Saw this phone previewed on a website and I thought it looks class. Been seeing some old Nokia Lumia phones and only now am I appreciating their designs. Today's phones are all same, same. Keep reviewing these unique phones please! Great work.
Lumia 925 is the most Beautiful smartphone design ever. It's both simple concept but complex organic curves that are perfectly proportioned. The camera bump is the Design Feature.
@@Neojhun I remember a friend of mine had the 925 some years ago and I loved it's design to the near point of buying myself one,I wish there was a phone today looking as good as that,it would mean an instant buy from me.
Because the past 10 years was all about by all phone makers: Let's copy the iphone. Both good and bad ideas. Let's not be unique, but a copycat and a clone. It bothers me to no end, even though I own iphones.
This phone reminds me of the old Xperia phones. Beautiful design, beautiful and sensible widgets, apps and system UI, notification light, the curved back, the ergonomic fingerprint sensor placement, small form factor, cool ringtones, and a bit overpriced. I might just be the target demographic.
1s look pretty much the same as Zs tho, flat slab with glass/sometimes metal, back. which was literally the thing that made them beautiful and diffrent from all others that had curved plastic at that time. curved plastics were even before that but that was way before fingerprint sensors were a thing so what the fuck are you talking about
Yeah, man! Wish there were more companies trying to do something different like this. Maybe we’d get a lot phones with a low price. A phone for every personality. Haina bhana ta?
Unfortunately, Japan is allergic to value oriented products in general. Everything costs a premium over there, likely due to the severe amount of importing that an island nation starved of natural resources has to do.
Well...having options like poco 3x pro for less, maybe for 150 in that form factor considering the atrocious camera u could say it's decent, but not for 300
Funny enough that this phone is being roasted so hard in Japan for the exact reason. The company had temporarily suspend orders. Even with carrier plan it's still hella expensive.
Pretty interesting design and I love the smaller form factor but at that price no way If it only costs half of what they are asking I would actually consider it
I was thinking it was a $300 phone and when he said the price I almost choked. Before that, I was thinking it would not be bad to have this as a burner phone for camping and hiking excursions since it looks rugged and comfortable, but when I saw the battery life and the giant hole punch, I then thought I wouldn't own it for $300.
After all the compromises you mentioned I kept telling myself "who cares, that thing is beautiful" until that 900 dollars price tag. Okay, that's not for me
I wish phones were smaller again. My Sony Xperia Z5 compact recently broke and I got the Xperia 10 IV, which is just ridiculously long. Could easily be 1 1/2 inches shorter and be much more comfortable to use.
This is what I love so much about Android. It allows so many companies to create these wild unique devices and yet they get the support of through millions of App developers making Software for them.
For real, I loved my Moto X devices (had one of each generation). They felt, well, good in my hands. And while I've since switched to Sony Xperia devices, which are frankly much better in most ways, having something that's easy to hold/handle is underrated nowadays. This phone could've been a cool mid-ranger with a few tweaks and half the price tag.
My favorite thing about this video is your relentless pursuit to appreciate any goodness in this unsuccessful attempt, and to provide a "balanced review". Zoomable calendars and notes are a very neat idea! Thank you Michael. I hope you always remain kind and honest in your reviews. In feedback, I think the video had a few awkward absences of smooth transitions when your voice-over started, like at 4:34 and 8:14.
Yeah, I agree. I'm stuck using almost 4 years old XZ2 Compact because there's no alternative nowadays. Yes, iPhone Mini series do exist, but I only use Android.
Yeah, this was part of why I'm not buying new, current devices. Just too tall to use comfortably with one hand. Over a year ago, I bought a second-hand Moto X2 to replace my Nexus 5 that I've had for 7 years, and it still works wonders, especially after installing LineageOS, and later, AICP.
@@fs10inator Yes! As a petite woman, heaven forbid I want a phone that fits in my pocket or I can comfortably use with one hand. Really considering the Flip 3, or maybe 4 when it comes out because I love the clamshell form factor but even when you flip those open you still have a gigantic screen that's challenging in one hand
@@jenkenj You could probably have it folded halfway for possibly easier one-handed use, but I never had my hands on a flip smartphone, let alone use one, so all this is beyond me.
@@fs10inator Ditto, I've only played with them in the store. I grew up with "dumb" flip phones (graduated high school in 06) and omg being able to flip your phone open and closed is soooo oddly satisfying lol. I keep saying if someone makes an updated version of the LG Lotus I am SOLD! By far my fave clamshell ever and part of me craves to have a qwerty keyboard again ha
Balmuda toasters are the best I’ve ever used. They really make perfect toast. Sounds crazy, but until you’ve used one it’s hard to imagine. As far as the phone I think they were, as stated in the review, focusing on ergonomics over performance, which for an average user is probably perfectly fine, but I think they pushed performance too far into the background. Great review as usual, glad I got to see one of these in action.
“Balmuda toasters are the best I’ve ever used. They really make perfect toast. Sounds crazy, but until you’ve used one it’s hard to imagine. ” Even better than the crazy expensive Mitsubishi toaster?
Apart from always being mesmerized by the videos on this channel, I have to thank MrMobile for expanding the horizons of our awareness. Its videos like these that reinforce the fact that he doesn't restrict himself to the US market but goes beyond borders if there is something to learn. Kudos to you good sir.
I used to say I never cared about the camera on my phone. Then I went from the S20 ultra to the z flip 3. As it turns out, I kind of actually care about the camera. And the z flip is really middle of the road. Glad you used it as a reference. Still love the phone, I dont think I'll ever go back to a slab again. But the compromises are very much real.
That is a gorgeous looking phone! Reminded me of the 2nd gen iPhone with the rounded sides. I currently have a Microsoft Surface Duo (and contrary to reviews) that has been superb, though I know that in 2-3 years it will be deemed EOSL and I will be forced to upgrade. I rely on these reviews for future product consideration.
This phone kinda reminds me of the white Moto E 1st gen which I and my parents LOVED it. Its super compact size, calling, whatsapp, youtube and whatsapp was all they needed, and that was excellent at the time. (Not to mention its excellent custom rom community support) They still miss that phone. Wish something like moto e or balmuda makes a return as a midranger, and I'll buy 3 in a heartbeat.
@MrMobile reviews are if not the only reviews that stop me in my tracks on what I was doing to watch. Ever since your review of the Blackberry Z30, which made me buy it and looooved, your reviews are always the best. Your reviews are some of the most genuine around, and can feel the love and heart to the cellphone industry.
The first gen Moto G was the first Android I fell in love with and loved every second of using it. To this day, no other phone has managed to match the excitement, comfort, and feel it provided to me, and this phone here mirrors it so well. I really hope this here won't be a one-off thing.
My mom's first phone was the Moto G1 and my memories of it was that it was pretty slow, even for its time. I eventually sold it to an e-boy, which I kinda regret doing (partially because he was an eboy).
As a viewer from Japanese market I'm surprised that this phone got these positive reactions. It was a cooperate project with Softbank, if you buy the phone form the cellular shop it actually cost you around 1200 bucks. Softbank always have the bad reputation that they targets customers who don't have literacy and sell them over-price things, that's why it's so controversial in Japan. I've heared from Bulmuda's employee that this smarphone project was created by the CEO with a very small team in secrect and not very clearly thought throughout the process, they literally design the phone with some sketchs made by the CEO, and since he know nothing about smartphone market so there was a lot of bad decition making behind this. Now they're all pissed off.
Wow that thing is the perfect homage to 2012 - early 2016 era. I hope LG take up this design if they want to come back or some players like BBK brands can do wonders with this form factor and style. What a missed opportunity for an open goal in the mid range.
I'd love to see you do a video on the Essential PH-1 phone! It's not new, expensive or foldable but it is a really unique device in a sea of giant, expensive mobiles.
There's something about the design of this phone I love.. My daily driver S20 FE is great and all, but really do wish we could have more phones like this these days.
I was literally about to close the tab in disgust. You read me like a book, Mr Mobile. $900 is simply just too much. This gives me a weird sense of nostalgia for simpler times like 2013 when android manufacturers were popping up out of nowhere with exciting new ideas!
Great job Michael! Small phones need to keep coming back. Your Jelly phone review was great too, but a little too small, this one seems like it hits the sweet spot.
I must admit, I do hate modern mainstream phones, so I love it when a company does something different. However, that seems insanely expensive when the specs are largely the same as my unihertz Jelly 2, which was less than a third of the price!!
Mitsubishi electric motor specializes in cars makes toasters and rice cookers. Balmuda that specializes in kitchen appliances makes smartphones. Touché!
The BALMUDA phone is for those who want a phone with character instead of the mass market cookie cutter phones out there. Of course a Prius gets better mpg than a Rolls Royce, but it’s the hand crafted art that creates its value. The BALMUDA phone would be remembered, but not the other stuff out there today.
I really miss when Android phones used to look like this. This device has such a soft, quality character to it, making it look more warm and inviting than the glass slabs we have today. It's a big shame that this device has such poor internals, I would've honestly considered picking one up if it was at least competitive in the mid-range smartphone market, let alone in its high price range.
I was watching this video thinking "oh actually this could be a pretty decent burner phone at $200-$250, I might even get it"................. $900!? $900????? LMAOOO
I mean, I don't see why not. There are plenty of bare-bones reference designs that you can buy if you want and can, and build a shell and software around. Especially for mid-range devices. And a toaster/home appliance company is going to know about design, no?
@@tams805 Well yeah, it was just kinda of the fact that those seem like such different markets it seems ridiculous. So it was the disbeleif. Months later, here I am hearing about a toaster company that made a phone 😄. More power to them
Notification lights are honestly something I miss the most about newer smartphones that no one else seems to want back. You can tell if someone texted/called you without actually looking at your phone and I found it very helpful and I wouldn't be unlocking my phone all the time to check notifications. /:
The 2013 Moto X is still one of my favorites. It's one of the few phones I had an actual attachment to. But, every Android phone now does what it did. But back in 2013, it was so different, and with unique features that were truly useful. I miss it.
Your videos are so great you even make the sponsors seem great. I usually skip the sponsorship but your presentation is so great i watched it anyways. Thanks for your honest review as always !!!!
When you said the price, I embarrassingly said "get the *uck out of here" out loud. For that SAME amount, I can pick up cell phone champions. What appeal does this thing have to even have the audacity? I'm glad you still did your best to give a fair and unbiased review. Because I know that must have been rough Love the novel design choice but the compromises and the price....yikes
When a toaster company makes a phone , it can be used as a phone or a toaster both!!! You can make breakfast wherever you go, on the fly!!! But toasters need huge batteries!!!
Hey Michael, I started following you from your days at Phone Arena with Jaime and have always followed you ever since, thank you for starting the phones were fun series so awesome. Thank you for still giving us some of the best unique, and we'll written reviews ever.
we need more phones like this i mean this looks straight out of a concept, like a concept coming to life the display and how it looks i mean im all for no bezels but this just looks beautiful id love to carry this around any day
I love it. At a time when even budget phones are glass all round, a more industrial plastic design with a lip to sink the screen in is a godsend. It's ironic that you have to go that high on the price to finally get something plastic.
They should make it slightly bigger or the screen slightly smaller so they can put the camera and an LED in the top bezel and use the bottom bezel for a home button/fingerprint sensor and some back buttons OR a bottom speaker.
Nice review. Not too bad for their first try. Love the design. Hopefully they will continue to evolve and make a better product on their next phone. But that design is fresh compare to what we're getting on Android right now
Smartphone makers need to start putting an RGB diode in the camera flash on the back of the phone. They wouldn't need to make a special spot for it, and it doesn't need to be flashlight levels of bright. Just bright enough for us to see if there is something we need to check without picking up the phone. I don't know why I haven't, or even Smart phone MFG's haven't thought of this before. It is such a simple implementation that could really make me want a phone.
Always a pleasure when Mr. Mobile drops a vid especially when it’s exposure to an uncommon device! Unreal how they borrowed so much aesthetically from the glorious Palm Pre line, yet it was packed with a terrible camera, below average battery life, LCD display, and no front firing speakers?… 🤨🤔… Also, good point on how it could have been marketed as a midrange device. It’s easier to tolerate shortcomings like these at a lower price point. Another fantastic review! Keep ‘em coming. Eagerly waiting on the next drop!
Moto x 2013/2104 have been my favorite phones ever. This phone looks frigging perfection if this were a $300-400 phone... I carry a zfilp and 12 pro and I would be enticed to ditch one of them for this.... hell, I know this sounds cheesy but damn I fucking love the design for a simple phone (not one on which I am expecting to get much work done but one I can just use as a phone).
![MrMobile [Michael Fisher]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/Bf8B_79jyHxP6CVnjV5WKws93l9Vxlk0d7aPmcBygTBDKzgsGrpazdJRFUrfg1sUNlo8YX8rji8=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
Saw this phone previewed on a website and I thought it looks class. Been seeing some old Nokia Lumia phones and only now am I appreciating their designs. Today's phones are all same, same. Keep reviewing these unique phones please! Great work.
Thanks for watching. Will do!
I AGREE! Atleast he reviews unique stuff. My absolute favorite tech youtuber!
Lumia phones were so good looking.
Lumia 925 is the most Beautiful smartphone design ever. It's both simple concept but complex organic curves that are perfectly proportioned. The camera bump is the Design Feature.
@@Neojhun I remember a friend of mine had the 925 some years ago and I loved it's design to the near point of buying myself one,I wish there was a phone today looking as good as that,it would mean an instant buy from me.
Man regardless of the downsides why do I still want this? 😭 Let’s team up and make a Balmuda Pro.
probably going to cost $1299 🙄
It reminds one of a Motorola Pebl clamshell phone.
maybe some kind of neurological disorder? :P
how pro is it? Pro like the Xperia, or Realme, iphone etc?
@@woundedsanity 😂😂😂
For this price, it better come with the 300 dollar toaster for free
This is the way.
Fr tho
Got confused, thought the toaster was a wireless charger for the phone. The firemen laughed at me.
@@samulai At least you got your toast.
It should come with a free PS5 and a few AAA games
I'll be honest, well done software is not something I expected to hear when going over a company's first phone.
good software only needs common sense. research and marketing can only go so far without common sense
@DeltaTeam10 Gaming *cough* Surface Duo 2 *cough*
Especially a company that doesn’t really do software
The software impressed me. They put some unique details that way more experienced brands don't. You can tell it was a priority for the project.
Because the past 10 years was all about by all phone makers: Let's copy the iphone. Both good and bad ideas. Let's not be unique, but a copycat and a clone.
It bothers me to no end, even though I own iphones.
software details usually mean "say bye to timely OS updates", aka: a liability
It’s still Android. Doesn’t matter what’s on top of the creaky rusty bodywork, paint can only hide so much.
How is the charge if you keep data on all day and just receive calls ?
Great video as always. Really like the design of the Balmuda phone.
Also see the Motorola Razr 5G is still going strong.
@@DunoCZ ?
@@DunoCZ how? Can you explain?
@@DunoCZ lol ok? why?
@@DunoCZ dont agree but thats a funny statement
This phone reminds me of the old Xperia phones. Beautiful design, beautiful and sensible widgets, apps and system UI, notification light, the curved back, the ergonomic fingerprint sensor placement, small form factor, cool ringtones, and a bit overpriced. I might just be the target demographic.
1s look pretty much the same as Zs tho, flat slab with glass/sometimes metal, back. which was literally the thing that made them beautiful and diffrent from all others that had curved plastic at that time. curved plastics were even before that but that was way before fingerprint sensors were a thing so what the fuck are you talking about
A bit? It needs a 60% price reduction. They won't sell.
Shall we book the church and limo now? You sound like you’re falling hard for the wrong girl
Agreed! This phone should’ve been marketed as a mid-range phone at around $300. It would have been a huge success.
Yeah, man! Wish there were more companies trying to do something different like this. Maybe we’d get a lot phones with a low price. A phone for every personality. Haina bhana ta?
Unfortunately, Japan is allergic to value oriented products in general. Everything costs a premium over there, likely due to the severe amount of importing that an island nation starved of natural resources has to do.
Well...having options like poco 3x pro for less, maybe for 150 in that form factor considering the atrocious camera u could say it's decent, but not for 300
Have you ever heard of realme before? it's cheap and powerful 300$
Should be less than $300
Funny enough that this phone is being roasted so hard in Japan for the exact reason. The company had temporarily suspend orders. Even with carrier plan it's still hella expensive.
Sucks. I really like it. It looks so cozy.
Pretty interesting design and I love the smaller form factor but at that price no way
If it only costs half of what they are asking I would actually consider it
Bet you’ll get it much cheaper in a few months lol
More like a Motorola Pebl.
Even at $450 it's too expensive for what it is.
I was thinking it was a $300 phone and when he said the price I almost choked. Before that, I was thinking it would not be bad to have this as a burner phone for camping and hiking excursions since it looks rugged and comfortable, but when I saw the battery life and the giant hole punch, I then thought I wouldn't own it for $300.
Right now on USA ebay it's 200
I didn't realise this was a two year old phone until you mentioned the price.
Apart from Andriod 11, this still looks amazing for 2024.
Yeah the size is awesome
The software is amazing. I really hope it is open-source and some talented developers turn it into a custom rom.
They really did an incredible job on the UI.
There is a link to download the launcher on the website but it doesn't function... It's very sad because the ui is beautiful and incredibly smart
It is very difficult for niche phones to have custom roms. Also depends on if bootloader is unlockable
@@travisbickle4360 I'm talking about porting Balmuda's OS over to other phones.
@@comicsanz97 That would be cool
After all the compromises you mentioned I kept telling myself "who cares, that thing is beautiful" until that 900 dollars price tag.
Okay, that's not for me
Haha. Yeah I was even thinking of buying it for my son. Until mr.m said "price tag is $900". I was like " the hell" 😂
You can buy 2 and a half Playstations in that price
900 lmao
It should cost half that much.
Trust me too!
It should be at $300 lol
Man this thing gives me nostalgia for my Palm Pre and Pixi. I love when there is actually something interesting about phones!
So nice to see companies still trying out new design stuff!
I wish phones were smaller again. My Sony Xperia Z5 compact recently broke and I got the Xperia 10 IV, which is just ridiculously long. Could easily be 1 1/2 inches shorter and be much more comfortable to use.
This is what I love so much about Android. It allows so many companies to create these wild unique devices and yet they get the support of through millions of App developers making Software for them.
Yeah!! All these great niche phones and tablets, and I'm somehow also reminded of BOOX e-readers and paper tablets too! 😄
@@WhiteStripesStripiestFan This minor league obscure thingy isn’t even on their radar.
Honestly, even though it has a ridiculous price, I still love the phone. It just reminds me that phones are becoming fun again. Great Job, Michael!
I love it how much emotion about the design etc you can create. I Love it when reviews go a bit deeper then just the specs ^^
For real, I loved my Moto X devices (had one of each generation). They felt, well, good in my hands. And while I've since switched to Sony Xperia devices, which are frankly much better in most ways, having something that's easy to hold/handle is underrated nowadays. This phone could've been a cool mid-ranger with a few tweaks and half the price tag.
I like the design of this phone. Reminds of the good old Moto X days. It’s price really scares me away. It should of been priced around $350.
My favorite thing about this video is your relentless pursuit to appreciate any goodness in this unsuccessful attempt, and to provide a "balanced review". Zoomable calendars and notes are a very neat idea!
Thank you Michael. I hope you always remain kind and honest in your reviews.
In feedback, I think the video had a few awkward absences of smooth transitions when your voice-over started, like at 4:34 and 8:14.
I wish 5 inch phones make a comeback, it'll be so nice to have a powerful smartphone in a compact package
Yeah, I agree. I'm stuck using almost 4 years old XZ2 Compact because there's no alternative nowadays. Yes, iPhone Mini series do exist, but I only use Android.
Yeah, this was part of why I'm not buying new, current devices. Just too tall to use comfortably with one hand.
Over a year ago, I bought a second-hand Moto X2 to replace my Nexus 5 that I've had for 7 years, and it still works wonders, especially after installing LineageOS, and later, AICP.
@@fs10inator Yes! As a petite woman, heaven forbid I want a phone that fits in my pocket or I can comfortably use with one hand. Really considering the Flip 3, or maybe 4 when it comes out because I love the clamshell form factor but even when you flip those open you still have a gigantic screen that's challenging in one hand
@@jenkenj You could probably have it folded halfway for possibly easier one-handed use, but I never had my hands on a flip smartphone, let alone use one, so all this is beyond me.
@@fs10inator Ditto, I've only played with them in the store. I grew up with "dumb" flip phones (graduated high school in 06) and omg being able to flip your phone open and closed is soooo oddly satisfying lol. I keep saying if someone makes an updated version of the LG Lotus I am SOLD! By far my fave clamshell ever and part of me craves to have a qwerty keyboard again ha
Balmuda toasters are the best I’ve ever used. They really make perfect toast. Sounds crazy, but until you’ve used one it’s hard to imagine. As far as the phone I think they were, as stated in the review, focusing on ergonomics over performance, which for an average user is probably perfectly fine, but I think they pushed performance too far into the background. Great review as usual, glad I got to see one of these in action.
“Balmuda toasters are the best I’ve ever used. They really make perfect toast. Sounds crazy, but until you’ve used one it’s hard to imagine. ”
Even better than the crazy expensive Mitsubishi toaster?
@@OneKnifeYeHand oooohh got one of those I can try. I’ve seen videos on them.
It’s a good job that Qualcomm will more than happily (and easily) toast your bread then. And not by design, but amusing irony b
Apart from always being mesmerized by the videos on this channel, I have to thank MrMobile for expanding the horizons of our awareness. Its videos like these that reinforce the fact that he doesn't restrict himself to the US market but goes beyond borders if there is something to learn.
Kudos to you good sir.
Most professional tech review channel so far
I used to say I never cared about the camera on my phone. Then I went from the S20 ultra to the z flip 3. As it turns out, I kind of actually care about the camera. And the z flip is really middle of the road. Glad you used it as a reference. Still love the phone, I dont think I'll ever go back to a slab again. But the compromises are very much real.
Reminds me of an iPhone 3g's design. I love it. If it officially launches world wide, I would seriously consider buying one.
Wish more phones were small again!
I love that this phone exists. Some of those design and software ideas are brilliant.
This cost $130 now and with that price it’s actually very tempting
It's actually improved quite a bit since launch and getting android 12, I'm getting a full days battery life from it
Is it possible to share the homescreen wallpaper? I love the "stitching" around the edges of it!
😅Suggestion, Next time you cook, ascot tie, preferable navy blue.. Awesome video by the way!
lol - well, seeing as how you're upping the style game on Instagram these days, I have no choice but to take your advice Colonel!
9:29 The leitz phone 1 may have had issues with responsiveness & price but the screen And it's frontal design looked awesome .
Reasons why I love MrMobile's videos:
- comprehensive and unique tech reviews
- visually pleasing aesthetics
- cat
I'm excited about the software! Reminds me of the custom HTC ui that made android usable.
That is a gorgeous looking phone! Reminded me of the 2nd gen iPhone with the rounded sides. I currently have a Microsoft Surface Duo (and contrary to reviews) that has been superb, though I know that in 2-3 years it will be deemed EOSL and I will be forced to upgrade. I rely on these reviews for future product consideration.
Looks are only skin deep. Learn that
This phone kinda reminds me of the white Moto E 1st gen which I and my parents LOVED it. Its super compact size, calling, whatsapp, youtube and whatsapp was all they needed, and that was excellent at the time. (Not to mention its excellent custom rom community support)
They still miss that phone. Wish something like moto e or balmuda makes a return as a midranger, and I'll buy 3 in a heartbeat.
This takes "playing on a toaster" to a whole new level
@MrMobile reviews are if not the only reviews that stop me in my tracks on what I was doing to watch. Ever since your review of the Blackberry Z30, which made me buy it and looooved, your reviews are always the best. Your reviews are some of the most genuine around, and can feel the love and heart to the cellphone industry.
The first gen Moto G was the first Android I fell in love with and loved every second of using it. To this day, no other phone has managed to match the excitement, comfort, and feel it provided to me, and this phone here mirrors it so well. I really hope this here won't be a one-off thing.
My mom's first phone was the Moto G1 and my memories of it was that it was pretty slow, even for its time. I eventually sold it to an e-boy, which I kinda regret doing (partially because he was an eboy).
Japan have been innovating in mobile communications for decades.. glad to see this channel actually review this product
I remember watching your HTC Desire X review and buying that phone (My first smartphone. Still works btw). This phone reminds me of that 😊
As a viewer from Japanese market I'm surprised that this phone got these positive reactions. It was a cooperate project with Softbank, if you buy the phone form the cellular shop it actually cost you around 1200 bucks. Softbank always have the bad reputation that they targets customers who don't have literacy and sell them over-price things, that's why it's so controversial in Japan. I've heared from Bulmuda's employee that this smarphone project was created by the CEO with a very small team in secrect and not very clearly thought throughout the process, they literally design the phone with some sketchs made by the CEO, and since he know nothing about smartphone market so there was a lot of bad decition making behind this. Now they're all pissed off.
It makes sense from such a company (or pair of them).
Wow that thing is the perfect homage to 2012 - early 2016 era. I hope LG take up this design if they want to come back or some players like BBK brands can do wonders with this form factor and style. What a missed opportunity for an open goal in the mid range.
I'd love to see you do a video on the Essential PH-1 phone!
It's not new, expensive or foldable but it is a really unique device in a sea of giant, expensive mobiles.
The phone performed so poorly that it’s apparently on a 90% sale already lmao.
There's something about the design of this phone I love..
My daily driver S20 FE is great and all, but really do wish we could have more phones like this these days.
I totally feel you! Some designs make us feel nice things and even give us nostalgia about things we haven't experienced.
I was literally about to close the tab in disgust. You read me like a book, Mr Mobile. $900 is simply just too much. This gives me a weird sense of nostalgia for simpler times like 2013 when android manufacturers were popping up out of nowhere with exciting new ideas!
Great job Michael! Small phones need to keep coming back. Your Jelly phone review was great too, but a little too small, this one seems like it hits the sweet spot.
I must admit, I do hate modern mainstream phones, so I love it when a company does something different. However, that seems insanely expensive when the specs are largely the same as my unihertz Jelly 2, which was less than a third of the price!!
Thank you for always going out your way to review the niche products i would have never known exist
Looks awesome, unique and it's finally compact, I want it even at that high price!
Mitsubishi electric motor specializes in cars makes toasters and rice cookers.
Balmuda that specializes in kitchen appliances makes smartphones.
Touché!
I actually think this phone has a nice design, ofc not everything is perfect, but it's refreshing!
The BALMUDA phone is for those who want a phone with character instead of the mass market cookie cutter phones out there. Of course a Prius gets better mpg than a Rolls Royce, but it’s the hand crafted art that creates its value. The BALMUDA phone would be remembered, but not the other stuff out there today.
BRO CAN YOU PLEASE SPIN IT ON THE TABLE, I WAITED THE WHOLE VIDEO
I really miss when Android phones used to look like this. This device has such a soft, quality character to it, making it look more warm and inviting than the glass slabs we have today. It's a big shame that this device has such poor internals, I would've honestly considered picking one up if it was at least competitive in the mid-range smartphone market, let alone in its high price range.
I was watching this video thinking "oh actually this could be a pretty decent burner phone at $200-$250, I might even get it".................
$900!? $900????? LMAOOO
I saw that curved back and was taken back to my Galaxy Nexus that had a slightly curved form factor. I really loved that phone.
I remember hearing about this a few months ago and thought "no way a toaster company is making a phone". Well, I was wrong.
I mean, I don't see why not.
There are plenty of bare-bones reference designs that you can buy if you want and can, and build a shell and software around. Especially for mid-range devices. And a toaster/home appliance company is going to know about design, no?
@@tams805 Well yeah, it was just kinda of the fact that those seem like such different markets it seems ridiculous. So it was the disbeleif. Months later, here I am hearing about a toaster company that made a phone 😄. More power to them
bee watching Michael since the nokia lumia days and watching this feels like nostalgia
Love the look and design, I would love to have something like this if only the price wasn't so high 😅
The home screen thing reminds me of older phones too, it was a trend to give utility to main screens
I loved that I could customize 4 apps to launch from the lockscreen by dragging them to the center circle on my HTC Rezound (2012)
I would NEVER buy this but I really enjoyed the review! More quirky outlier phone reviews please 😄
I wish the big companies could try make a good looking phone some time.
I'm really intrigued by the software. Looked well thought through.
Notification lights are honestly something I miss the most about newer smartphones that no one else seems to want back. You can tell if someone texted/called you without actually looking at your phone and I found it very helpful and I wouldn't be unlocking my phone all the time to check notifications. /:
Honestly, this phone looks like it was ripped straight out of like 2014… and I love it!!!! :3
The 2013 Moto X is still one of my favorites. It's one of the few phones I had an actual attachment to. But, every Android phone now does what it did. But back in 2013, it was so different, and with unique features that were truly useful. I miss it.
Your videos are so great you even make the sponsors seem great. I usually skip the sponsorship but your presentation is so great i watched it anyways. Thanks for your honest review as always !!!!
It's what I miss the most about the iPhone 3G and 3GS - the shape that just fit my hand
When you said the price, I embarrassingly said "get the *uck out of here" out loud.
For that SAME amount, I can pick up cell phone champions. What appeal does this thing have to even have the audacity?
I'm glad you still did your best to give a fair and unbiased review. Because I know that must have been rough
Love the novel design choice but the compromises and the price....yikes
When a toaster company makes a phone , it can be used as a phone or a toaster both!!! You can make breakfast wherever you go, on the fly!!! But toasters need huge batteries!!!
This phone’s design gives me eye-gasm to the next level 😍 SOOO PLEASING TO SEE
The selfie camera looks more interesting on the Balmuda Phone with the warm colors and the more retro vibes
I really liked the droid looking back of the phone. The bezels of the front are symmetrical enough to stand it out of the crowd.
Hey Michael, I started following you from your days at Phone Arena with Jaime and have always followed you ever since, thank you for starting the phones were fun series so awesome. Thank you for still giving us some of the best unique, and we'll written reviews ever.
I really like the shape and design of the phone. I really miss compact phones.
I LOVE the 2011's aesthetic it features! Wish phones were still as comfy to hold, compact etc!
I have been waiting a phone of this size. This is the perfect size for a smart phone. Its also very cheeky and bubbly
The phone is now offered at $600 on the official Japanese website.
I would like to see Nokia Lumia Phones in When Phones were fun series.
we need more phones like this i mean this looks straight out of a concept, like a concept coming to life the display and how it looks i mean im all for no bezels but this just looks beautiful id love to carry this around any day
Palm Pre, one of the greatest phones ever designed. Loved that phone.
I'm glad companies like balmuda and unihertz made compact phones and it's interesting to know that there are compact phones out there.
I love it. At a time when even budget phones are glass all round, a more industrial plastic design with a lip to sink the screen in is a godsend. It's ironic that you have to go that high on the price to finally get something plastic.
Frankly it should have been nicknamed Bermuda Fiasco. But I liked the soap tray shape. Thanks once again for bringing stuff like this. 👍
MrMobile still unboxing phone as usual while other phone UA-camrs already stray far away from phone review. Kudos to you.
They should make it slightly bigger or the screen slightly smaller so they can put the camera and an LED in the top bezel and use the bottom bezel for a home button/fingerprint sensor and some back buttons OR a bottom speaker.
Huh. A scam.
curved back and notification LED are the things that i miss from the past phones
Nice review. Not too bad for their first try. Love the design. Hopefully they will continue to evolve and make a better product on their next phone. But that design is fresh compare to what we're getting on Android right now
They need to bring back cute phones. Iphone 3gs, palm pre, some lumia phones all had such cute form factor
I gasped when I saw the Pre. Man, I miss those phones. Have you done a When Phones Were Fun video on the Pre and Pixie?
Smartphone makers need to start putting an RGB diode in the camera flash on the back of the phone. They wouldn't need to make a special spot for it, and it doesn't need to be flashlight levels of bright. Just bright enough for us to see if there is something we need to check without picking up the phone.
I don't know why I haven't, or even Smart phone MFG's haven't thought of this before. It is such a simple implementation that could really make me want a phone.
This sounds like a $300 phone not $900 after the hellofresh advertisement he better wow me.
Always a pleasure when Mr. Mobile drops a vid especially when it’s exposure to an uncommon device! Unreal how they borrowed so much aesthetically from the glorious Palm Pre line, yet it was packed with a terrible camera, below average battery life, LCD display, and no front firing speakers?… 🤨🤔… Also, good point on how it could have been marketed as a midrange device. It’s easier to tolerate shortcomings like these at a lower price point. Another fantastic review! Keep ‘em coming. Eagerly waiting on the next drop!
Moto x 2013/2104 have been my favorite phones ever. This phone looks frigging perfection if this were a $300-400 phone... I carry a zfilp and 12 pro and I would be enticed to ditch one of them for this.... hell, I know this sounds cheesy but damn I fucking love the design for a simple phone (not one on which I am expecting to get much work done but one I can just use as a phone).
The design is amazing!
The curved border of the screen are perfectly symmetric with the curve borders of the case.
Really gives me old Motorola vibes In not just the hardware but the software too
I ♥ your shout out to the winged Nokia. Thanks again for an enjoyable distraction.