A decisive "regrettable" point, not just the price that calmly evaluates "BALMUDA Phone"

"BALMUDA Phone" made by Balmuda.The BALMUDA logo on the back stands out.

At the end of 2021, Balmuda's first "BALMUDA Phone" became a hot topic in many ways. While many products have focused on cameras and cospa in recent years, there are expectations for the entry of Balmuda, which is known for its popular toasters, and in August, a new brand "Balmuda Technologies" that handles IT equipment was announced. [Image] Home screen that seems to be preferred by middle-aged and older people The BALMUDA Phone released on November 16, 2021 is a middle-class model that focuses on one-handed operability with a design and simple usability. However, the Balmuda sales model is 104,800 yen (tax included, same below), and the Softbank sales model is 143,280 yen, which is a big topic on the Internet including that matter. However, the new entry of Japanese manufacturers after a long time, what kind of product BALMUDA Phone is can be understood only by touching it. In this article, let's talk about the usability of BALMUDA Phone and the regrettable part.

Rounded design reminiscent of the iPhone 3G

Let's first look at the basic specifications and appearance. Equipped with a 4.9-inch full HD (1080 x 1920 pixels) liquid crystal display. The external connection terminal uses USB Type-C, and is compatible with Osaifu-Keitai and water resistance (IPX4). The OS is Android 11. The size is lightweight and compact, with a size of 69 (width) x 123 (height) x 13.7 (thickness) mm and a weight of 138 g. The back is rounded in both vertical and horizontal directions, so it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. However, the width around the screen is as wide as 69 mm, and it is not so easy to hold compared to other compact models. For smartphones that are easy to grip and have a wide screen and are easy to use, there are models such as the "Xperia 10 III" with a width of 68 mm, the "iPhone 13 mini" and "iPhone 12 mini" with a width of 64.2 mm, and the "Rakuten Hand" with a width of 63 mm. Rather than practicality, the design of BALMUDA Phone is a modern combination of elements such as the "iPhone 3G / 3GS", the old rounded design mobile phone, and the textured finish that makes the feel even a little better, and you can enjoy a nostalgic feeling. It would be better to say something.

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