I am really, really tempted. I like the design, though might then miss the full functionality of my currently Samsung. But I like the retro aesthetic. Decisions, decisions. Great review of it.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Yes, I completely understand your hesitation regarding the concern of missing out on certain features. Having spent not yet even a week with the phone, I can already comment that the experience has been so far been positively eye opening. Each persons experience will be different, but that will entirely depend on the reasons and expectations for why you might be considering such a phone. I plan on making a follow up review in a couple of weeks, to go over my own early experience, as well as to highlight any drawbacks or unexpected surprises. In short, I can genuinely say that it has a mostly positive experience .
I've been trialling this phone for a number of weeks now. It has been an interesting experiment, to which I will make a follow up video in the next week or so.
@@McKeeToHappiness If you don't have a way to check, don't worry, but I was curious as to whether wireless Android Auto works on this phone. My biggest stumbling block is we go a lot of different places and I use my phone as a satnav. I think the minimum req is Android 11 so should be sweet but not all phones support it
another aussie using this phone! ive been using it for about 4-5 months now, its great i only swapped to a real smartphone when i was travelling so i could use maps in a bigger screen
@@cry5742 My experience with battery was generally average overall. By average, I don't mean poor, just a standard level of expected performance. If you're watching a lot of video or doing any significant GPS trips, it will of course run down noticeably. With typical daily use however, I never ran out of battery.
Thank you for bringing valuable insight into such a hidden gem; considering jumping ship from my Cat S22 FLIP. How responsive is the NFC? Is it what you'd expect with like Samsung Pay / Apple Pay? Any hiccups with the placement of the NFC sensor? I had experience with the Z Flip 3, where the NFC sensor was on the base of the device, and every time I'd want to use Samsung Pay for transport or for paying the bill, closing the lid of the phone would be more comfortable (albeit inconvenient) in order to contact the NFC sensor and the Contactless Payment pad.
@@caines05. Thank you for your kind feedback. I really appreciate it. Regarding nfc, I've never actually utilized that feature on any phone that I've ever owned. I don't use phone payments, so I can't comment, unfortunately.
Very thorough video, thanks for covering this phone, it was hard getting info on it besides the official ads. Can you uninstall any/most Google apps? What about other bloatware? Thanks!
Thank you for taking the time to check out my initial impressions. This phone runs a full version of Android. So long as you're not expecting it to run anything super processor intensive, it should suit all of your needs. Being a smaller screen, some apps can be a bit cramped, but it does work. As far as any bloat goes, it's just standard Google stuff. Nothing too obnoxious.
I so don't like the design, but I want it still. I've been waiting for a Japanese flip phone with a more recent Android version. Do you think banking apps wud work on it? PayPal? Can it be used as a hotspot?
I personally really do love the design. It's a great balance of size and function. If I were to make any improvements, I would prefer slightly more pronounced buttons, as they are arguably too flat, which means that they are difficult to distinguish without looking. A nice touch would also be a spring loaded flip, but it's hardly necessary. Otherwise, there is very little that I would change about this phone.
Yo, this phone is completely badass, but question the review doesn't address- does it, or would it, work in the US? Obviously you can't test that in Australia, but do you know if anyone has tested this?
The bands that it supports are available to find online. Depending on your phone company and the bands that they support, that will be your clearest answer.
Hello. I have a few questions regarding this device. 1.) Does it run on Android 13 or 14? 2.) Can you install apps on this device? 3.) I am personally in need of a detox phone which can install some crucial apps like Google Maps, Gpay etc. Also this device should be able to pair with my wireless bluetooth earphones. 4.) Does it have GPS and does it work work with ride sharing apps like Uber? 5.) Does it have Android Auto function? thanks in advance
Android 13, and it functions largely just like every other Android powered phone. There are no restrictions to the Google store or any apps that I needed to install. I don't use pay functions, so I can't comment on that, but GPS, bluetooth and such all work as normal.
@@lolcathost Indeed. Some sellers are asking sometimes twice the price of what you could otherwise pay. Shop around on Japanese auction and sales sites, where you're sure to find one for a good price. Good luck!
@@tiffanyl9827. Hello. There is no 3.5mm jack, unfortunately. The radio does function without headphones plugged into the phone, but it wasn't able to find too many stations. Perhaps it may work better with wired headphones, as I know that many phones use the headphones as an antenna.
@@vivicolls from memory, I believe that the language was selectable from the initial boot. If I'm mistaken though, you could easily use another device to translate the on screen language in order for you to find use settings to change it.
I haven't had to scan any QR codes yet, but regarding the call quality, I touch on it in this follow up review. Thanks. ua-cam.com/video/uf9sA-ouMXQ/v-deo.htmlsi=xSTeMHefz7HMooL6
There are some problems with this thing which the video didn't mention. The phone is kinda pain to use if you're not a power user. The notification LED is very very bright that you can't look at it. I would recommend using a black sticker (with some transparency) to cover it or just disable the feature if you find it annoying. You have to stuck with the stock Japanese IME if you wanna use the keypad to type. Gboard is unusable if you use the latest one (it will use tablet layout). Sideload version 14.1.04 and disable update. There is no keypad backlight timeout or brightness setting. The stock camera is kinda bad for scanning QR codes that is close to you (Sometimes it will randomly zoom in like 3x and no way to backout). Stick with Google Lens for that. Not recommend to use a large SD card (>32GB) because it is sort of buggy with thick micro SD card. When you close the phone and open it again. You always return to home screen and there is no setting to disable that behavior. (not if I know there is a way) Every time you restart the phone, the home launcher setting will be reset to the default quickstep one. You better add an activity shortcut (Permission Controller, com.android.permissioncontroller.role.ui.HomeSettingsActivity) at the home screen if you use 3rd party launcher. (Disable the default launcher will make recent menu/task switcher unusable since Android 10, don't do that) The shortcut keys are actually F1 to F4. The stock app only let you to assign them to open apps and does not support long press. I would recommend using third party app (Buttons remapper) for features like next/previous track, home, back, recent, take screenshots, etc etc. You also need to disable a system app called "TestMode" (com.boogoob.rq.factory) which is the stock shortcut buttons manager so it won't pop up when you press the shortcut keys. Before updating the phone for the first time, make sure the screen timeout set to as long as you can. You might brick the phone if it turned off during the installation. There was no lock screen. Unlocking the phone with pin was straight forward. They added it after the recent July 2024 update so you have to press some extra keys to bring up the password screen or actually swipe up the screen to enter the pin. Unlocking with fingerprint is unchanged though. Don't except the speaker too much and there is no stereo audio. Although you can play FM radio without connecting the headphone though the type-c to 3.5mm adapter (yes, there is no 3.5mm jack) This is more like a Google issue but I also wanted to point it out. You used to able to use Google Pay without flipping the phone (the screen will turn on inside as soon as NFC sensed something). Since Google added the "verity it is you" requirement. You have to do payment with the phone flipped open and unlocked (the NFC sensor is at the bottom of the phone, which makes it annoying)
ive just bought this phone and your comment helped me out immensely ! how do i move japanese IME from numbers to kana/letters? the shortcut button set for it doesnt work (it opens an app instead, gmail)
@@nanobyte1avoid assigning app shortcuts on the III and IV button if you're using a thord party app. At least change that gmail shortcut to long press. This shouldn't happen if you're using a stock one but it has less features.
@@MaxLittleBuddy its a really confusing one, that's for sure. For now, ill use t9 keyboard app but it's a shame. When you say stock, 1 to 4 opens apps , right ?
There's no denying that it is a niche device in today's market, but I definitely would appreciate more phone makers offering alternatives like the Mode1.
@@McKeeToHappinesssorry I guess the official name it “touch cruiser”. So if you swipe around on the keypad is it touch sensitive like a trackpad? I think you’ve answered my question, doesn’t sound like it. Thank you very much for your thoughtful review of this unique device!
@@anthonyrulz12 Thank you for your support. I did understand your question, but I'm sorry if I didn't answer it clearly. But no, it doesn't feature the mode that you're referring to. Other Japanese phones that do offer this mode of input do so because of the lack of a touchscreen. As this has a touch screen, it honestly doesn't feel like it would be necessary.
I use Optus 4G here in Australia. I don't use a digital wallet, so I can't comment on if or how payments work. Maps, calls, messages, plus all other typical internet functionality has all been working fine so far.
It's definitely a phone for a rather specific audience, but for what it does and how it does it, I've so far been very pleased with the overall design and operation.
@@eyohboy455 Physically opening the phone in order to view the screen is an extra step that is required to use the phone. For the reasons that I outlined for my own purposes, this was a feature, not a hindrance. For anyone who complains that a folding phone isn't convenient for them, I can only question why they're even looking into one to begin with? It's definitely not a form factor that is suited to everybody, but for those who do appreciate it, it's a fun little addition to the whole usage experience.
I am really, really tempted. I like the design, though might then miss the full functionality of my currently Samsung. But I like the retro aesthetic. Decisions, decisions. Great review of it.
Thank you for your words of encouragement.
Yes, I completely understand your hesitation regarding the concern of missing out on certain features. Having spent not yet even a week with the phone, I can already comment that the experience has been so far been positively eye opening. Each persons experience will be different, but that will entirely depend on the reasons and expectations for why you might be considering such a phone. I plan on making a follow up review in a couple of weeks, to go over my own early experience, as well as to highlight any drawbacks or unexpected surprises. In short, I can genuinely say that it has a mostly positive experience .
I've been trialling this phone for a number of weeks now. It has been an interesting experiment, to which I will make a follow up video in the next week or so.
Look forward to it, I'm very tempted by this phone but keen to hear some real impressions
@@jamiemartin9322 I will endeavour to have something recorded by next weekend.
@@McKeeToHappiness If you don't have a way to check, don't worry, but I was curious as to whether wireless Android Auto works on this phone. My biggest stumbling block is we go a lot of different places and I use my phone as a satnav. I think the minimum req is Android 11 so should be sweet but not all phones support it
How much did u get u for @@McKeeToHappiness
Have you experienced any problems with the keys degrading? Got mine two days ago and my 1 key has become a little sluggish compared to the rest.
another aussie using this phone! ive been using it for about 4-5 months now, its great
i only swapped to a real smartphone when i was travelling so i could use maps in a bigger screen
Greetings. Or should I say, G'day? 😉
I'm curious, may I ask what service you use in Aus? I'm on Optus.
No issue with battery ? i saw that it has a lower capacity
@@cry5742 My experience with battery was generally average overall. By average, I don't mean poor, just a standard level of expected performance. If you're watching a lot of video or doing any significant GPS trips, it will of course run down noticeably. With typical daily use however, I never ran out of battery.
@@McKeeToHappiness Thanks i'll guess i'll try to buy one and test, i want to use this phone to cure my addiction on socials medias tiktok etc
Thank you for bringing valuable insight into such a hidden gem; considering jumping ship from my Cat S22 FLIP. How responsive is the NFC? Is it what you'd expect with like Samsung Pay / Apple Pay? Any hiccups with the placement of the NFC sensor? I had experience with the Z Flip 3, where the NFC sensor was on the base of the device, and every time I'd want to use Samsung Pay for transport or for paying the bill, closing the lid of the phone would be more comfortable (albeit inconvenient) in order to contact the NFC sensor and the Contactless Payment pad.
@@caines05. Thank you for your kind feedback. I really appreciate it.
Regarding nfc, I've never actually utilized that feature on any phone that I've ever owned. I don't use phone payments, so I can't comment, unfortunately.
Very thorough video, thanks for covering this phone, it was hard getting info on it besides the official ads. Can you uninstall any/most Google apps? What about other bloatware? Thanks!
Thank you for taking the time to check out my initial impressions.
This phone runs a full version of Android. So long as you're not expecting it to run anything super processor intensive, it should suit all of your needs. Being a smaller screen, some apps can be a bit cramped, but it does work.
As far as any bloat goes, it's just standard Google stuff. Nothing too obnoxious.
I so don't like the design, but I want it still. I've been waiting for a Japanese flip phone with a more recent Android version.
Do you think banking apps wud work on it? PayPal? Can it be used as a hotspot?
I personally really do love the design. It's a great balance of size and function. If I were to make any improvements, I would prefer slightly more pronounced buttons, as they are arguably too flat, which means that they are difficult to distinguish without looking. A nice touch would also be a spring loaded flip, but it's hardly necessary. Otherwise, there is very little that I would change about this phone.
Yo, this phone is completely badass, but question the review doesn't address- does it, or would it, work in the US?
Obviously you can't test that in Australia, but do you know if anyone has tested this?
The bands that it supports are available to find online. Depending on your phone company and the bands that they support, that will be your clearest answer.
Hello. I have a few questions regarding this device.
1.) Does it run on Android 13 or 14?
2.) Can you install apps on this device?
3.) I am personally in need of a detox phone which can install some crucial apps like Google Maps, Gpay etc. Also this device should be able to pair with my wireless bluetooth earphones.
4.) Does it have GPS and does it work work with ride sharing apps like Uber?
5.) Does it have Android Auto function?
thanks in advance
Android 13
Android 13, and it functions largely just like every other Android powered phone. There are no restrictions to the Google store or any apps that I needed to install. I don't use pay functions, so I can't comment on that, but GPS, bluetooth and such all work as normal.
Hey I'm from Australia as well, from where did you manage to order this flipper?
It can be found from various online sellers. My phone was bought whilst in Japan.
@@McKeeToHappiness oh i see, because wherever i search people are selling this for a ton of money.
@@lolcathost Indeed. Some sellers are asking sometimes twice the price of what you could otherwise pay. Shop around on Japanese auction and sales sites, where you're sure to find one for a good price. Good luck!
Hello, so for earphone, it is usb-c type not 3.5jack ?
How does FM work if so ?
@@tiffanyl9827. Hello. There is no 3.5mm jack, unfortunately. The radio does function without headphones plugged into the phone, but it wasn't able to find too many stations. Perhaps it may work better with wired headphones, as I know that many phones use the headphones as an antenna.
@@McKeeToHappiness Ok, ty from France.
How did you change the language upon turning the phone on? Thank you
@@vivicolls from memory, I believe that the language was selectable from the initial boot. If I'm mistaken though, you could easily use another device to translate the on screen language in order for you to find use settings to change it.
Nice video! Where were you able to buy it?
How does it do with scanning qr codes? And how would you rate the call quality? Both speaker and microphone
I haven't had to scan any QR codes yet, but regarding the call quality, I touch on it in this follow up review. Thanks.
ua-cam.com/video/uf9sA-ouMXQ/v-deo.htmlsi=xSTeMHefz7HMooL6
@@McKeeToHappiness Alrighty, thanks!
Here is my follow-up review of the Mode1 Retro ii:
ua-cam.com/video/uf9sA-ouMXQ/v-deo.html
Ordered one 2 days ago.
where did you order it from?
There are some problems with this thing which the video didn't mention. The phone is kinda pain to use if you're not a power user.
The notification LED is very very bright that you can't look at it. I would recommend using a black sticker (with some transparency) to cover it or just disable the feature if you find it annoying.
You have to stuck with the stock Japanese IME if you wanna use the keypad to type. Gboard is unusable if you use the latest one (it will use tablet layout). Sideload version 14.1.04 and disable update.
There is no keypad backlight timeout or brightness setting.
The stock camera is kinda bad for scanning QR codes that is close to you (Sometimes it will randomly zoom in like 3x and no way to backout). Stick with Google Lens for that.
Not recommend to use a large SD card (>32GB) because it is sort of buggy with thick micro SD card.
When you close the phone and open it again. You always return to home screen and there is no setting to disable that behavior. (not if I know there is a way)
Every time you restart the phone, the home launcher setting will be reset to the default quickstep one. You better add an activity shortcut (Permission Controller, com.android.permissioncontroller.role.ui.HomeSettingsActivity) at the home screen if you use 3rd party launcher. (Disable the default launcher will make recent menu/task switcher unusable since Android 10, don't do that)
The shortcut keys are actually F1 to F4. The stock app only let you to assign them to open apps and does not support long press. I would recommend using third party app (Buttons remapper) for features like next/previous track, home, back, recent, take screenshots, etc etc. You also need to disable a system app called "TestMode" (com.boogoob.rq.factory) which is the stock shortcut buttons manager so it won't pop up when you press the shortcut keys.
Before updating the phone for the first time, make sure the screen timeout set to as long as you can. You might brick the phone if it turned off during the installation.
There was no lock screen. Unlocking the phone with pin was straight forward. They added it after the recent July 2024 update so you have to press some extra keys to bring up the password screen or actually swipe up the screen to enter the pin. Unlocking with fingerprint is unchanged though.
Don't except the speaker too much and there is no stereo audio. Although you can play FM radio without connecting the headphone though the type-c to 3.5mm adapter (yes, there is no 3.5mm jack)
This is more like a Google issue but I also wanted to point it out.
You used to able to use Google Pay without flipping the phone (the screen will turn on inside as soon as NFC sensed something). Since Google added the "verity it is you" requirement. You have to do payment with the phone flipped open and unlocked (the NFC sensor is at the bottom of the phone, which makes it annoying)
ive just bought this phone and your comment helped me out immensely ! how do i move japanese IME from numbers to kana/letters? the shortcut button set for it doesnt work (it opens an app instead, gmail)
@@nanobyte1avoid assigning app shortcuts on the III and IV button if you're using a thord party app. At least change that gmail shortcut to long press.
This shouldn't happen if you're using a stock one but it has less features.
@@MaxLittleBuddy its a really confusing one, that's for sure. For now, ill use t9 keyboard app but it's a shame. When you say stock, 1 to 4 opens apps , right ?
@@nanobyte1 yeah, the one that came with the phone. If you long press you will get the screen to assign a shortcut.
@@MaxLittleBuddy thank you so much. there's so little useful info on how to actually use this thing , you've helped massively ❤️🩹
How come the Japanese won’t make one for the American market?
There's no denying that it is a niche device in today's market, but I definitely would appreciate more phone makers offering alternatives like the Mode1.
Thanks for sharing. Do you know if it works on Verizon USA?
I'm in Australia, so I can't comment, sorry.
Is the battery removable? and if it is would you mind posting its model number? trying to make sure i can actually get a replacement if i have to
The battery doesn't appear to be removable, unfortunately. I would be worried about breaking the plastic housing if I tried to open it.
where can i purchase this model? is there a white color?
White is also an available colour. It can be found from various online sellers. My phone was bought whilst in Japan.
Does this phone have a touchpad keypad? Like it is touch sensistive and are you able to use the keypad as a trackpad?
The phone features the physical buttons, as well as the touch screen. The physical buttons do not function as a "mouse", if that was your question?
@@McKeeToHappinesssorry I guess the official name it “touch cruiser”. So if you swipe around on the keypad is it touch sensitive like a trackpad? I think you’ve answered my question, doesn’t sound like it. Thank you very much for your thoughtful review of this unique device!
@@anthonyrulz12 Thank you for your support.
I did understand your question, but I'm sorry if I didn't answer it clearly. But no, it doesn't feature the mode that you're referring to. Other Japanese phones that do offer this mode of input do so because of the lack of a touchscreen. As this has a touch screen, it honestly doesn't feel like it would be necessary.
When was this phone released? (cant seem to find a difinitive release date
Release Date 2023/10/20
Sadly the 4G connection it is very limited to a bit if countries... No many bands supported. I can not use it in my country.
I won't go too much into it right now, but I will definitely be touching on this topic in my follow up video.
@@McKeeToHappinessso not available or works in all country
What android version this phone rock on?
13
Will the Spanish language be available?
As it operates on Android, I would see no reason why you couldn't run it in any language.
Is this otg capable?
I didn't test this function, sorry, so I can't comment.
Where did you buy it?
It was bought from Japan.
@@McKeeToHappinesshow much did you pay for it ? I found a website from reddit dumb phones community but it cost 345€ 😢
👍🏾
What carriers does it work on? And do maps and tap to pay function properly?
I use Optus 4G here in Australia.
I don't use a digital wallet, so I can't comment on if or how payments work.
Maps, calls, messages, plus all other typical internet functionality has all been working fine so far.
@@McKeeToHappinessздравствуйте а Вацаб работает на этих телефонах и где можно его купить?
Yes pay function online and with nfc
aussie here, pay function works and maps.
have you experienced the same issue with signal dropping like McKee did in his follow-up video? @@PuReXtremeGaming
Hi. How about banking app? Qr, verification?
link to buy?
Mine was bought from Japan. You may do well looking at Yahoo auctions though.
It's a fricking brick and a terrible design no quick access to sceen and nah horrid.
Chill.
"No quick screen acess" is a feature for this phone's target audience
It's definitely a phone for a rather specific audience, but for what it does and how it does it, I've so far been very pleased with the overall design and operation.
What does he mean by quick screen access?
@@eyohboy455 Physically opening the phone in order to view the screen is an extra step that is required to use the phone. For the reasons that I outlined for my own purposes, this was a feature, not a hindrance. For anyone who complains that a folding phone isn't convenient for them, I can only question why they're even looking into one to begin with? It's definitely not a form factor that is suited to everybody, but for those who do appreciate it, it's a fun little addition to the whole usage experience.