss physical keyboards.
However, those expecting a seamless smartphone experience may find its slow display and typing quirks frustrating. Priced at 500–500–600, it’s a niche device—but for the right user, it could be a game-changer in reclaiming digital balance.
As the Light Phone 3 enters the market, the Minimal Phone distinguishes itself by running full Android, making it a more versatile choice for intentional tech users. If the idea of a slower, more deliberate phone appeals to you, this might just be the device you’ve been waiting for.
