Phones with E-Ink displays: for those who need communication and don't want to be distracted

In this post, I suggest recalling what other models of such phones are on the market. We will not write about those phones that were once available and popular, like the Yota Phone: they were reviewed so well at the time.

Minimalism as it is

Mudita released the Mudita Kompakt phone with a black-and-white E-Ink screen in response to the need for a simple communication device without unnecessary distractions, but with modern features. The review is on YouTube.

The phone runs on Mudita OS K, based on Android, but without Google services, and offers only basic applications.

Key features of Mudita OS K:

• Privacy by default: there are no Google services in the OS, which reduces the likelihood of tracking and data collection.

• Minimalism: Mudita OS K offers a simple and intuitive interface, providing only the necessary applications and functions: calls, messages, notes, reading e-books, and listening to music. You won't get confused here even if you want to.

• Optimization for E-Ink display: the OS is adapted to work with a black-and-white E-Ink screen, making it comfortable to read. The device consumes little energy.

• Support for updates: Mudita plans to provide regular software and security updates for Mudita OS K for at least three years.

Technical specifications and device capabilities

Mudita Kompakt supports 4G LTE and the ability to make voice calls over VoLTE and Wi-Fi. The phone is equipped with an E-Ink display, providing energy savings and up to six days of standby time. There is a USB-C port and wireless charging.

It is worth noting the issue of information security. The developers have provided an Offline+ mode: its activation completely disables Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular modules. You can also physically disable the microphones and camera. There is also a fingerprint scanner.

Technical specifications:

• display: 4.3 inches, black and white E-Ink, resolution 800 × 480 pixels;

• processor: MediaTek MT6761V/WBA (Helio A22), 2 GHz, 4 cores Cortex-A53;

• graphics: Imagination GE8300;

• RAM: 3 GB;

• storage: 32 GB with microSD support;

• connectivity: 4G LTE, VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC;

• battery: 3,300 mAh, up to 6 days standby time;

• ports: USB-C, 3.5 mm audio jack;

• camera: 8 MP with dual LED flash;

• slots: Dual-SIM (SIM + eSIM) or eSIM + microSD;

• protection: IP54 standard (dust and water resistant);

• communication standards:

  • LTE-FDD: B1/3/5/7/8/12/13/18/19/20/26;

  • LTE-TDD: B34/38/39/40/41.

There are few pre-installed applications, they only provide basic functions: reader, notes, calculator, player, weather forecast, and meditation timer. There is no web browser or social networks. If necessary, they can be installed, but the developers believe this would negate the main idea of the device.

The phone is available for pre-order on Kickstarter at a price starting from 325 €. The retail price after release will be 439 €. It is planned to be released in April 2025.

Other E-Ink screen phone models

As I mentioned in the announcement, I will not recall YotaPhone: many have heard about it. Here I will mention such "colleagues" of Mudita Kompakt as Minimal Phone and Light Phone 2.

Minimal Phone

Another smartphone with the same concept. The device is equipped with an E-Ink display and a physical QWERTY keyboard, making it ideal for calls, messaging, and reading, but not for watching videos and playing games. The smartphone runs on the MnmlOS operating system, also adapted for E-Ink Android.

Technical specifications:

• processor: MediaTek MT6769 (octa-core);

• RAM: 4 GB;

• internal memory: 128 GB;

• display: 3.5-inch touch E-Ink with 300 ppi density and high refresh rate;

• front camera: 8 MP;

• main camera: 16 MP with LED flash;

• battery: 4,000 mAh with 18W fast charging support and up to 20W wireless charging;

• communication standards:

  • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz/5 GHz);

  • Bluetooth 4.1;

  • NFC;

  • GPS/A-GPS;

  • 4G LTE (no 5G support);

• ports:

  • USB-C;

  • 3.5 mm audio jack;

• additional features:

  • fingerprint scanner (on the side);

  • face unlock;

  • sensors: accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, proximity, and light;

• dimensions: 121 × 72 × 10 mm.

Minimal Phone sales started in August 2024. Retail price — 450 $.

Light Phone 2

A close relative in spirit to the previous devices. However, it is much smaller than the two models mentioned above. The phone is equipped with a black-and-white E-Ink display and supports basic functions such as calls, messaging, and an alarm clock. OS — LightOS, based on Android.

Technical specifications:

• processor: Qualcomm MSM8909W;

• RAM: 1 GB DDR3;

• internal memory: 8 GB;

• display: 2.84-inch touch E-Ink;

• battery: 500 mAh, up to 5 days standby and 3–5 hours talk time;

• wireless interfaces:

  • 4G LTE;

  • Wi-Fi;

  • GPS;

• ports:

  • USB-C;

• additional features:

  • vibration;

  • loudspeaker;

• headset jack;

• dimensions: 91 × 55 × 6.5–7.5 mm;

• weight: about 80 g;

• body material: anodized aluminum;

• color options: black and white.

If you have such a phone, or maybe even the model from the post, tell us how you like it? Does it really help you stay focused? Is it a necessary device or just a toy?