Many thanks for the mention of our Before Launcher app. I'll mention a few other features: no ads, privacy centered, never a subscription and the notification filter (to cut down on unnecessary interuptions).
No problem, such an honour for you to have seen this video! I completely agree, those features definitely helped a lot with my own intentionality of the phone usage! Thanks for creating such an amazing app!
I have a problem with battery drain when using Before Launcher. Is there a way to optimise it? I also use Unihertz Jelly Star. Besides this issue the app is perfect for me.
Thank you for discussing small phones reasonably, and focusing on the whole point of having a truly small phone, which is not to duplicate everything about larger phones only in a small package, but to to accomplish something different. Too many reviews of small phones are overly critical because they do not match the performance point-by-point of larger phones, which really misses the actual point of having a phone with a small, and less attractive, and less applicable to all the sundry things that people ask of their larger screen phones, i.e. videos, social media, and longer form writing. The qualities you address and focus upon are just the ones that I seek in small device. Thank you for the excellent and well-organized review. I'd look forward to more such content.
Thank you so much for the kind words and taking the time to write this, it really means the world to me! I am really glad it brought you value and that it helped!
I've read Cal Newports book twice, preached the virtues to anyone that will listen, bought a Nokia 110 (shortly after almost killed someone with it in frustration), sulked back to Pixel, installed minimalist launchers app blockers, disabled notifications with best intentions. Within a week or two comfort & convenience in the pocket manipulate into tech creep. - several times over. I think this is a new middle road, at least it ties up with Atomic Habits idea of 'less visible & appetizing'. I'm actually a teacher of PSHE for Ks3 & 4, putting together a course on Digital Wellness - driven by this personal frustration and accompanying rant. Just clicked 'buy now'. Let's see how it goes, thanks for the video Owen!
Calling this expensive coming from 800-1000$ smart phones... I have to say this is the most sensible review about the whole dumb phone concept. For how long I’ve been trying to wrap my head around the idea to get into dumb phones I just can’t, some apps are mandatory for me, like my online banking app, and let’s face it, we won’t be able to get back completely to dumb phones anymore. This is the best compromise we can do, with such a tweaked phone
You're absolutely right, thinking about spending $100-$200 on a dumbphone is hard to process and get over at first! and we cant ever go back to how things were before so just reducing it down and personalising it to our own needs is the way for sure!!
I just ordered one today, and I'm currently watching this on something as wide as the Jelly is tall! I remember having a Samsung of a similar size to a Jelly about 15 years ago, and it was the best phone I ever had, despite being 15 years ago slower! Can't wait for it to arrive.
Thank you friend…I really appreciate your thorough explanation and the sharing of your personal experiences. If I get one, I want to set it up similar to yours. Thanks
got the Jelly 2 for 100 bucks back in 2022 and used it as my only phone for almost 2 years. There's a lot of stuff that you can do to make this guy more usable and last longer. The CPU is super overkill for how small the phone is, you can root it and use something like Franco Kernel Manager to shut off half of the CPU cores since you won't be doing anything intensive on it. I also ended up downgrading the phone to Android 10 just because the newer versions of android have so much empty filler space for bigger screens
So basically its a smartphone that looks dumb lol.Honestly this video is quite good! I always struggle with battery life when it comes to dumb phones. All the things that you mentioned about the phone was really helpful. The presentation was very organised. Also thanks for the tips about the reductions of phone usage. Keep going Owen! 🍀
amazing little device. for me, it's 2 steps away from perfection, that being first the removal do the lights at the back, i don`t wanna pay for that since I`m never using it. and second, an amoled display for real batery savings and a deep deep black background.
great review! I've been using the f21pro with the Minimalism launcher. its nice to have buttons and switching between t9 text or using my thumb to swype text. drawback is it's android 11, no nfc, slightly inaccurate gps, or accelerometer, wack camera. I'd love to move to the jellystar but i'm really gonna miss the buttons to text with 😢
Yeah the f21 pro is also a really good phone too! But you’re right unfortunately the jelly star doesn’t have it, nothing beats the physical buttons!! 😮💨
That's amazing, i'm so glad to hear this has been helpful!! I think both the LP3 and the jelly star are great options, i guess the deciding factor for most people are: one has whatsapp and the other does not. Thanks so much for this lovely message! 😄🪴
Thanks for this most excellent review, Owen! I'm mostly concerned about the limited security support. Not only the Jelly Star but for all Unihertz phones.
Great video and great advice (and production value)! Bought a jelly star and basically copied your setup and its been great (although definitely having to get used to typing on this thing).
Great video. Really appreciate a UK based review. Picked one up today and watched this for tips on setting it up with intentional minimalism in mind. Would love to see more content in the future!
A lot of people complain about lack of updates, what would be the main concerns with this? Because personally for me as long as it works I'm good to go?
I think the thing about updates is mainly for security and patches, but i'm with you on this, for me as long as it work it's completely fine for me, wouldn't worry about it too much buddy!
Do you know if it supports a desktop mode (like dex)? I prefer small phones and i actually had an earlier version of this one. Thinking of going back to something smaller than my Zenfone 10, but i think with a desktop mode could really make it good combe of useful when needed and distraction free when not. Was also considering a razor since the outside screen can be minimalistic and it also supports desktop mode.
What do you think of the security patches on jelly star? I read that you have to debloat or root it first to minimize the 'security' risks. I only plan to use this for messaging and banking, also as a stand-alone device, what is your opinion about that? Enjoyed the review btw :)
Thanks for making this video! I've been trying to curb my phone addiction and had my eye on the Jelly Star and this review was perfect. I was planning on switching the SIM between this and my Google Pixel as I am not completely ready to transition to a dumb(er) phone full time. Do you know if this would be an issue with the Jelly Star? Thanks again
No that sounds absolutely fine! I actually started out in a very similar way too, and slowly transitioning in is definitely the best way to do it! Good luck with it all!
personally not a huge fan, i enjoy the small form factor, the bigger it gets the more it just get used as a standard "smart phone", other than that it seems like a pretty decent device
I guess the how we classify normal usage differs from person to person, but you should be getting a lot longer than 3 hours?! Perhaps contact Unihertz about this? it sounds like you might have a faulty device
Want to decluter your life? First buy phone that you can use as dumb phone like Iphone 4 you need a good battery life, second buy a tablet for media consumption
Unfortuneatly the default texting keypad does not, when you rotate the screen while texting the keypad becomes weird and scrunched up in a corner, but im sure there is an app you can install which does this!
The Jelly Star looks like just the phone I may be looking for, for all the reason you cite. However, I would have a wish list that the Star did not fulfill (and for any possible Star 2). Owen, wondering what you think of: - Color e-ink screen (lower power usage, less attractiveness calling to yo to use it for video watching and such), easier on the eyes, and better in sunlight - Greater durability (perhaps like the Atom line?) meaning negating the need for the inevitably-yellowing silicone case, along with submersible and a decent IP rating - More fully suited for US carrier bands - eSIM (is it possible to ditch the physical SIM altogether and by that saving physical space and expense?) - Bonus would be a second (or third) programmable button For all that, I could lose: - gimmicky LEDs - radio - flashlight - IR remote - 3.5 audio port (which I know among some is controversial, but for myself once I experienced the freedom of bluetooth earbuds there is no going back. Plus it saves valuable physical space)
Absolutely, those are some really good points and things like greater durability and e-ink screen would be great additions to the phone, it has been hard trying to find the "perfect phone", but hopefully future release may help get closer to that point!
great video but just letting you know you may have leaked someones phone number while talking about whatsapp around 7 minutes, you can edit/blur this retroactively in youtube studio i'm pretty sure
Thank so much for letting me know! I completely forgot about that, but i just double checked and the ones that doesn't have a name are spams! Thanks again!
WhatsApp ruins the chill of a dumb phone. Uninstall it and feel a load lift from your mind. Friends will always SMS or call and it'll be one on one chats where you care about the conversation, instead of a group where people are lazy and rude at times.
You are right Mina, it is difficult to switch to a phone like this when you need it for studies or work, but I think you’ll find a way to make it work. Hahahah I hope I didn’t upset the team at unihertz 😂
Many thanks for the mention of our Before Launcher app. I'll mention a few other features: no ads, privacy centered, never a subscription and the notification filter (to cut down on unnecessary interuptions).
No problem, such an honour for you to have seen this video! I completely agree, those features definitely helped a lot with my own intentionality of the phone usage! Thanks for creating such an amazing app!
I have a problem with battery drain when using Before Launcher. Is there a way to optimise it? I also use Unihertz Jelly Star. Besides this issue the app is perfect for me.
I was looking for a launcher like this which wasn't stuck behind a monthly subscription. Thank you for the shout out 😊
One of the best features for me in BeforeLauncher is the possibility to turn off the App List Screen. Paid to support you guys for this feature.
Thank you for discussing small phones reasonably, and focusing on the whole point of having a truly small phone, which is not to duplicate everything about larger phones only in a small package, but to to accomplish something different. Too many reviews of small phones are overly critical because they do not match the performance point-by-point of larger phones, which really misses the actual point of having a phone with a small, and less attractive, and less applicable to all the sundry things that people ask of their larger screen phones, i.e. videos, social media, and longer form writing. The qualities you address and focus upon are just the ones that I seek in small device. Thank you for the excellent and well-organized review. I'd look forward to more such content.
Thank you so much for the kind words and taking the time to write this, it really means the world to me! I am really glad it brought you value and that it helped!
I've read Cal Newports book twice, preached the virtues to anyone that will listen, bought a Nokia 110 (shortly after almost killed someone with it in frustration), sulked back to Pixel, installed minimalist launchers app blockers, disabled notifications with best intentions. Within a week or two comfort & convenience in the pocket manipulate into tech creep. - several times over. I think this is a new middle road, at least it ties up with Atomic Habits idea of 'less visible & appetizing'. I'm actually a teacher of PSHE for Ks3 & 4, putting together a course on Digital Wellness - driven by this personal frustration and accompanying rant. Just clicked 'buy now'. Let's see how it goes, thanks for the video Owen!
A black wallpaper only saves battery if it’s an OLED screen, your display looks more greyish because it’s an LCD.
@@Entertainment- You're absolutely right, it is an LCD screen so it won't save battery on this specific device 👍
I thought black wallpapers would save battery as they don't have much info/color to process... 😕
Got fooled.
Calling this expensive coming from 800-1000$ smart phones... I have to say this is the most sensible review about the whole dumb phone concept. For how long I’ve been trying to wrap my head around the idea to get into dumb phones I just can’t, some apps are mandatory for me, like my online banking app, and let’s face it, we won’t be able to get back completely to dumb phones anymore. This is the best compromise we can do, with such a tweaked phone
You're absolutely right, thinking about spending $100-$200 on a dumbphone is hard to process and get over at first! and we cant ever go back to how things were before so just reducing it down and personalising it to our own needs is the way for sure!!
@@OwenSeamons spending $100- $200 on a phone that can make and receive calls consistantly is a hard choice. And I'm cheap.
bro turning off notification and grayscale definitly helps a lot in the beginning. good vid!
Yeah it really does! Thank you buddy! 👍
u're also a SWM streamer!!
I just ordered one today, and I'm currently watching this on something as wide as the Jelly is tall! I remember having a Samsung of a similar size to a Jelly about 15 years ago, and it was the best phone I ever had, despite being 15 years ago slower! Can't wait for it to arrive.
Thank you friend…I really appreciate your thorough explanation and the sharing of your personal experiences. If I get one, I want to set it up similar to yours. Thanks
got the Jelly 2 for 100 bucks back in 2022 and used it as my only phone for almost 2 years. There's a lot of stuff that you can do to make this guy more usable and last longer. The CPU is super overkill for how small the phone is, you can root it and use something like Franco Kernel Manager to shut off half of the CPU cores since you won't be doing anything intensive on it. I also ended up downgrading the phone to Android 10 just because the newer versions of android have so much empty filler space for bigger screens
I ordered such a phone today. It's stressful when you have your phone in your hand all the time. The time before smartphones was better
Good to hear, and yes I completely agree, the time before smartphone were so much better!!
Holy shit. Only 846 subs and the quality is this good. Nice.
So basically its a smartphone that looks dumb lol.Honestly this video is quite good! I always struggle with battery life when it comes to dumb phones. All the things that you mentioned about the phone was really helpful. The presentation was very organised. Also thanks for the tips about the reductions of phone usage.
Keep going Owen! 🍀
Thanks so much Avery, I’m glad you enjoyed it and thank you for always being so supportive 💛
This is me! Glad to see others doing the same!
Oh wow, amazing to hear!
Watching this on a jelly star. And hearing that it is not a phone to watch videos 😂
@@_stocchero_ hahahah that’s funny 🤣
amazing little device. for me, it's 2 steps away from perfection, that being first the removal do the lights at the back, i don`t wanna pay for that since I`m never using it. and second, an amoled display for real batery savings and a deep deep black background.
completely agree, the light is more distracting than anything and an amoled display would be perfect
Thank you so much for this very informative review! Keep it up!
Thanks, mate! Great review and tip about minimalist launcher
No worries mate!
great review! I've been using the f21pro with the Minimalism launcher. its nice to have buttons and switching between t9 text or using my thumb to swype text. drawback is it's android 11, no nfc, slightly inaccurate gps, or accelerometer, wack camera. I'd love to move to the jellystar but i'm really gonna miss the buttons to text with 😢
Yeah the f21 pro is also a really good phone too! But you’re right unfortunately the jelly star doesn’t have it, nothing beats the physical buttons!! 😮💨
you have NO IDEA (well i guess maybe you do haha) how helpful this is for me
That's amazing, i'm so glad to hear this has been helpful!! I think both the LP3 and the jelly star are great options, i guess the deciding factor for most people are: one has whatsapp and the other does not. Thanks so much for this lovely message! 😄🪴
I have a Jelly Pro, Jelly 2, and Jelly 2e. I'm 65 and don't want to be constantly staring at a screen regardless of the size.
The Unihertz earbuds connect seamlessly with any of their phones.
Thanks for this most excellent review, Owen! I'm mostly concerned about the limited security support. Not only the Jelly Star but for all Unihertz phones.
For more context, the Jelly 2 is running Android 11 with the last security update from Jan 5th 2022.
Great video and great advice (and production value)! Bought a jelly star and basically copied your setup and its been great (although definitely having to get used to typing on this thing).
Super glad to hear that you're enjoying the jelly star! but yeah you're right typing will need some getting use to!
Serious Zune vibes. Love it!
oh yeahhh, a blast from the past!!
Zune lead to the WP ui. I love me some Lumia 521. 4" and like an iPod phone.
I found this so calming 🙏. Thanks for the info! Seems like a great little device. 🎉
It really is, I’m glad you enjoyed it 😁
Next time.. please also make a video on your hair routine. coz..God Damn! 🤩
Thank you bro!
Amazing tech vids as always bro 👌
Thanks bro, appreciate the love as always 🙌
Great video. Really appreciate a UK based review. Picked one up today and watched this for tips on setting it up with intentional minimalism in mind. Would love to see more content in the future!
@@TheAdamwingman That's amazing to hear! Really hope you enjoy it as much as I am! 👍
Very helpful thank you
Does this phone have NFC for secure purchases? Did you test Google Maps? Thank you!
Such nice one for focusing on studies without distractions..🌸Thanks alot..🎉
That’s so nice, thanks so much!
A lot of people complain about lack of updates, what would be the main concerns with this? Because personally for me as long as it works I'm good to go?
I think the thing about updates is mainly for security and patches, but i'm with you on this, for me as long as it work it's completely fine for me, wouldn't worry about it too much buddy!
I've been using this phone for a year now and I love this phone mines is blue. I got mine to replace a moto Z4.
Do you know if it supports a desktop mode (like dex)? I prefer small phones and i actually had an earlier version of this one. Thinking of going back to something smaller than my Zenfone 10, but i think with a desktop mode could really make it good combe of useful when needed and distraction free when not. Was also considering a razor since the outside screen can be minimalistic and it also supports desktop mode.
Can you do a review/comparison with the Qin F21 Pro if you've used it please?
informative review and great tips on reducing down screen time!
Thanks so much buddy! 👍
what I did to reduce screen time was turning my screen in the android settings to black and white
You're absolutely right, turning on grey scale is one of the best ways to reduce screen time!
Like the phone size just without all the tech.
Awesome job Owen!!💫👏🏻 Your creativity always shines through and your effort is really evident, Keep going strong!!🤍
Thank you so much for such an sweet and wholesome comment Imane! It means a lot to me!🥰
What do you think of the security patches on jelly star? I read that you have to debloat or root it first to minimize the 'security' risks. I only plan to use this for messaging and banking, also as a stand-alone device, what is your opinion about that? Enjoyed the review btw :)
please do a video on the cat flip s22 as i was thinking of getting the cat
Sure i got chu, I will get a review out soon!
I have both get jelly star
Okay I noticed the kaweco sports fp..:D
@@poojangohel hahah, it’s such a fantastic fountain pen 🫡
Great Review and commentary on going minimal in today's digital world. One question? - How did you get the black wallpaper?
I just search on google for a all black wallpaper
I love mine, an e ink 5" would be nice too, the (Hisense) is too big and kinda expensive
Thanks for making this video! I've been trying to curb my phone addiction and had my eye on the Jelly Star and this review was perfect. I was planning on switching the SIM between this and my Google Pixel as I am not completely ready to transition to a dumb(er) phone full time. Do you know if this would be an issue with the Jelly Star? Thanks again
No that sounds absolutely fine! I actually started out in a very similar way too, and slowly transitioning in is definitely the best way to do it! Good luck with it all!
What do you think of their new big version?
personally not a huge fan, i enjoy the small form factor, the bigger it gets the more it just get used as a standard "smart phone", other than that it seems like a pretty decent device
great advices. thanks a lot :)
@@brize9819 😊
Normal and heavy usage for you lasts over a day? Mine lasts 3 hours. I do not understand how you're getting such long usage times.
I guess the how we classify normal usage differs from person to person, but you should be getting a lot longer than 3 hours?! Perhaps contact Unihertz about this? it sounds like you might have a faulty device
great video ty
@@jamessturgillii9987 thank you buddy!
Have you tried the tank mini
I have not, but it looks interesting, just very bulky and thick😂
Before launcher doesn’t seem to be available on Apple Store. Any other suggestions?
@@qldavis3005 I think it’s only available on google play and not app store, so it’s only available on android as of now
Want to decluter your life? First buy phone that you can use as dumb phone like Iphone 4 you need a good battery life, second buy a tablet for media consumption
@@AdreanGorobao That’s a great way to do it for sure!
Pardon, could you list the apps you have installed on the phone?
Sure! These are apps i currently have: amex, audible, calendar, calm, Legit fit, Oura, Podcasts, Trainline, spotify, whatsapp, whoop, youtube
@@OwenSeamons Thanks, I guess UA-cam is needed for work, otherwise I wouldn't (personally) consider it as an essential tool.
@@Skundef Yeah you’re right, for most people I would suggest removing UA-cam, unless it is part of their work
This phone reminds me of my first mobile, Samsung Galaxy 5
Ah cool, you’re right actually, it had a very similar design, just without the buttons
oh ps, does this do sideways texting like the LP? my brain really likes that for some reason lol
Unfortuneatly the default texting keypad does not, when you rotate the screen while texting the keypad becomes weird and scrunched up in a corner, but im sure there is an app you can install which does this!
The Jelly Star looks like just the phone I may be looking for, for all the reason you cite.
However, I would have a wish list that the Star did not fulfill (and for any possible Star 2). Owen, wondering what you think of:
- Color e-ink screen (lower power usage, less attractiveness calling to yo to use it for video watching and such), easier on the eyes, and better in sunlight
- Greater durability (perhaps like the Atom line?) meaning negating the need for the inevitably-yellowing silicone case, along with submersible and a decent IP rating
- More fully suited for US carrier bands
- eSIM (is it possible to ditch the physical SIM altogether and by that saving physical space and expense?)
- Bonus would be a second (or third) programmable button
For all that, I could lose:
- gimmicky LEDs
- radio
- flashlight
- IR remote
- 3.5 audio port (which I know among some is controversial, but for myself once I experienced the freedom of bluetooth earbuds there is no going back. Plus it saves valuable physical space)
Absolutely, those are some really good points and things like greater durability and e-ink screen would be great additions to the phone, it has been hard trying to find the "perfect phone", but hopefully future release may help get closer to that point!
Just done this exact setup. Paired it with an Android based eReader so I can still read my newspaper during the morning uni commute.
@@E9819_ Amazing to hear! Sounds like a really a good set up you have there!
I have balmuda phone and it's super great
That's a super cool phone! would love to get my hands on one oneday
how is the speaker is it loud enough so you can hear if someone call you?
The speaker quality is good and the volume does get very loud and clear which is great! 👍
great video but just letting you know you may have leaked someones phone number while talking about whatsapp around 7 minutes, you can edit/blur this retroactively in youtube studio i'm pretty sure
Thank so much for letting me know! I completely forgot about that, but i just double checked and the ones that doesn't have a name are spams! Thanks again!
Black wallpaper on an LCD display doesn't save battery BTW....
yeah my bad, got it mixed up with an amoled, thanks for letting me know
WhatsApp ruins the chill of a dumb phone. Uninstall it and feel a load lift from your mind. Friends will always SMS or call and it'll be one on one chats where you care about the conversation, instead of a group where people are lazy and rude at times.
What about phone call quality and reception? Yeah it has apps and all but that's useless if you can't be used as a phone.
@@googlesucks6029 call quality and reception are both really good from my use, sounds just as good as any smart phone 👍
Can you get it in australia
Armor 20 Mini is a newer better option IMO
Even as a smart phone it’s so small it might actually make you not want to use it.
@@fredrickbambino yeah exactly! 💯
2:04 isnt that a 13 pro??
@@dardo23 you are right, I said it wrong in the video 😅
deaf people can use bcoz of the light
eSIM ??
@@Jacviz09 unfortunately no
That’s an iPhone 13 Pro not an 15 pro
Yeah you're right, i didn't realise i said 15 instead of 13. My mistake! 😆
Dont even try that; it's a 13 pro, not 15 pro bro
Yeah you're right, i didn't realise i said 15 instead of 13. My mistake!
WOW!!...👏👏great video...with a lot of information
well done!!...PERFECT!
Thank you shruti! And yeah I realise it was a lot of information 🤣
Mat. Hang. Này. Con. Không
This seems to be everything I want, but it's pretty expensive
yeah it can be, try looking out for a second hand one, it can save you tons of money!
🌟🎀🤏🏻
💫🙌
light phone 3 soon
Yeah super exciting! Video on that coming soon too👀
@@OwenSeamonswaiting for this
This guy is showing his face waaaay too much, focus on the device!
the video is very good ı love this video , well done owen, the phone is very useful, I like it
Thank you Busra, you’re so kind, thank you for the support 😆✨
I think Unihertz is mad at you because you turned it from a very smart phone into a dumbphone 😂😂💛
You are right Mina, it is difficult to switch to a phone like this when you need it for studies or work, but I think you’ll find a way to make it work. Hahahah I hope I didn’t upset the team at unihertz 😂
That's horrible u destroying that phone like that 😭
haha i understand, its just what works for me personally, i know this is extreme and horrible for some people 😂
This is so informative thanks Owen 🙌🖤🤍
Thanks so much Meem 😊💛