It is difficult to surprise the modern user. If a few years ago a device with a large diagonal caused bewilderment, delight or critical reviews, today users look and think - nothing new. Similarly, many functions uncharacteristic of mobile technology now leave the buyer indifferent. However, below are 10 unusual smartphones that, at a minimum, meet the criterion of “not like everyone else.”
The first model in the rating was produced by a Russian company. It is quite widely known to the public, but, nevertheless, it looks original compared to other devices. The peculiarity of the device is that its back and front sides are screens. The front panel is a fairly familiar AMOLED matrix, but the back side is electronic ink display. It is black and white, but quite informative. It displays the time, notifications and other information.
Important! The nice thing about the e-ink display is its minimal power consumption. It turns out that one screen of the device is constantly on, but the battery does not drain. Quite convenient and original.
Black and white display is excellent suitable for reading, since it not only does not drain the battery, but also does not tire the eyes. In addition, the device has good characteristics - an eight-core processor, 4 gigabytes of RAM and 64 or 128 gigabytes of permanent memory. The camera here is also not bad - 12 megapixels. There is a fingerprint scanner.
- excellent memory reserve;
- main screen – AMOLED;
- additional display with minimal power consumption;
- support for modern wireless communication interfaces;
- fingerprint protection;
- wireless charger.
- own OS based on Android;
- high price tag for a Russian brand.
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9. Vaporcade Jupiter Io4 – a model for smokers
Among the most unusual smartphones, one cannot ignore a device from Vaporcade, which is very original in terms of functions. In the modern world, not only smartphones are popular, but also electronic cigarettes. In the gadget in question, these two functions are combined. The device is equipped with a liquid reservoir that can be removed, an evaporator, and the mouthpiece extends directly from the body. The model is the world's first Vaping Phone.
In terms of characteristics, the device is not very cool, and this is more a tribute to the smoking fashion than an opportunity to buy a powerful smartphone. Octa-core MideaTek processor, 2/16 GB of memory, 5 inches FHD, camera – 13 and 5 megapixels. Battery – 3200 mAh. The starting price is $400. Replacement cartridges for the device will cost $15, and, according to the developers, each is enough for 800 puffs, which is equivalent to 4 packs of cigarettes. The device has a program in which you can adjust the intensity of the smoke supply, temperature and other parameters; in addition, it has useful modes for those who are trying to quit smoking using vaping.
- original design;
- software for quitting smoking;
- combination of two functions;
- good autonomy.
- high price for the proposed characteristics;
- price of consumables.
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8. Fairphone 2 – in defense of the environment
Back in 2011, Google introduced a modular smartphone project. According to the idea of the company's engineers, any user could assemble a device to suit his interests - install a powerful processor or a capacious battery. Unfortunately, the project was not completed and remained only a dream for a long time. In 2016, a modular device appeared on the market - Fairphone 2. The number of blocks in it was significantly reduced, but it is quite possible to change some components yourself if you need something more powerful, or the module is broken. In particular, the developers showed at the presentation that Replacing the display, even for an untrained user, will take only 23 seconds.
In the basic configuration, the model can be purchased with a quad-core Qualcomm chipset, 2 gigabytes of RAM, and 16 gigabytes of main memory. Display – 5 inches HD. The top block includes a signal receiver, front camera and headset input. Bottom – speaker, vibration motor, microUSB. The battery is removable – 2420 mAh. If desired, you can choose the color of the case. Price – 523 euros. Changeable parameters are memory, there is an option to install modules of 3 and 32 GB. The device has two SIM cards, supports memory cards, the glass is protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Camera – 8 and 2 megapixels.
It is worth understanding that This device was created as environmentally friendly, that is, if it breaks down, you don’t need to buy a new device, but you can simply recycle the old module and buy a new one for a certain amount of money. For example, a new display will cost 85 euros. The relationship between functions and characteristics with the proposed price is quite difficult, since objectively the device is too expensive, but for those who fight for a clean environment, there is no other alternative.
- the ability to repair it yourself;
- protective glass on the display;
- LTE support, 2 SIM cards;
- separate slot for memory card.
- high price;
- weak iron.
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7. Monohm Runcible – a strange anti-smartphone
A model with a very unusual design was announced in 2015. Initially, it was supposed to run Firefox OS, but due to the cancellation of its support, the developers found another option - BuniOS, an operating system developed based on the open source Android. What is remarkable about the device is its material, as well as its shape. The device is completely round, front side – round display with 640*640 pixels, diagonal – 2.5 inches. The back is made from either valuable wood or recycled plastic waste collected from the ocean. Price – $600 for a wooden case, $249 for an environmentally friendly plastic one. Filling – Snapdragon 410, 1 gigabyte of RAM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 950 mAh battery. The device has a 7 MP camera.
The manufacturers themselves call their device an anti-smartphone, since it doesn’t even have half the classic functions of the device. The model is clearly not designed for everyone, and it is rather a way to shock the public. Positioning is a device for those who want to minimize the time they use their smartphone. There's not even support here Google Play. The creator of the device himself says that he has no idea for whom the device was created, and what customers the company will have to work with in the future. Despite its apparent uselessness, the device makes it into the rating due to its unusual shape.
- original design;
- natural materials;
- environmental friendliness.
- minimum functions;
- ergonomics;
- filling;
- price;
- lack of app store support.
Monohm Runcible on Yandex Market
6. Lumigon T3 – for those who are in style
An unusual device that went on sale in 2017. The model is far from a flagship, and even Apple will be jealous of the price. From the history of the company it is known that Lumigon was created by people who at one time worked at Nokia and Sony Ericsson. Having settled in Denmark, the heroes create a company in which they will create Design-first phones, rather than on some top hardware parameters. You can talk for a long time about the feasibility, but the existence of Vertu smartphones, which cost crazy amounts of money and are quite sold, suggests that there is demand.
So, a workable version called T3 reached the market in 2017, before that there were two attempts, not the most successful. The company does not have serious investments, so development is always carried out for a long time and on its own. This explains the lack of a large line and such a rare appearance of models.
Lumigon T3 is a strong glass, 316 grade stainless steel (used to produce sea ships), chrome inserts on the side panels. For very wealthy buyers there is 24 carat gold plated version. This device is the first in the world to have a camera with night vision and infrared illumination. Sound – Bang & Olufsen. There is an Action Key, it can be programmed, and the BackTouch panel is a touch scroll. Another interesting feature that the device has is Hand Wave, that is, touch-free control. There is IP67. There is support for two SIM cards, but the main memory cannot be expanded.
On a note! The finger scanner is marked “360”. This means that you can place your finger on any side, even upside down, and it will be recognized. Reviews show that it really works.
Characteristics:
- display - SuperAMOLED, 4.8 inches, HD;
- chipset – Helio X10;
- memory - 3/128 GB;
- battery – 2285 mAh;
- camera – 13 and 5 megapixels;
- LTE, Bluetooth 4.1, IR, Wi-Fi (dual bands), NFC;
- colors – black, white, orange, gold plating.
The price of the model in the basic version (not gold) is 800 euros. The device is not very powerful in terms of hardware, especially considering the price, but otherwise the device is extremely interesting.
- excellent design;
- ergonomics;
- the best manufacturing materials;
- the world's first camera with night vision;
- a complete set of wireless interfaces.
- not very powerful hardware;
- weak battery;
- price.
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5. ZTE Axon M – if you need two devices at once
An extremely interesting device from the Chinese company ZTE attracts attention with its folding shape. The device consists of two 5.2-inch displays with FHD resolution. The device has a hinge mechanism that allows you to unfold it 180 degrees. The model supports three operating options – parallel, joint and mirror. That is, you can run different programs on both screens, repeat an image, or run one application on both displays. When unfolded, you get a kind of tablet with a diagonal of 6.75 inches; when folded, the device resembles a thick smartphone. Hardware – Snapdragon 821, memory – 4 gigabytes, permanent storage – 64 gigabytes. Camera – 20 megapixels. Battery – 3180 mAh, there is high-speed charging. There is support for memory cards up to 256 GB. Price – from 30 thousand rubles.
- Possibility of use in “smartphone” or “tablet” mode;
- good amount of memory;
- fast charging;
- high quality camera.
- thickness in “smartphone” mode of use;
- ergonomics;
- low productivity.
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4. Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition – you can look inside
New product for 2018 from China that will attract the attention of the buyer translucent back. There are several “buts” here, but the device can be positioned as a transparent smartphone.
On a note! The device is not the first to use this concept. Previously, models from HTC were released - U11+ and U12+. The first made it possible to see the NFC module under the cover, which looks like a nice round pattern. In the next device, the buyer could examine the cable, battery, and bolts. The design is quite interesting, but not for everyone.
Xiaomi decided to shock the buyer and released one of their best devices in Explorer versions Edition, where the back is transparent. In addition to this element, the model received a finger scanner directly under the display and facial recognition. Behind the transparent panel you can see the Snapdragon 845 chipset, and it looks really exciting. However, after the presentation, the creators announced that this is not a real processor, but only a 3D design. It sounds like a hoax, but what is there is what we have to consider. The rest of the model is very cool - Snapdragon 845, 8/128 GB, 3400 mAh with fast charging, 6.21 inches, AMOLED, 1080*2248 pixels, HDR 10 support. Camera - 12+12 MP with optical zoom. Price – from 37 thousand rubles.
- interesting design;
- top performance;
- face unlock;
- excellent display.
- imitation of the filling, not the real picture;
- Considering the flagships of other brands, this model lacks protection against splashes and dust.
Xiaomi Mi 8 Explorer Edition on Yandex Market
3. Land Rover S18 3 SIM Extra Power – for very active people
There is a certain number of people who want to buy smartphone for 3 SIM cards. There are very few devices in this area, and if there are, then support for a large number of SIMs is their only advantage. The Land Rover S18 push-button device is not quite a smartphone, but it’s close to it. In addition to supporting 3 SIM cards, the device is interesting for its protection from water, shock, dust and any other influences. The device has an external antenna for stable navigation via GPS, which makes it suitable for use in hard-to-reach places. Installed here powerful 10000 mAh battery, which is enough not only for long walks in the forest, but also to recharge friends’ smartphones. The device is equipped with a loud speaker and allows you to use WhatsApp and some other social networks.
Advice! Our rating will help you choose the best protected smartphone model.
- protection from water, shock, dust;
- capacious battery;
- support for 3 SIM cards;
- loud noise;
- can be used as external battery;
- stable navigation.
- there is no full access to the Internet;
- no LTE support;
- heavy weight.
Land Rover S18 3 SIM Extra Power on Yandex Market
2. ChangHong H2 – personal doctor
The device from the Chinese manufacturer appeared on the market in 2017. The device is quite expensive – $500, and for the money it doesn’t have very cool features. There is a MediaTek with 8 cores, 4 gigabytes of RAM, 64 gigabytes of main storage, 6-inch display, FHD. Battery – 3000 mAh. Camera – 16 MP. In general, the indicators are interesting, but far from the best.
The trick of the model is that a real medical laboratory created by an Israeli company is hidden under the body. A small plate with a drop of the user’s blood is inserted directly into the model, and the device provides information about the person’s condition, that is complete blood test. At H2, the laboratory learned to analyze not only blood, but also medications, food, and even household chemicals. The buyer will be able to find out everything about the composition of what he is going to buy.
- blood analysis;
- analysis of food, medicines, household chemicals;
- high-quality display;
- not a bad camera.
- price;
- simple design.
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1. Doogee S70 – a gaming machine for the unbalanced
In 2018, it’s difficult to surprise customers with gaming devices. There are several extremely original devices from famous brands that offer not only top-end hardware, but also an original design with powerful cooling. The Chinese brand Doogee understands that it will not look very convincing against the backdrop of famous companies, so it decides to create not just a gaming device, but with shock and moisture protection. This is really interesting, because the model turned out to be powerful, protected and quite inexpensive. You can buy a device from 18 thousand rubles. During tests, the phone was drowned, beaten, nuts were cracked with it, and even frozen in a piece of ice, and the device continued to work perfectly.
Options:
- IPS matrix, 6 inches, FHD+;
- dual camera 12+5 MP;
- Helio P23 chipset, 8*2.5 GHz;
- memory 6/64 GB;
- 5500 mAh battery, fast charging.
Considering its price tag, the hardware of the device looks pretty good. This is despite the fact that there are two Wi-Fi bands, a separate slot for a memory card, and NFC.
Advice! You can separately buy the G1 gamepad, created specifically for the device. Price – 2500 rubles.
- "unkillable";
- excellent memory reserve;
- NFC support;
- excellent camera;
- high autonomy;
- price.
- heavy weight and thickness;
- The processor is not the top one, but for this price tag it is excellent.
on Yandex Market
You know the main players in the smartphone market: the best phones in the modern world are made by Apple, HTC, Samsung, LG, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Huawei and others.
But what about those smartphones that are not popular with us? Just because a phone isn't popular somewhere doesn't mean it's not one of the best.
Some smartphones are also just a little misunderstood. So we'll be breaking down a list of smartphones that we think you should take a look at, especially if you're ripe for an 'alternative' phone. So let's get started.
Fairphone 2
Fairphone has one key goal - to create a smartphone that is made using "ethically sourced materials". The company strives to create a smartphone using only conflict-free resources (the name Fairphone translates to “fair phone”), as well as reasonable compensation for workers throughout the production process. The smartphone will not cause heartache to those who care about the low-wage workers in China, where the iPhone is assembled.
You have to admire the company's intention. The company has now made its second phone and this time it's modular, so you can swap out parts and not have to worry about disposing of the entire smartphone in a few years.
The device runs on Android 5.1 and has a 5-inch 1080p display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor and 2GB of RAM. It also supports 4G LTE and offers 32GB of internal storage.
The smartphone may not currently be in the company's warehouses, since Fairphone 2 is released in limited quantities.
Wileyfox Swift 2 Plus
You may have already heard about Wileyfox. But if not, we will tell you.
There's a lot about the Wileyfox Swift 2 Plus that hints at a premium smartphone, but the price actually comes as a surprise (at least in Western Europe).
Wileyfox is a new startup that combines a smartphone with a large 5-inch 720p display, 32 GB of memory, a 16-megapixel camera and Qualcomm processor Snapdragon 430 and asks for about $290 for all this.
For a phone with such characteristics and a premium design (in the opinion of English users), the price is very impressive. So you can get an unusual piece of England for a reasonable price.
Yotaphone 2
If you haven't heard of the above-mentioned smartphones, then you've definitely heard about this one. Yotaphone 2 attracted a lot of attention (by the way, not only in Russia) with its unique dual display design. One of them is a traditional 5-inch Full HD display, and the second is an electronic ink screen on the rear panel. The latter is intended for some applications and saving battery power.
The e-ink display works with select apps like Facebook, Twitter, RSS feeds, messaging and e-readers and offers much longer battery life than the average full-screen display.
Under the hood is a Snapdragon 801 processor clocked at 2.2GHz, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage.
Lumigon T2 HD
Lumigon aims to attract the stylish consumer by using the words "elegant" and "exclusive look". There is some truth to this and we have to admit: Lumigon T2 HD has a nice design coupled with water and dust resistance built into the system without compromising on style appearance. It has a 4.3-inch 720p display, a 1.7GHz Snapdragon processor and 2GB of RAM.
The main camera has a resolution of 13 megapixels, and the built-in memory can reach up to 128 GB. Lumigon T2 HD runs on Android 4.4 KitKat. The price is expressed in Danish kroner - 4449, which in conversion will be about 39,500 rubles.
Price: $665
Peculiarity: stylish design from a Danish manufacturer
Detailed
Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus
After several years of focusing on low-cost phones, Karbonn has tried to break into the higher end of smartphones and the company has succeeded with its latest offering.
Despite the fact that its name sounds like something from a hadron collider, this inexpensive phone managed to achieve excellent sales figures in 2016.
The Karbonn Titanium Octane Plus smartphone runs on Android 4.4.2, has an eight-core MediaTek processor clocked at 1.7 GHz, 2 GB of RAM and a main camera with a resolution of 16 megapixels. The built-in memory is 16 GB, expandable by MicroSD cards up to 32 GB.
Ulefone Power
Ulefone offers a smartphone that will often delight you with endless battery power. The phone comes with a 5.5-inch HD display, fingerprint sensor, Android 5.1 OS, 3GB RAM and a 64-bit octa-core processor. But its real highlight -huge battery capacity 6050 mAh.
Despite such a battery, Ulefone managed to create a pretty nice smartphone.
Meizu MX4 Ubuntu Edition
What you see in front of you is not an iPhone, but a Meizu MX4 Ubuntu Edition. The smartphone with a 5.4-inch display and an octa-core MediaTek processor is certainly not a flagship phone.
It has 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage and comes in different color options. The front selfie camera has a resolution of 2 megapixels, and the main one has a resolution of 21 megapixels. But this is not a feature of the smartphone.
The smartphone runs under the operating system Ubuntu systems, whose porting efforts began in 2013 and ended in success in 2015.
The current smartphone market is replete with a variety of models, but cannot boast the same abundance of unique-looking devices. Metal or plastic and glass are the main elements for mobile phone cases; only the ratio of materials differs, as well as the shape of the devices. Some corners are more rounded, some less. In some places, 75% of the rear panel is made of aluminum, and in others, the antenna separators have been reduced to the size of thin strips, 1 mm wide. Nevertheless, unusual smartphones they were also released in 2016, albeit in small quantities. Due to the fact that there were few non-standard models, we can compile the TOP unusual smartphones of 2016.
The most unusual smartphones of 2016: the five most interesting models
To be included in the selection, unusual phones must:
- be announced and/or go on sale in 2016;
- be very different from the bulk of cellular devices in appearance or functionality;
- be real pre-production or serial models, not concepts or prototypes.
5: Samsung SM-W2017 Veyron
About 10 years ago, clamshells were in second place in popularity, after monoblocks. Both dialers and push-button smartphones (like the Nokia N76) were produced in this format. But now folding phones have turned into a curiosity, inaccessible to the mass buyer. The main market for which they are still produced is eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea), where older buyers feel nostalgic for this form factor. It was for them that the Samsung SM-W2017 Veyron was presented. This is a clamshell with two displays, and the filling from the Galaxy S7.
When folded, the smartphone can be used as a regular candy bar with a 4.2-inch display. If you open it, there is another similar screen inside, as well as the previously familiar 12-key keyboard. The smartphone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chip, it has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of permanent memory, as well as a slot for a flash drive. At the back there is a 12 MP camera familiar from the Galaxy S7, and a 2300 mAh battery is responsible for autonomy. Finding a smartphone on sale will not be easy, and the price for it is very steep, reaching several thousand US dollars.
The Chinese love to surprise with unusual designs, and the Gionee company, which is quickly gaining popularity in the Middle Kingdom, has distinguished itself with this. Gionee M2017 is a smartphone with an unusual design that resembles a flask for cognac or whiskey. Most of the front panel is covered with a display with curved edges, the back is textured like leather, and only the bottom and top have two metal bezels. There is also a metal cover where the cameras are located. On the front there is a fingerprint scanner located under the screen.
Gionee M2017 is equipped with an AMOLED display with a diagonal of 5.7″ and a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. The processor of the new product is not named, but it is known that it will have 8 cores and operate at a frequency of 2 GHz. The device has 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of permanent memory. At the back there will be a dual camera based on a pair of 12 and 13 MP matrices. Will be located in front front-camera at 8 MP. One of the features of this unusual smartphone is its battery: its capacity is 7000 mAh. The device will be finally presented at the end of December (approximately the 26th), its price has not yet been announced.
Caterpillar Cat s60 is a harsh smartphone for representatives of harsh male professions. Like many other smartphones with an unusual design, aimed at extreme conditions, it is equipped with an armored case. However main feature device - inside, not outside. This is the first mass-produced device equipped with a thermal imager. Its lens is installed at the back, next to the 13 MP camera, although the resolution of the thermal scanner is noticeably lower - 80x60 pixels. This is small by camera standards, but not bad for a thermal imager.
Using a smartphone, you can monitor the temperature of objects; the image from the camera and from the thermal sensor is combined to make it easier to perceive. This allows you to identify places of heat leaks when insulating rooms, detect overheating parts of various mechanisms, see if electrical wiring contact points are overheating, and much more. In addition, this unusual smartphone can withstand falls onto a hard surface from human height and can survive for an hour at a depth of 5 meters in water.
The smartphone is equipped with a 4.7-inch IPS screen with HD resolution, covered with thick tempered glass. It runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 chipset with an eight-core processor. RAM 3 GB, built-in memory 32 GB, there is a slot for a flash drive. There is a 5 MP camera on the front. The battery capacity of the device reaches 3800 mAh. You can buy a Caterpillar Cat s60 for about $700, but you'll have to look hard.
2: Lenovo (Motorola) Moto Z
LG was the first to develop unusual smartphones with support for replaceable modules in 2016. However, their flagship G5 did not live up to expectations and was not very popular. The developers of Lenovo (formerly Motorola) rethought the concept and introduced the Moto Z series. It so far includes unusual smartphones of 3 models: , Moto Z (Droid) and Moto Z Force. The first device is a mid-level device, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage and a 16 MP camera. It is equipped with a 3500 mAh battery and has a thickness of 7 mm. Moto Z Droid is a flagship in an ultra-thin case (5.2 mm) based on Snapdragon 820, with 4 GB of RAM, 32 or 64 GB of permanent memory, and a 13 MP camera. Moto Z Force is also a flagship, but in a 7 mm case, with a 3500 mAh battery, the same chipset and memory capacity, and a 21 MP camera.
A distinctive feature of all smartphones in the series are similar sizes, a 5.5″ screen and special contacts on the rear panel; you can connect an external module of a full-size camera with optical zoom, a pocket projector, a stereo system, an external battery and other accessories. Future Z series smartphones will also have similar dimensions to maintain module compatibility.
New technologies, in the form of phones, smartphones or tablets, are rapidly developing and absorbing the market. Devices appear on shelves weekly, and due to high competition, manufacturers have to improve and add the latest options.
Some manufacturers are experimenting with appearance, some are regularly increasing the power of their devices, and all in order to create unusual smartphones, which we will talk about in this article.
Samsung Serene: an elegant phone for elegant people
Our editorial team's top chart of the most unusual smartphones opens with the elegant Samsung Serene. This phone is chosen by users who value quality and simplicity, who are accustomed to hiding big things in small things.
Having bought an unusual smartphone, you will hold it in your hand constantly and are unlikely to want to leave it even for a minute. The device is easy to use, intuitive and free of unnecessary options. The display is large and easy to read.
Peculiarities:
- display format;
- software and interface logic;
- color schemes and font colors.
The smartphone belongs to the fashion class. It was equipped with an 800 mAh battery and a TFT display. The lid can rotate up to 180 degrees and close automatically.
Benq Qube Z2: a functional cube
The body of the device is made in the form of a functional cube, which immediately attracts the attention of lovers of something unusual and extraordinary.
There is support for MP3 player and a 1.3 Megapixel camera. At the same time, the output photo resolution is 1280*960.
The volume of built-in memory is only 58 Megabytes. The user has the option of expanding the internal storage using flash cards. The capacity of the Lithium-ion battery is 950 m*Ah, which is enough for 5 hours of continuous conversation.
Peculiarities:
- unusual cube shape;
- functionality;
- MP3 support.
Did you think that technically it would be difficult to hit you? What a deep misconception. We present to your attention a smartphone for those who like to smoke using a vape or hookah connoisseurs.
This model unusual device presented by Vaporcade. With it, you will get an innovative smartphone with productive data, and as a bonus, the opportunity to relax. It was created for fans of the smoking industry.
This is a truly creative device and the only one in the world with OS and cellular communication. The gadget runs on pre-installed Android 6 based on an eight-core MTK processor.
Screen size of this device- 5 inches, 13 megapixel main optics and 5 megapixel front camera. The RAM capacity is 2 Gigabytes coupled with a 3200 mAh battery.
Peculiarities:
- puff control;
- monitoring of e-liquid and smoking mixture residues;
- notification about the end of the last ones.
Dbtel M50: almost like an ipod
Another smartphone from the “unlike others” series. The only similarity that it received is directly related to the popular MP3 player from Apple, or rather, their similarity is confirmed by the presence of a navigation pad.
A navigation pad is a joystick that allows you to interact with the device’s shell. There is no physical keyboard; instead, the manufacturer installed a 2-inch TFT touch screen module.
The device received a camera with a 2 Megapixel sensor. The smartphone was released back in 2006 and sales started with a price tag of $300.
Peculiarities:
- touch screen;
- control using a navigation pad;
- similarity to a popular branded player.
Telson TWC 1150: camera watch mobile phone
Telson TWC 1150 is an original multifunctional device on the market of electronic portable gadgets. It is a hybrid smartphone with the functions of a mobile device, a wrist watch and a discrete digital camera with a 0.3 megapixel sensor.
Its display is made using STN technology. The gadget's 600 mAh battery lasts for 100 minutes of continuous talk and 150 hours of standby. The price of the unusual device at the time of release was $535.
Peculiarities:
- speech recognition support;
- recording voice messages;
- a full-fledged organizer and stopwatch;
- international roaming using a RUIM card.
This smartphone is an attempt by Fairphone to fill the gap after the Project Ara fiasco from Google. This is the first official modular smartphone that can be repaired or upgraded by replacing the corresponding module. For example, to replace the display, we need only 23 seconds.
The main module received almost all the filling, including a chipset from Qualcomm, 2 Gigabytes of RAM and 32 internal. The display in the device is 5” with HD resolution.
The upper unit was equipped with a front camera and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The lower block received a speaker, vibration tone and a smartphone charging port. If desired, the user can upgrade the battery. The cost of the device is 523 euros.
Peculiarities:
- non-replaceable main module;
- possibility of upgrading additional modules and batteries.
Hyundai MP280: perfume mobile phone
In China, this phone was nicknamed "unusual flip phone." The highlight of the device is that the user can choose an individual scent for the gadget. This can be done by pouring your favorite perfume into a special container, which the manufacturer has placed compactly under the screen.
It is made in the shape of a butterfly. Thus, when you open the device, it will begin to emit your favorite aroma, but often the smell can be felt even when closed. The manufacturer included a special syringe in the delivery package. Two drops of perfume last up to eight hours. The price tag at the time of release was about $300.
Peculiarities:
- aimed at a female audience;
- original performance;
- complete with syringe.
Russian children's BB-mobile
This brand has produced quite a number of electronic gadgets with wide functionality. Among these devices there are also children's mobile devices with a minimal set of options and keys.
The main purpose of such phones is complete control and safety of your child. It has a built-in GPS sensor and a button for quickly dialing a previously programmed phone number.
A unique and one-of-a-kind phone that was developed in the USA. It is powered by a single battery in the case.
This unusual gadget was created for emergency or unforeseen situations. It can be considered a spare phone to your main smartphone. The device can be used if the main battery is broken or the battery runs out at the wrong time, and there is no charging facility nearby.
SpareOne can be used in a survival kit on a long journey or in case of force majeure. It only requires one AA battery and a SIM card to operate.
Peculiarities:
- no screen;
- limited functionality;
- built-in flashlight;
- Broadcast cell number for police location.
Have you thought about buying a miniature smartphone? This model evokes a whole range of positive emotions thanks to its unique design.
The body is completely plastic. It is not clear who it was created for, especially considering its toy size. Telephone functions are convenient to use, but holding them near your ear or talking is not at all comfortable.
Thanks to the physical keyboard, it is convenient to type messages on your smartphone. An excellent model to surprise your significant other with a gift, but nothing more.
A smartphone with handwritten input of hieroglyphs, which has gained popularity only in the Middle Kingdom. It is not the only one in this form factor based on the Android operating system.
Previously, users believed that only Korean Samsung produces such gadgets, but, in fact, everything turned out to be different. It’s difficult to say anything specific about it, but the uniqueness of such a device is worth noting. That's why it made it onto our list of unusual smartphones.
This is an unusual device with a touch screen that extends upward, like the popular Nokia 8800. The creator did not chase Gigabytes or Megapixels, but simply gave the smartphone a slightly aggressive look and hid a flash drive at the bottom.
Pleasant and unusual design, the screen of which hides part of the image due to the angular shape of the case.
Peculiarities:
- built-in flash drive;
- LED screen that allows you to see the caller in your pocket.
Haier Pen Phone P7: Feel like Bond
Have you dreamed of becoming a secret agent? Now everyone has access to a smartphone, just like in spy movies. In appearance it looks very much like a simple pen. However, appearances are deceiving. Its functionality can surprise you:
- color screen;
- camera;
- Dictaphone.
It also has disadvantages in the form of inconvenient buttons for making calls. Yes, and the pen, as it turns out, doesn’t write.
A smartphone is fundamentally different from modern devices. Moreover, this applies to both the exterior and technical capabilities.
The body of the gadget is elongated and rather narrow, somewhat reminiscent of a predator’s claw. Inside the “claw” there is a capsule with all the filling, which is made of aluminum. The outside of the device is transparent and pleasant to the touch. There is no screen or any physical buttons.
Peculiarities:
- voice assistant, which is needed to interact with the owner;
- camera-projector for identifying people near a smartphone;
- tactile response manifesting itself in the form of vibration and heat.
There is no working prototype, but the developers are trying in every possible way to interest investors.
Xian Yan Wang XYW 3838: cigarette case phone
Chinese manufacturers never cease to amaze with their creative thinking. This phone, once again, this proves it. It is very reminiscent of cigarettes from the Chinese company Chonghwa.
Externally, the device is not only attractive, but also functional, because the smartphone can be used as a cigarette case that can hold up to 7 cigarettes. In addition, it received a color screen and a camera.
Stun Master 800,000 volt: telephone stun gun
This gadget is the cause of scandals and disputes, because the manufacturer disguised a real stun gun under the guise of a telephone. And for security reasons, it was banned in many countries in order to avoid illegal seizures of aircraft and water transport.
In general, a smartphone is an original means of self-defense, and the police will not realize that in your pocket is not an ordinary mobile phone, but a stun gun.
An original smartphone with unusual parameters and design. The company positions the device as an anti-smartphone with a 2.5-inch screen and 7 Megapixel optics. The smartphone received all the necessary communications and wireless technologies, as well as functions like in full-fledged smartphones.
The device is based on OpenSource from Android with its own shell. The interface is unique, you definitely won’t find this on another smartphone. The device is compact in size and will not take up much space in your pocket or purse.
Peculiarities:
- material of manufacture – wood;
- extraordinary design;
- limited functionality.
The manufacturer has cut down the functions of the smartphone for the fastest possible access to calls, SMS or multimedia files. It runs on the Snapdragon 410 with 1 Gigabyte of RAM and the Adreno 306 graphics chip. The capacity of the built-in battery is only 950 m*Ah.
ZTE s312: no electricity
This device must work without electricity using an alternative power source, which is a solar battery on the rear panel. Environmentalists called it the most environmentally friendly phone and demand for it grew in third world countries. Other functions on the device include:
- FM radio;
- Mobile Internet.
Sharp Touch Wood SH-08C: phone made of wood
The uniqueness of the phone lies in its body. The device is made of cypress wood using wood pressing technology. Thus, the manufacturer has created a completely waterproof phone with a 5 megapixel camera and support for the following functions:
- WiFi;
- Bluetooth;
Blackphone2 departs from the usual design and is called the brainchild of paranoia. His key feature, in comparison with other devices, lies in the high degree of security of stored and transmitted data.
The hardware platform is very powerful and encrypted, it was created on the basis of standard Android.
For a complete feeling of security, the user of this smartphone you'll have to buy special ones paid applications Silent Phone (restricts eavesdropping), Silent Text (encrypts text) and Silent Contacts (restricts free access to device contacts).
Peculiarities:
- Full protection and encryption;
- using a VPN connection for Internet surfing;
- high cost of the device.
The hardware platform of the device is represented by an 8-core Snapdragon chipset, 13 Megapixel optics, a 5.5-inch screen and 32 GB of total memory with 3 GB of RAM.
Micro Phone: thin and light
This mini phone is no larger in size than a standard credit card, and its functionality is also minimal. The main purpose of the device is to track a person. Thanks to the built-in GPS sensor, you will always know where your baby is. The software package includes a minimal set of programs and has a built-in voice call.
Cuin 5: stylish, but not practical
A miracle from a Chinese manufacturer, absolutely no screen, but with a large number of physical keys.
This phone was created for those who like to write messages, and for those who do not like to flip the screen in order to adjust the location of the keyboard.
It would be suitable for the main purpose of the phone if the developers had installed a screen, but as it is, they only introduced a stylish exterior, which we can only be content with.
NeoWood Cobra Limited Edition
The device received a second chance to realize itself thanks to Swiss developers. It is based on the Neonode N2 phone with its revolutionary technologies.
They are one of the fastest growing industries today mobile electronics, and new models appear on the market almost every day. With such high competition, manufacturers have to constantly upgrade their products, offering customers new, more interesting features. Some are increasing their computing capabilities, others are increasing their multimedia capabilities, and others are experimenting with design. Among them there are also truly unique devices, completely different from others. We invite you to get to know them today.
Vaporcade Jupiter Io4
Surely every tobacco lover at least once in his life has dreamed of a phone that can be smoked. The company Vaporcade decided to provide this opportunity to everyone, combining a smartphone and electronic cigarette. The Jupiter Io4 is the first so-called Vaping Phone, complete with a removable nicotine liquid tank, a vaporizer and a convenient retractable mouthpiece.
In a word, the two strongest addictions are cigarettes and the Internet in one bottle. The new product just recently went on sale worldwide at a price of $399. For this money you will get a MediaTek SoC with eight Cortex-A53 cores and a Mali-T860 MP2 accelerator, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory, 13 and 5 MP cameras, a 3200 mAh battery and a 5-inch Full HD display.
Fairphone 2
Google Project Ara, which appeared in 2011, was predicted to have a great future, but, unfortunately, the project has not yet been published. The Fairphone company decided to fill the resulting gap, presenting at MWC 2016 the first mass-produced modular smartphone Fairphone 2, which is already available for purchase on the official website. According to the developers, now anyone can easily repair or upgrade the device by simply installing the required module. For example, it only takes 23 seconds to replace the display.
Unfortunately, compared to the first version, the manufacturer has significantly reduced the number of parts, reducing them to a module carrying the main filling (quad-core Qualcomm chip, 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of ROM), a 5-inch HD display module, a camera module and two additional blocks: top (transceiver, front selfie module and 3.5 mm headphone jack) and bottom (speaker with microphone, vibration motor, USB port). The battery is also removable. You can also choose the color of the back panel. This device costs 523 €.
Thomson A.L.O.
A very extravagant concept of a smartphone of the future was demonstrated at the end of January by French designers Jerome Olivet and Philippe Starck, the latter of whom managed to be seen developing the appearance of the Xiaomi Mi Mix. Both in form and in capabilities, their apparatus is very far from modern ones. The smartphone has a narrow elongated body, reminiscent of an animal's claw; inside there is an aluminum capsule with electronics, and on the outside the device is made of transparent elastic material that is pleasant to hold in your hands. The design does not provide any screen or physical buttons.
To communicate with the owner, it is proposed to use a voice assistant and a multifunctional camera-projector, which can identify nearby people, as well as demonstrate various content in the form of a hologram. The declared tactile response, implemented using heat and vibration, also adds zest. Unfortunately, the designers don’t have a working prototype yet, but they are trying in every possible way to interest the domestic brand Thomson, which, according to the latest data, also reciprocates their feelings.
Monohm Runcible
The list of unusual smartphones would definitely be incomplete without the Runcible, presented by Monohm as part of the MWC 2015 exhibition. Initially, the device was supposed to run on the Firefox OS operating system, but due to Mozilla ending its support, the developers urgently had to look for another option and make an adaptation. A year later, a new product on BuniOS, created on Android based Open Source Project appeared on Indiegogo, raising the necessary amount for development. The anti-smartphone, as its manufacturer positions it, cannot boast of top-end technical components or a first-class camera, but it is impressive in its appearance.
At the very least it is absolutely round, and that’s already worth a lot. One side of the device is almost completely occupied by a 2.5-inch screen with a resolution of 640 x 640 pixels, and the second is made of valuable wood, which makes it look like a mirror. There is also a 7-megapixel camera, wireless modules, and other attributes of a classic smartphone. On pre-order, the Runcible was offered in Lovelace for $499 and Faraday for $599 (with wooden rear panel), and also for $249 with a panel made from recycled ocean plastic.
LG G Flex 2
Speaking of a non-standard shape, the brainchild of LG, which first appeared in 2013, immediately comes to mind. At first glance, it may seem like an ordinary smartphone, but this is only at first glance. Looking at the device in profile, you immediately notice one interesting feature. The thing is that the device’s body has a rather significant bend in the middle, which makes it stand out among its competitors.
The first version, due to its weak technical content, is no longer relevant in modern realities, the announced appearance of the third generation with current top-level hardware is now expected this year, leaving only the 2015 modification - G Flex 2, offered today in Russia for 19,000 rubles For this money you will get an eight-core Snapdragon 810, 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory, a 5.5-inch Full HD display and a 13-megapixel main camera.
Blackphone2
If we move away from design to capabilities, then it is worth noting a very curious child of paranoia, called Blackphone2. The key difference between an unremarkable-looking smartphone is the high degree of protection of stored and transmitted data, in which Silent Circle has surpassed even Blackberry, which is very tired in this regard. The second version of the device, presented at MWC 2015, received a more powerful hardware platform and uses the proprietary encrypted PrivatOS shell, created on the Android OS.
To feel absolutely protected, you will have to use special applications available with a paid subscription: Silent Phone, which makes it impossible to listen to calls using peer-to-peer VoIP, Silent Text for encrypted communication by test, and Silent Contacts, which blocks free access to contacts. The connection to the Internet is made through a VPN, and to turn on the device you will need to enter a password and PIN code. In general, with such a phone you are not afraid of either intelligence agencies or spies. True, £467 for a set with an annual subscription for a device with an eight-core Snapdragon, 3 and 32 GB of memory, a 13-megapixel camera and a 5.5-inch Full HD display is a bit much.
Sunpartner Technologies
The once extremely expensive solution from Sunpartner Technologies has found serial use only in the Tag Heuer Meridiist Infinite phone, costing $5,000, which, given its 2014 hardware, is certainly not worth the money today. The Japanese manufacturer of secure smartphones, Kyocera, has been struggling with the possibility of reducing the cost of technology called WYSIPS for a single year. He regularly brings his prototypes to MWC, but it never made it to mass production.
We are talking about a special display panel with built-in solar battery. The idea of recharging mobile gadgets from the sun is not new for a long time, and back in the late 2000s, similar products were successfully released by Samsung. But in them the panel was located on the back side and was no different from the usual one. The advantage of WYSIPS is obvious. The smartphone will be charged directly during operation, and both natural and artificial lighting can be used as an energy source.
Lumigon T3
The Danish company Lumigon specializes in the manufacture of exquisite devices from premium materials, but as practice shows, technical innovations are also not alien to it. One of the latest developments from the manufacturer, first presented in June last year, was the very interesting T3 smartphone, the first in the world to receive one unusual function.
Along with the 13-megapixel main camera, there is an additional infrared module with an infrared flash on the rear panel, allowing you to shoot in the dark. Unfortunately, maximum resolution The IR sensor is only 4 megapixels, and the filling of Helio x10, 3 GB RAM and 128 GB ROM plus a 4.8-inch HD display puts the product more in the mid-price segment, which cannot be said about the cost stated by Lumigon. This pleasure will cost the owner 60,000 rubles.
ChangHong H1 and H2
The Chinese manufacturer of household appliances and electronics Sichuan Changhong Electric Co., organized in 1958 by the state, is known in its homeland primarily as a leading supplier of televisions. Meanwhile, the company’s product range also includes much more exotic devices, for example, smartphones with unusual functionality.
Introduced in 2015, ChangHong H1 has only a quad-core MediaTek MT6732, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory, as well as a 5-inch HD display, but it is equipped with a unique system for analyzing biochemical blood parameters (glucose, cholesterol, lipids), has passed certification equating the device to a diagnostic medical instrument. In order to pass the test, you need to insert a small plate with a drop of blood into a special slot, after which the corresponding chip will perform the analysis.
ChangHong H2 appeared much later - at January CES 2017 and it is no less interesting than the H1. On board the device is installed a full-fledged molecular scanner SCiO, developed by the Israeli company Consumer Physics and the American Analog Devices. With its help, you can accurately determine the composition of food, medicines or household chemicals. In a word, armed with such a scanner, you will always know what is inside, and not what is written on the package. The remaining characteristics of the smartphone are not flagship, but not basic either: an eight-core MediaTek processor paired with 4 GB of RAM, a 6-inch Full HD display, a 64 GB drive, a 16 MP camera and a 3000 mAh battery. H2 will cost about $500.
Lenovo Smart Cast
The Galaxy Beam smartphone, introduced by Samsung in 2010, had its own pico projector on board, capable of displaying an image with a diagonal of up to 50 inches, which earned it the honorary title of one of the most unusual devices of its time. Its reincarnation Galaxy Beam 2, which appeared in 2015, is already obsolete as a smartphone today, but the idea reinterpreted by Lenovo, embodied in the Smart Cast prototype, will most likely find active use in the future.
Chinese developers installed a rotating module at the top of the device, equipped with a laser projector and an infrared motion sensor. This combination allows the gadget not only to project images onto walls or tables, but also to turn various surfaces into touch ones. Smart Cast has not yet been officially presented and its future fate is unknown, but given the promise of the technology, there is not long to wait for its competent technical implementation.
CAT S60
The last one in our review is a rugged smartphone created by Caterpillar. The CAT S60, presented at IFA 2016, boasts not only good performance for its class and the highest reliability under all operating conditions, but also the presence of a built-in thermal imager developed by FLIR. The device has no analogues yet, but it also costs about 42,000 rubles.
Thus, the manufacturer managed not only to create the most compact thermal imaging camera in the world, which you can always take with you, but also to provide the most convenient tool for working with the collected data. The device is aimed at specialists involved in repair work and maintenance of various objects. On board you will find an eight-core Snapdragon 617 processor, 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of ROM, a 13-megapixel camera, a 4.7-inch HD display and a 3800 mAh battery.
