Unfortunately, the July 2019 launch of the new F(x)tec Pro1, equipped with a physical sliding QWERTY keyboard, was missed. However, this week the development team responsible for the unique smartphone have announced it will soon be shipping and available in the next few weeks. Originally launched as a crowdfunding project via Indiegogo back in 2017, the project raised over £127,000 thanks to over 1000 backers as a physical keyboard for the Moto Z. Since then, the development team have decided to create their very own Android smartphone complete with a unique sliding keyboard, providing a “personal organiser” style device for the 21st century.
Innovative Design and Features
The F(x)tec Pro1 smartphone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor supported by 6GB of RAM and equipped with 128GB of storage. The phone sports a 6-inch AMOLED display offering users a resolution of 2160 x 1080 pixels and is priced at around $699 for the smartphone and sliding keyboard. The Pro1 packs a 3200 mAh battery for all-day use with enough power to withstand up to 10 hours of talk time and 480 hours of standby time. Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology enables up to 50 percent charge in roughly 36 minutes.
The sliding keyboard is one of the standout features of the F(x)tec Pro1. Unlike many modern smartphones that rely solely on touchscreen input, the Pro1 offers a physical keyboard that slides out from behind the screen. This design is reminiscent of older smartphones and PDAs, providing a tactile typing experience that many users still appreciate. The keyboard includes a full QWERTY layout, complete with function keys and shortcuts, making it ideal for productivity tasks such as emailing, document editing, and coding.
Software and Usability
The F(x)tec Pro1 runs on a near-stock version of Android, ensuring a clean and bloatware-free user experience. This choice of operating system allows for greater customization and flexibility, catering to both casual users and tech enthusiasts. Additionally, the Pro1 supports dual-boot functionality, enabling users to install alternative operating systems such as LineageOS or Sailfish OS. This feature is particularly appealing to developers and those who prefer open-source software.
The camera setup on the F(x)tec Pro1 is also noteworthy. It features a dual-camera system on the rear, with a 12MP primary sensor and a 5MP secondary sensor for depth sensing. The front-facing camera is an 8MP sensor, suitable for selfies and video calls. While the camera specifications may not rival those of flagship smartphones, they are more than adequate for everyday photography needs.
Another significant aspect of the F(x)tec Pro1 is its connectivity options. The smartphone includes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and support for microSD cards up to 2TB. These features ensure that users have multiple options for expanding storage and connecting peripherals, enhancing the overall versatility of the device.
The F(x)tec Pro1 is a unique and innovative smartphone that combines modern technology with a nostalgic design. Its sliding keyboard, powerful hardware, and flexible software options make it a compelling choice for those who value productivity and customization. As the device prepares to ship in the coming weeks, it will be interesting to see how it is received by the market and whether it can carve out a niche among the plethora of touchscreen-only smartphones available today.
Source: F(x)tec Pro1 : Liliputing
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