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The F(x)tec Pro 1 is a very odd name for a smartphone, and it has all the DNA of a Nokia Communicator . Nokia’s Communicator design still continues to inspire many devices, long after we saw the last one. Some took a look at the recently announced Samsung Galaxy Fold and while it lacks a hardware QWERTY keyboard, the design style reminded them of a Communicator.
In recent times, we have seen the Gemini PDA and Cosmo Communicator , both reminiscent of Nokia’s big boys from years past. And now, we have been introduced to the F(x)tec Pro 1. It has a full, touchscreen display, and hidden underneath that is a hardware QWERTY keyboard. Let’s have a quick look at the specs before I proceed.
F(x)tec Pro 1 Specs
- Mobile network support: 2G, 3G, 4G
- SIM: Dual Nano SIM
- Software/Operating System: Android 9 Pie
- Display: 5.99-inch, 2160 x 1080 pixels, AMOLED, Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3
- Physical Keyboard layout: 5-row, 64-key, staggered, backlit, landscape QWERTY keyboard
- Keyboard mechanism: sliding (angled)
- Sensors: Fingerprint (side mounted), Accelerometer, Magnetometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Ambient Light, Hall effect
- Materials: Polycarbonate
- Processor: Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835, Octa-core 2.45 GHz, Kryo 280
- GPU: Adreno 540
- RAM: 6 GB
- Internal Storage: 128 GB
- Removable Storage: microSD up to 2 TB
- Rear Camera: 12 MP f/1.8 Sony IMX363 + 5 MP f/2 dual camera
- Front Camera: 8 MP f/2
- WiFi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (WiFi 5)
- Bluetooth: 5.0 + LE
- Connectivity: NFC (supports Google Pay), USB Type-C with HDMI support
- Battery Type and Capacity: Non-removable 3,200 mAh
- Battery Charging: Quick Charge 3.0
The F(x)tec Pro 1 also has a 3.5 mm headphone Jack.
And here is a video, courtesy of XDA Developers:
F(x)tec Pro 1 Release Date and Price
The Pro 1 is expected to hit the market stalls in July 2019 and will cost $649.
Prospects
With a name like F(x)tec Pro 1, this isn’t a device targeted at mainstream users. We already know that hardware QWERTY keyboards are no longer mainstream, either. But there is a niche market for devices like this, and it is good to see someone address that market. Looking at it from the front when closed up, you could mistake it for a Samsung Galaxy S9. And it is quite usable in that form.
You can then switch to QWERTY mode and have the display sit at an angle while you make use of the full hardware keyboard. Part of the sweet spots include being able to create keyboard shortcuts to open apps.
The OS has been optimized for landscape use in some apps, so the layout is presented in a highly efficient way. This landscape optimization is present in the Home screen, email, and calendar apps. This is the way the original Nokia Communicator functioned when the OS in use was Series 80. Nokia was to later dumb the UI down when it ditched S80 for Series 60.
One small niggle with the F(x)tec Pro 1 is that it uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, which is about two years old now. It isn’t a bad processor. It still provides great performance, but I imagine that many people will be more open to parting with N230,000 for a device that uses SD845 or SD855.
Meanwhile, have you noticed that the companies coming up with Communicator-style smartphones are predominantly based in Europe – mostly the UK? Gemini PDA and Cosmo Communicator are made by UK-based Planet Computers. F(x)tec is a UK-based outfit too. The British have a strong nostalgia for the Communicator, it appears.
If you would like to pre-order one, the manufacturers are not asking for any payment details until 2-3 weeks prior to shipping in July, so you can pre-order if you are sceptical or if your bank account is empty right now. The pre-order page is right HERE .
Author:Mister Mobility
Digital Skills and Communication Coach | Mobile Phone Connoisseur since 2001 | Tech Blogging since 2004
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Picking the best iPhone can be a difficult task, considering the number of models that are available in the market. Sifting through the specifications and features of smartphones is often a difficult task for the average buyer. Here at MobilityArena, we help you process all that information and give you condensed non-technical recommendations to help you make sound buying decisions.
If you are in the market for an iPhone this year, we have done the sifting and broken it all down for you to show you which Apple iPhone is best for you today.
Best iPhone 2019: Most Powerful and Best All-round Features
If what you are looking for is the most powerful and most capable iPhone in the market and money or size is not a problem, the iPhone XS Max is it, no questions asked. It has the best all-round features and performance.
It has a massive 6.5-inch display, 12 MP dual camera, and a 3174 mAh battery coupled with 15W fast charging.
It is also the most expensive. If you are shopping for the most powerful Apple iPhone, money should not be an issue. The 512 GB variant, which is the top dog, sells for around ₦460,000 right now. If you are willing to make do with 64 and 256 GB storage variants, you will spend a little less.
Best iPhone 2019: Compact and Powerful
Not everyone wants their smartphones big. If you want everything that the iPhone XS Max has to offer but in a more compact package, the Apple iPhone XS was made for you.
Besides having a more manageable 5.8 inches display and a smaller 2658 mAh battery, the specs and features are the same with the Max.
How much will the 512 GB memory version cost you? About ₦430,000 only. Again, if you opt for a smaller memory size, it costs less.
Best iPhone 2019: Battery Life and Best Value for Money
The iPhone XR is acclaimed as having the best battery life of any iPhone ever. Plus, it is also acclaimed as offering the best value for money today. Launched alongside the XS and XS Max in late 2018, it shares most of the up-to-date features while costing much less.
The iPhone XR has dual-SIM card slots, a 6.1-inch display, 12 MP camera, and a 2942 mAh battery, along with 15W fast battery charging. In addition, it has the widest colour options of any Apple iPhone: Black, Red, Yellow, Blue, Coral, and White.
₦405,000 will get you the 256 GB storage option, which is the highest. 128 and 64 GB memory variants are available for less.
Best iPhone 2019: Most Compact and Most Affordable
If you want a really affordable, compact iPhone model, the Apple iPhone SE is what you should be looking at. It has a very old-school 4.0 inches display. It can’t be beat for portability. Slide it into your jeans or shirt pocket and you won’t even know that it is there.
Launched in 2016, it has a fingerprint scanner, 12 MP camera with dual LED flash, as well as a 1624 mAh battery to keep it going. There is no fast battery charging available.
You can grab the 64 GB model for around ₦100,000 these days. The 16 and 32 GB models will cost you even less. See the Apple iPhone SE specifications .
As a honorary mention for affordability, if you can get your hands on the iPhone 5s and 6 models, you just might have an opportunity to pay less for a brand new Apple iPhone. The problem is that they are scarce in the market now. You might be able to find used units in the second-hand market though.
Which Is Your Best iPhone Model?
We have broken it down for you and shown you the best iPhone models depending on a variety of needs. Which is the one for you?
Author:MobileChic
That motivated, gadget-loving geeky chic who tries to stay on top of things. Unapologetic iFan.
