Toaster Brand Creates Its Own Legit Smartphone, Seeing Phone Makers’ Blind Spots
Image via Balmuda
In Japan, the name Balmuda is one associated with sleek, minimalist kitchen appliances like toasters and electric kettles.
So, the news that the company has designed its own smartphone is pretty unexpected. But it has. And this 5G phone has managed to be quite a unique standout in the crowd of smartphones, which all have quite a standard look and silhouette, and, frankly, don’t quite fit in your palm.
With a screen of just 4.9 inches, the Balmuda Phone is one that doesn’t include any straight lines, the company describes. Its shape was designed to fit the hand naturally, hence its curved back. But upon closer look, the shape of the device when viewed from the front is also a curve—albeit gentler.
The company is claiming that this makes it the only smartphone whose proportions don’t include any straight lines, which makes for “simple yet comfortable” usage. The fact that smartphones aren’t its specialty allows it to truly design one from a consumer’s standpoint.
Image via Balmuda
The Balmuda Phone’s primary speaker, camera, and fingerprint reader that doubles as the power button are all located on the back of the phone. At the bottom is a USB-C port, but the device also supports wireless charging.
Image via Balmuda
It’ll run Android 11 and comes with Google Play and a few basic apps pre-installed. One key feature of its software is how it can be easily customized to fit the user’s fancy.
Image via Balmuda
Image via Balmuda
For now, it’ll only be available in Japan, as it’s being handled by SoftBank, a local telecommunications carrier. Pre-orders are open now, while release is planned for November 26. The Balmuda Phone runs ¥104,800, which is around US$912.
It might be worth it to watch the confusion on someone’s face when you tell them that you have a 5G-compatible Balmuda in your back pocket, though.
[via Ars Technica, images via Balmuda]
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