•

My current phone, ask me anything!

Mode 1 Retro II: Affordable flip phone starts running Android with 48 MP camera and two displays

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Mode-1-Retro-II-Affordable-flip-phone-starts-running-Android-with-48-MP-camera-and-two-displays.760050.0.html

P-UP World has released a flip phone that returns to the roots of the form factor. Rather than using a foldable OLED display, the Mode 1 Retro II has a pair of small displays and physical controls for equivalent to US$199 in Japan.

I like it so far, although it does have some quirks. I find that I tend to ignore the bottom half and just hold the top bit like I would hold a normal phone. Not super fast, but it goes easily in my pocket, and now I have the nickname "Flip phone".

13 comments

Orbituary

•

For everyone still lurking in this thread, I found a good resource to find out compatibility. Seems like most phones that can work with US carriers are only supported by networks that still have 2G: https://willmyphonework.net/

Orbituary

•

Does it work in the US? Specifically with Verizon?

phanto

•

It will not work on Verizon, no. I am using it on Bell Canada, which has a lot of bands in common with T-Mobile, but the cell bands it has and what Verizon has are basically totally different. Looks like you may get a bit of 2G coverage, but oof. I can't say for certain, as I haven't done a radio test, but I wouldn't bet on it. Next time I'm across the border, I'll check though.

Orbituary

•

When I was in Japan last February I considered getting something like this. I just couldn't get enough info. I'll keep looking. You've renewed my interest.

phanto

•

It's funny, the screen is just edging on "too small to use", but not quite. I had a Unihertz Jelly 2, and it was "a tiny bit too small to use." Also, it's stupid wifi stupid cut out all the stupid time. I'd be doing something and then realize I was on data and not wifi while I was sitting in the same room as my router!

h4wk3y3

•

Can you use the keyboard for navigating on the screen somehow?

How did you get your hands on the phone (not internationally available as it seems)?

phanto

•

You can set it to t9 mode, so 1=a, 11=bb 111=C... Ouch! I don't use it that way unless I'm feeling nostalgia for the 90's.

I got mine by walking into a store in Fukuoka over Christmas. I've used Buyee in the past before, might be possible to get it from them though?

h4wk3y3

•

Thanks, I did not know that webpage!

Orbituary

•

I think I can still text without looking using T9. It's been ages, but I was good at it.

mulcahey

•

How has this impacted your phone usage? Do you find you're using your phone more or less than before?

phanto

•

It's definitely cut down on my doom scrolling, but ironically it's increased my talk minutes. I dislike needing a dongle to plug headphones in, but I got some Anker Bluetooth earbuds, and am listening to more music and podcasts, since it goes in a pocket instead of in my jacket or clipped to my belt. I have an e-reader, and I've picked it up more often now, since reading on this thing is harder on the eyes. Relying on swipe more, so more typos, sadly.

mulcahey

•

This is so cool! Thank you for sharing.

So when the clamshell is closed, music/podcast apps still work as normal? I guess it's the same thing as a screen turning off on a normal phone, right?

Does the exterior screen show anything besides the time?

phanto

•

Yep, audio keeps going perfectly. The external display shows time, notifications, battery level, and signal bars. The notifications is literally just an envelope if I have an unopened email or SMS. Doesn't tell me Telegram or anything else like that.