We are all used to thinking that the era of push-button phones has long passed. The new Elari NanoPhone C debunks the prevailing opinion by its example. If you need a phone only for calls and SMS, then it is not necessary to purchase an expensive smartphone for this. In this article, we will explain why Elari NanoPhone C is called an anti-smartphone, why it occupies an important place in the mobile industry and how it can surprise the user.
Appearance and equipment Elari NanoPhone C
Let's take a closer look at the new product from the Russian brand Elari. NanoPhone C has a neat rectangular body with rounded edges, which makes it pleasant to hold. The phone is 7.6mm thick, 94.4mm long and 35.8mm wide. Due to such dimensions, the device seems quite tiny when compared with any smartphone.
The most unusual thing about this model is its weight. He, attention, is only 30 grams! Can you imagine it? This phone is light as a feather, at first you may get the feeling that it is empty inside. How was such a record low weight achieved? In many ways, this was achieved thanks to the plastic and compact body. Of course, it is not as reliable as, for example, aluminum, from which the previous NanoPhone model was made, but the phone turned out to be lighter. Plus, its cost has become much lower. It is worth noting that the plastic is quite durable, so the phone can protect against household drops and damage. The device does not have a back cover of the battery compartment, since the body is non-separable, so it will not be possible to replace the battery yourself. However, many experts believe that this is even more reliable.
Mobile phone Elari NanoPhone C is presented in three color variations: black, matte silver and pink. In each of the options, the phone buttons are black, they are made of rubber and protrude slightly above the surface of the case. Their size is quite large, which will be very convenient for people, for example, with poor eyesight. With all this, the distance between the keys is quite large, which will allow you not to accidentally make a mistake when dialing a number or a text message.
It is worth focusing on the font of the buttons on the Elari NanoPhone C phone. It is very well drawn: clear and contrasting, the English and Russian alphabets are located one under the other. The device has numeric keypad, it is located immediately below the display and is a set of four keys: two on top and two on the bottom. The upper ones are responsible for scrolling information, for example, text, and the lower ones are for receiving and rejecting a call. Also, at the very bottom of the phone, between the # and 0 keys, there is a small button with which you can reset the settings to factory settings. It is slightly recessed into the case, and you can press it with a special rod, which the manufacturer conscientiously provides in the kit.
Speaking of the package, it includes:
- the Elari NanoPhone C phone itself;
- coupon for warranty repairs;
- USB cable;
- multilingual instruction manual;
- wired headset.
Screen characteristics of Elari NanoPhone C
Elari is Russian company, but the devices are assembled in China, respectively, and the display is made from Chinese materials. However, this does not negatively affect its quality. The screen diagonal is only 1 inch, and the resolution is 128x96 pixels, which is a little more than the previous model. Of course, these are very small sizes compared to any Android devices, but Elari NanoPhone C is a completely different story. To display text, for example, such a diagonal is enough. The buyer may initially reject the fact that the display supports only 4 colors: blue, yellow, orange and white. But, believe me, this is quite enough and you will not feel any lack of colors during use.
The smartphone has a color TFT-matrix, although initially you may not know about it, because the phone has a black and white design by default, the color mode is activated in the settings. In bright light, there is a significant color distortion, but this does not greatly interfere with use, so you can type a message or find the right contact in the address book without difficulty.
Let's compare the displays of Elari NanoPhone C 2017 and its older brother Elari NanoPhone:
- Color TFT display vs black and white OLED;
- Diagonal 1 inch instead of 0.96 inch;
- The screen resolution is 128x96 versus 128x64 like the previous model.
Technical features of Elari NanoPhone C 2017
The functionality of the device is limited by the potential original firmware. No way to change or interfere with software will not work. According to the manufacturer, from time to time there will be software updates that can be installed manually using a computer, since there is no OTA function.
In the case of the Elari NanoFon C phone, it is not necessary to talk about the cores, their frequency and processor performance, but some information is worth highlighting. The phone is based operating system RTOS, platform - Mediatek MT6261D. The built-in memory is only 32 megabytes, it is mainly used for contacts, which can hold about one thousand (by the way, the previous model could only hold 500 contacts). For everything else, namely for music, you can use external memory, which is provided by a microSD card up to 32 gigabytes inclusive.
Let us briefly list the main features of Elari NanoPhone C, which were achieved thanks to the operating system:
- Bluetooth sync with any smartphone running iOS or Android.
- Automatic recording of Bluetooth conversations both on the phone itself and on the device to which it is connected.
Elari NanoPhone C multimedia review
Now we will analyze a small range of multimedia capabilities of the phone. There is no camera on it, both the main one and, of course, the front one. Therefore, you should forget about photographs and video recording initially. Also, the anti-smartphone does not give us the opportunity to view photos and any other graphic images.
However, there are also positives:
- MP3 player. On a flash card, you can record any MP3 songs and use your phone as a player. If you insert a microSD, say, 32 GB, then this is about one thousand tracks. More than enough for even the pickiest music connoisseurs, the ability to create playlists is also present.
- Dictaphone. The recording is carried out in a very decent quality, and the files are saved in the ARM format, which is common for this. Plus, as mentioned above in the article, there is a record in the phone telephone conversation, which, by the way, was not in the first version.
We will not dwell on the speaking microphone and the vibrating function separately. They are absolutely standard and work properly.
Advanced interface Elari NanoPhone C
Before proceeding to the description of the “internal” capabilities of the phone, I would like to mention its connectors and wireless modules. On the top edge of the phone is a microUSB connector through which charging and connecting the smartphone to the computer. On the bottom edge there is a microSIM slot, as well as a standard 3.5 mm headset or headphone jack, a microSD flash card slot and a speaking microphone. The speaker is located above the display. There are no controls on the side faces.
Let's move on to the interface: there are no Wi-Fi and GPS options familiar to us, of course, there is no access to the Internet either. Let's take a closer look at the most basic and widescreen feature that is present in the Elari NanoPhone C - Bluetooth:
- Bluetooth allows you to synchronize your phone with any Android or IOS device, so you can listen to music not only from the NanoPhone C itself, but also from a connected device.
- A telephone conversation can be recorded both on the main smartphone and on the paired with it.
- Finally, the most main opportunity is a function wireless headset. The bottom line is that the call comes to your Android smartphone connected via Bluetooth, and you answer it with NanoPhone C. According to the manufacturer, when using the phone, the level of exposure is significantly reduced, which has a beneficial effect on physical health.
Autonomous work Elari NanoPhone C
The smartphone has accumulator battery with a declared capacity of 280 mAh. The manufacturer claims that the phone will work:
- up to 4 hours talk time;
- up to 4 days in standby mode.
By the way, the manufacturer has not announced any option fast charging, however, when using the original 5V/1A adapter from Elari, the phone charges in just over 20 minutes, which is already quite a plus.
Elari NanoFon C: why is it an anti-smartphone
Russian developers, after several unsuccessful attempts to release competitive smartphones, realized that they were far from the level of American and even Chinese colleagues. That is why they decided to go the other way and start producing anti-smartphones.
I would like to note that Elari NanoPhone C is certainly in the leading positions in its segment. Why did the device get such a strange name - anti-smartphone? It is lightweight, compact, can work for a long time without recharging, despite its simplicity, has a Bluetooth option, an MP3 player and many other functions. Thanks to a good communication module, you will always be available for calls, even if you are outside the city in nature. A durable plastic case will reliably protect the phone from drops, and many users can afford its low cost. The device is completely out of the line of similar as one android devices.
Elari engineers did not forget to add some zest to NanoPhone C, namely, the "Magic Voice" function. You can enable this mode for incoming and outgoing calls. The bottom line is that thanks to this option, your voice will change beyond recognition. You will be able to speak in any of the voices offered for selection:
- male bass;
- voiced children's falsetto;
- melodic female soprano.
The price of Elari NanoPhone C in Russia is 2,990 rubles.
And here is a video review of the device:
Writes to us Sebastian.
Most modern smartphones are quite large and therefore not always convenient. Apple has so far successfully resisted this dubious trend, but, apparently, this bastion will soon fall. If rumors are to be believed, the next iPhone will either be 4.7 or 5 inches. In this review, I will consider a device that implements the opposite approach - severe, bordering on insanity miniaturization. Telephone Lexand Mini- and this is exactly push-button telephone, not a smartphone - at first it seems like a keychain or a souvenir lighter. Let it be heavy, cute and metal, but still a key ring - and nothing more. Looking at it, you assume that its functionality is minimal - except for the quite logical ability to make calls. Indeed, what can be expected from a "nano-phone" with dimensions of half a pack of cigarettes? But in reality, everything turns out to be much more interesting, and the external “prettyness” of the device does not affect its capabilities so dramatically.
What does he look like?
Let's make a reservation right away that the “nano-phone” is on sale in three body colors: black, white and bright orange.
This review is based on the results of testing the orange (the brightest and most memorable) version of the device. The functionality of the other color versions is completely identical.
Lexand Mini looks great - a fact. There are such British phones for very wealthy citizens - they are called Vertu. So, the device from Lexand is very similar in design to the push-button models of Vertu, only it is three times smaller (and two hundred times cheaper!).
The dimensions of the device are 93 x 39 x 15 mm with a weight of 75 g. The numbers in this case cannot clearly describe the dimensions of the device, so here are a number of photos with various things and accessories:
I would also add that the dimensions Nokia phone 105 - the smallest model in the line of the Finnish company - are equal to 107 x 49 x 14 mm. That is, Lexand is much smaller, it easily fits into the lighter pocket found on most jeans.
The body of the Lexand Mini is unexpectedly high quality. The phone is on sale at a price of 1,190 rubles, and in some stores it can even be found for 990 rubles. So, in a device with such a price, you expect plastic, and of the lowest quality. It may very well be that even with burrs. But no, Lexand Mini is made of solid metal. In any case, it is from this material that the frame framing the front panel is cast, as well as the massive (by the standards of such a baby) battery cover. The latter sits very tightly - there is not even a hint of backlash. The remaining elements of the body, however, also fit well.
The base of the case, as mentioned above, can be black, white or orange (in the pictures it is the last option) - it is made either from some kind of light alloy, or from plastic. The material could not be accurately identified for the reason that it is covered with a thick layer of paint.
Despite the price, Lexand Mini gives the impression of a rather expensive and well-made thing - largely due to tactile sensations (metal after all), as well as weight, which, recall, is 75 g. similar device this is a lot, that is, the balance of dimensions and weight is in no way respected. In this specific case this is good - if the phone were a third lighter, and it would seem like a toy, a key chain, some kind of Chinese children's toy. And so - yes! Phone! And, probably, "expensive". This is how the Lexand Mini was perceived by most of the people I showed it to. It causes a serious WOW effect - there were no indifferent people at all! Even ardent fans of sensory shovel phones most often reported intentions to buy it. Moreover, everyone strove to buy exactly the sample in question, which they felt.
I note that the “nano-phone” is not necessarily good for daily full-fledged use. It is quite possible to buy it as a second phone or as a useful and unusual looking gift for someone you know. Or just "for fun".
Although such a device has one very useful application - as a keychain for keys or other things that are often lost in an apartment, in a car, in the country. Often, when searching for this or that object, the thought comes to mind: I wish I could call it now! With such a keychain, finding a lost keychain will no longer be a problem.
How is he at work?
With work, everything is somewhat more complicated than with appearance. Moreover, questions arise not to functionality and not even to the level of implementation of functions, but for the most part to ergonomics, which is logical. The keyboard is very small - it is difficult to type SMS on it. No, you can get used to it over time, but you should not expect the convenience achieved in the case of a touchscreen with a large diagonal. The same applies to the 5-position navigation key - it is small, and it is not always possible to hit its edge on the first try. Again, the main thing is to get used to it.
Connects to a computer and charges the Lexand Mini via the MiniUSB port, that is, cables and chargers from most modern mobile devices it will not fit, because they use MicroUSB. The MiniUSB connector also serves to connect a bundled headset, while there is no 3.5 mm jack on the case. This means that listening to music this phone possible, but hardly justified: the sound quality is clearly not like that of an iPod. Improving the situation with the help of third-party headphones will not work - how many “ears” do you know with MiniUSB plugs? There are, of course, "MiniUSB-3.5 mm" adapters, but this is not the most elegant option.
The multimedia speaker located on the rear panel should be praised: it produces a loud and rich sound, it is quite difficult to miss a call. Vibration is average in strength, but it's good that it exists at all - in such a miniature phone it could have been abandoned.
The situation with the voice speaker is as follows: the quality of speech transmission is generally not bad, but it is difficult to talk on Lexand Mini on a noisy street - the interlocutor will hear fragments of phrases. This is probably to be blamed on the lack of hardware or software "noise reduction" that we are used to in modern smartphones.
Lexand Mini keeps running with two SIM cards– the slots are under the battery. They are in MiniSIM format. You can insert MicroSIM or NanoSIM into them, but you will have to thoroughly tinker with the location of the card in order for the phone to see it. It's better to use an adapter. The radio module in the phone is expected to be one, so that during a conversation on one SIM card, the second one will be disconnected from cellular network and stay out of reach.
Here, under the back cover, there is a slot for a microSD card. The device “eats” cards with a capacity of up to 16 GB without any problems. Installing a flash drive in Lexand Mini is worth at least for storing ringtones, since the device allows you to set an MP3 melody for each contact. Its memory in the model is no more than 60 kb, with which you certainly will not clear up.
In theory, a memory card is also needed for music tracks (I already talked about the situation with them above) in an embrace with photos. But only in theory: the 0.3-megapixel camera in the Lexand Mini is clearly for show, the image quality is simply depressing. Video too. On the other hand, even such a camera is enough to take a photo of business cards or ads (see below).
The battery capacity is 400 mAh, the phone will work for 5 days in an active state. And if in standby mode (like a keychain) - then a whole week.
The phone interface is made in the form of a carousel with 3D icons, it is displayed on a 1.44-inch screen with a resolution of 176 x 144 pixels. The quality of the display is not bad by the standards of such devices, the picture is distinguishable in the sun. It is foolish to demand more from him.
Here is a list of the most important points, options and features of the Lexand Mini:
– the screensaver of the lock screen is made in the form of a mechanical clock, it looks pretty;
- the translation is generally done with high quality, I did not find frank jambs;
– each contact can be assigned up to 5 numbers;
- there is a black list that allows you to ignore people you don't like;
– Bluetooth support is implemented, you can exchange files and connect a headset;
– there is a voice recorder with WAV recording, the quality is surprisingly good;
– there is an FM radio that works only with a connected headset;
- there is a calendar, calculator, file manager, reader e-books and the game "Snake";
- support for Java and mobile internet not available in Lexand Mini.
What is the result?
In general, it's great that Lexand, previously known for tablets, smartphones, satellite navigators, DVRs and other quite standard gadgets, suddenly released such a cool nano-phone. There was nothing like it on the market before, although such a product, in my opinion, was very lacking. For what? Paired with the iPad, which makes buying a smartphone no longer so mandatory. As a dialer with an additional number to pair with a "smart phone", since, as we all know, the iPhone has only one SIM card slot.
Well, and a very special scenario for using such a phone - as a key fob, helping to quickly and easily find them in case of loss. Finally, just as an inexpensive, but useful and cool gift, you can buy a “pack” of such Lexand Minis and, for example, give them to all your friends for the New Year.
The NanoPhone, Elari's designer "anti-smartphone" is the perfect second phone and absolutely deserves a separate offline SIM for it. YOU WILL BE VERY CONVENIENT TO LIVE having a weightless, beautiful, loud and convenient NanoPhone as your favorite phone for calls, SMS and music, especially when the Internet, Odnoklassniki or Facebook are absolutely superfluous!
NanoPhone is also a "smart" Bluetooth headset for your smartphone: using NanoPhone you can receive/make calls via your smartphone using its address book, view/copy contacts, call smartphone contacts via NanoPhone SIM card, and vice versa. Moreover, this device has an excellent quality Bluetooth connection with a smartphone or speakers / headphones!
HOW YOU CAN USE NANOPHONE:
- Take your NanoPhone with you when you go for a walk, or ride a bike, or go to the forest, as well as to the gym, to a nearby store, cafe or club. ... There is no need to carry a bulky and expensive smartphone with you everywhere. If someone needs to find you or you need to contact someone - your favorite NanoPhone will help you out! And you can listen to music or audio books through the NanoPhone speaker or headphones/speaker (note: kit not included).
- Keep your smartphone in your bag or backpack (especially in Rio de Janeiro or the Bronx!) and the weightless NanoPhone in your pocket or on the neck strap (included), pair your NanoPhone with your smartphone via Bluetooth and you won't miss any important calls !
- If you need to use two phones at the same time, NanoPhone won't take up much space in addition to your smartphone or phablet; and at a business meeting, your smartphone and NanoPhone laid out on the table will look very stylish and original.
- When traveling, install a local SIM card with local Internet in your smartphone, and a home SIM card in NanoPhone, and you will always stay in touch without missing important calls and SMS, while saving on roaming.
- Install a NanoPhone SIM card with disabled caller ID, and let you always have a phone at hand for calls that you do not need to call back!
- Give a NanoPhone to your child, for whom a smartphone with its YouTube, social networks and games is not at all useful; write Bach, audio books or educational programs to the SD card, and let the child experience the wonderful world without the Web!
ELARI NANOPHONE AWARDS:
Winner of the "Best Design at DISTREE 2016" award, St. Petersburg, June 2016
- World's smallest GSM phone weighing only 32g!
- Voice calls and SMS via own microSIM (GSM 850/900/1800/1900)
- Bluetooth synchronization with your smartphone (contacts, incoming/outgoing calls)
- Listen to music through an MP3 player from an SD card (up to 32 GB) through the built-in speaker, headphones or Bluetooth speaker
- High quality aluminum body, silicone keyboard, bright OLED display
- Vibration and airplane modes
- Battery capacity: up to 4 hours talk time, up to 4 days standby time
- 3.5mm headphone/charging/data jack
Contents of delivery:
- Ultra-thin anti-smartphone Elari NanoPhone
- carbine
- neck strap
- Nano/micro SIM adapter
- SIM ejector
Now push-button phones can only cause nostalgia: the world is developing at a rapid pace, and there is no place left for archaic and monofunctional devices. However, Elari decided that dialers still have a future, and released NanoPhone C. Moreover, the manufacturer emphasizes its uniqueness and classifies the device into the class of “anti-smartphones”, and not just push-button mobile phones. What is special about it and why can it be relevant in the era of smartphones?
Characteristics
GSM frequencies 850/900/1800/1900
Memory 32 MB (up to 1000 contacts)
TFT display, 1.0", 128x96
Platform Mediatek MT6261D
Battery 280 mAh (up to 4 hours talk time, up to 4 days standby time)
micro SIM card
microSD card up to 32 GB
Dimensions 94.4 x 35.8 x 7.6 mm
Equipment
In the box, in addition to the phone, there is a USB charging cable, headphones with a headset, and a paper clip to remove the SIM card.
Design, ergonomics, screen
Out of the box, the phone comes with a neck strap. I think that almost any user, having laughed, will remove it and carry the device in their pocket.
The first thing you notice about the NanoPhone C is its size. The phone is close in size and weight to a simple lighter. The compactness of the device affects the entire user experience: you don’t feel it in your pocket, but you take it in your hand with caution, since there’s nothing corny to grab onto. But all this passes in the course of getting used to the dimensions of the device.
In addition to the traditional set of buttons, there is also an inch TFT display on the front. Above it, you can see the slot of the conversational speaker (by the way, it is also multimedia). At the top end there is a MicroUSB connector and a strap mount.
From the bottom you can see a microphone hole, a 3.5mm headphone jack, slots for microSD and SIM cards.
Briefly about functions
As a standalone device, NanoPhone C is no different from a regular dialer: there is a phone book, an MP3 player, a voice recorder with call recording, an alarm clock and an FM radio. However, what makes the device special is the functionality tied to synchronization via Bluetooth. Therefore, NanoPhone C should be considered as a smartphone companion.
Use cases withBluetooth
Elari NanoPhone C can be used as a headset. You just throw your smartphone into your backpack and receive Bluetooth calls. The device automatically synchronizes contacts, so you can not only receive calls, but also call other subscribers without touching your smartphone. This is convenient if you take into account the dimensions of the device. However, you can go further and insert a second SIM card into the Elari slot: thanks to a dedicated radio module, calls are received from both numbers. This configuration is suitable if you have a separate number for work, and your smartphone has only one slot for a SIM card.
Also, the device can play music via Bluetooth. There is no need to talk about the sound quality, since the phone does not support the aptX protocol, which allows transmitting lossless audio, and also lacks advanced circuitry in the audio path. However, the very ability to use Elari NanoPhone C as a Bluetooth receiver is undoubtedly useful. For example, you go to the gym. On a treadmill, listening to music from a healthy smartphone is inconvenient, so you hook Elari to it via Bluetooth and run with a 30-gram crumb in your pocket - the phone consistently picks up a signal at a distance of up to 10 meters.
Against the background of Elari's Bluetooth integration, any statements about the fact that this is an "anti-smartphone" are perceived with a grain of salt. However, one cannot fail to note the convenience of linking the device with other devices. Therefore, the term "companion phone" is much better suited to the NanoPhone C.
autonomy
The battery in Elari NanoPhone C has a capacity of 280 mAh. This device is enough for 4 hours of talk time or 4 days of standby time. In Bluetooth headset mode, the battery is consumed faster, but the day active work device survives. The pleasant side of the low battery capacity was the charging speed - from the 5V / 1A adapter, Elari charges in a little more than 20 minutes.
conclusions
Elari NanoPhone C is of little interest as the main device, since in this vein it is no different from other "dialers". But it's worth syncing it via Bluetooth with a smartphone, and new use cases open up that make the NanoPhone C interesting. The controversial point is the price of 2990 rubles. On the one hand, it's a bit too much for a "dialer". But on the other hand, for a new user experience is quite acceptable.
By the word "phone" we most often mean a smartphone with a huge screen and many functions. But just recently, a small push-button telephone was much more respected than a "computer in your pocket." Sometimes it is a phone that is needed, which is not a pity to take with you on a hike and drown in some kind of pond. A phone that won't run out of battery in a day (because it has nothing to run out of). It’s more rational for tablet users to have a simple “dialer” as their main phone, and not an expensive smartphone, duplicating the functions of a “tablet” in half. Another important point for many: a smartphone, even a golden iPhone with an engraved portrait of the first persons of the state, today you will not surprise anyone.
As you might have guessed, the nano phone Lexand Mini- Solving all the problems mentioned. Why "nano"? Because it is the smallest push-button phone in Russia. The device has very modest characteristics by modern standards. But he is able to work with two SIM cards in the GSM standard. And it looks like Vertu Ascent 2010, only it costs almost 240 times cheaper - 990 rubles. After a short acquaintance with the apparatus, no one really remains indifferent: no one has done this before!
Specifications
- Processor: SPREADTRUM 6531
- Slot for memory cards: yes (support for cards microSD memory up to 32 GB)
- Screen: TFT, 1.44 inches
- Screen resolution: 176 x 144
- Number of SIM cards: two (miniSIM)
- Interfaces: Bluetooth 4.0, USB
- Camera: 0.3MP
- Battery: Li-Ion, 400 mAh, removable
- Case material: metal
- Dimensions: 93x39x15 mm
- Weight: 75g
- Price: 990 r. (average price according to Yandex.Market at the time of writing).
Design, management, dimensions
When you first see this phone, it seems that in front of you is an ordinary children's toy - a small, simple phone with buttons. Even in the middle of the 2000s, when the pursuit of minimalism was observed, it was hardly possible to see a phone of such a small size. Especially the contrast of the dimensions of this nano-phone is impressive against the background of modern phablets.
The phone comes in three colors - bright orange, white and black.
When you carry a model in your pocket, sometimes it seems that you have lost it. On the table, Lexand Mini can hide behind a passport, wallet, or even bank card(after all, the phone is smaller than hers).
The body design of the device is similar to representatives of Vertu business smartphones. In any case, the features of the upper part with conversational speaker definitely borrowed from British models.
If the device has no equal in length and width, then it is too big in thickness. Even Nokia's first slider smartphones were thinner. On the other hand, a slim body with such a small width would be frankly uncomfortable to hold in your hands.
Most of the case is made of metal, only the buttons are plastic. Because of the steel, the phone gained a lot of weight - 75 grams. This is slightly smaller than other 3.5-inch smartphones. It is due to the weight of the Lexand Mini that it is pleasant to hold in the hand and it does not seem cheap or toy.
On top of the cover are the camera (0.3 megapixels) and a small (but loud) speaker, which is covered with a metal mesh. The name of the model is written at the bottom of the back side.
In addition, the phone is equipped with a strap attachment, which is suitable for the role of a keychain model. Probably, during the next search throughout the apartment for keys to the front door or car, the thought came to everyone: “Damn! Call them now!!!"
The battery cover is made of solid metal, as mentioned above, this significantly affected the weight of the device. On the other hand, the increase went to Lexand Mini only for the good, the product got at least some seriousness.
A speaker is located above the display in a triangle, the screen itself occupies almost half of the front of the phone. The model has a simple color TFT-display with a diagonal of 1.44 inches and a resolution of 144 x 176 pixels and. With this ratio, we can talk about high pixel density - only 158 PPI. Individual pixels are clearly distinguishable, but there is not a single task for which this would become a critical minus. Even inverting at small viewing angles allows you to read textual information. And watching a movie on such a screen is unlikely to come to someone's mind, right?
The lower part of the front side is occupied by a plastic keyboard. It is notable for the presence of two call keys, each for its own SIM card. Using the keyboard is difficult at first, the best impressions from the Lexand Mini will surely remain with the owners of small fingers or long nails - that is, rather girls. However, you can also get used to it. In the end, the letter keys on virtual keyboard in smartphones, not much more, but SMS most of us are gaining almost at a cosmic speed.
There is only one functional connector in the device - it is the usual MiniUSB, designed for charging and photo traverse. Slots for both SIM cards, as well as for MicroSD are located under the battery.
The model comes with a 400 mAh battery, which is a decent indicator for a push-button dialer. Up to a week without an outlet, this “baby” will definitely last.
The build quality pleases, despite the price of the device, there were no special questions - with the exception of a slight backlash of the buttons on the keyboard. Nothing creaks or squeezes through, even in a few unintentional falls, the lid did not fly off.
Operating system and preinstalled applications
As expected, the phone is equipped with firmware from the manufacturer. The OS interface is simple - main screen, menus, file manager, a few primitive games and settings.
The home screen has notification icons, clock and date. Buildings background - customizable, the image can be set to the user's choice.
You can listen to music from a memory card. Moreover, for this there are special headphones included in the phone package. Special - because these headphones are inserted ... into USB port. The headphones were deprived of a microphone and an answer button - that is, this is not a headset. In addition, the sound quality in the headphones is very poor, the absence of low frequencies during playback is noticeable. But the "multimedia" speaker, on the contrary, is very loud.
The list menu provides access to settings, games, contacts, calls, files, camera, etc. Through the file manager, you can view photos, play music and transfer various files via Bluetooth.
The phone is equipped with slots for two SIM cards, only the GSM network is supported.
The general list of contacts is in the corresponding menu. You can separately view contacts for each SIM-card, there is an option to create your own group of subscribers, as well as import / export contacts.
Viewing and dialing of SMS messages is provided. You can find quick response templates with the ability to add your own. It is possible to set a password for access to SMS messages.
A choice is given which SIM-card will be in standby mode - this is a natural consequence of the presence of one radio module. There are also the usual settings like a reminder of the time of the call, automatic last number dialing, vibration on connection, etc.
Offline work
For such a “baby”, a 400 mAh battery is quite a normal indicator. Still, there is no 3G here, and you won’t be able to watch Full HD either. If you limit yourself to calls for a maximum of 20-25 minutes a day, the model will do without an outlet for 6-7 days - exactly in the style of classic phones of the early 2000s. We talk longer - we are preparing to look for an outlet once every four days. Note that now there are enough inexpensive external batteries with a capacity of at least 2,000 mAh, so you can safely go on a hike for a month with Lexand Mini.
Camera
The only 0.3 megapixel camera is made rather “for show”, it is impossible to achieve any decent picture quality from it. Even photographing the text for the model seems to be an insoluble problem. That is, you can take a picture, but you can’t make out anything in a mess of pixels.
Conclusion
Against the backdrop of all modern technology, when smartphones outperform some PCs in performance, Lexand Mini at first glance seems like a "hello from the past." Upon closer inspection, it turns out that the model performs its functions properly, and is not deprived of functionality - there is support for two SIM-cards, a slot for a memory card, music playback, FM radio. On the plus side, we note the variety of three color options for the case, which, by the way, is made of metal. It will not be superfluous for someone to be able to turn the phone into a keychain. And of course, it is 100% well suited for the role of an original gift.
The minuses of the device are predictable - mediocre speakers, uncomfortable keyboard for big fingers, tiny display. However, the “wow factor” and the price of only 990 rubles more than cover all the disadvantages of the “first nano-phone in Russia”.
Pros:
- miniature body;
- design a la Vertu;
- metal case;
- support for two SIM-cards;
- separate call buttons for each SIM card;
- autonomy up to one week;
- Three body color options.
Minuses:
- too small keys;
- low sound quality;
- bad camera.
Loading...