Sidephone is a new stylish dumb phone with a swappable keypad and up to 8 days of battery, will ship globally
If you're wondering what a dumb phone is, it’s basically a stripped-down mobile device built for calling, texting, and handling a few essentials, without the endless apps and distractions of a regular smartphone. The Sidephone is an upcoming entry in this space, targeted towards people who want to cut back on smartphone use without giving up basic functionality. Priced at $249, the Sidephone will give you essential apps with a unique physical keypad system that can be swapped out depending on your needs.
The phone comes with a 2.8-inch touchscreen, a 12MP rear camera, and support for 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It also includes modern conveniences like USB-C charging, a web browser, and apps such as WhatsApp, Apple Music, and Uber, alongside traditional phone functions. The device runs its own custom repurposed Android OS, which is still under development. The prototype shown publicly in the featured image is a non-functional unit, but a working version is expected to be demonstrated soon.
One of the Sidephone’s more noticeable features is the modular keypad system. Using magnets and clips, users can switch between different keypad layouts based on what they find comfortable. Early renders show options like a full numeric keypad, a larger button grid, and a minimal layout with fewer keys.
The design itself leans on a retro look with clean lines and a compact frame. The Sidephone also comes unlocked for global use and features an 1,800mAh battery that, under light usage, is expected to last several days between charges.
Pre-orders aren’t open yet, but interest seems to be racking up. The company is planning to roll out updates as they get closer to launch.
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