P-UP World has released a flip phone that returns to the roots of the form factor. Rather than using a foldable OLED display, the Mode 1 Retro II has a pair of small displays and physical controls for equivalent to US$199 in Japan.
I like it so far, although it does have some quirks. I find that I tend to ignore the bottom half and just hold the top bit like I would hold a normal phone. Not super fast, but it goes easily in my pocket, and now I have the nickname "Flip phone".
It's definitely cut down on my doom scrolling, but ironically it's increased my talk minutes.
I dislike needing a dongle to plug headphones in, but I got some Anker Bluetooth earbuds, and am listening to more music and podcasts, since it goes in a pocket instead of in my jacket or clipped to my belt.
I have an e-reader, and I've picked it up more often now, since reading on this thing is harder on the eyes.
Relying on swipe more, so more typos, sadly.
So when the clamshell is closed, music/podcast apps still work as normal? I guess it's the same thing as a screen turning off on a normal phone, right?
Does the exterior screen show anything besides the time?
Yep, audio keeps going perfectly.
The external display shows time, notifications, battery level, and signal bars.
The notifications is literally just an envelope if I have an unopened email or SMS. Doesn't tell me Telegram or anything else like that.