Great review, knowing both sides of the coin, why not go for the best side, nice to hear an aussie not talking too much aussie, no offence. Regards London boy.
Hey mate Just wanted to say that you can pop the back cover off the phone safely. its just like any old nokia, but theres a slim piece of plastic stuck to the middle so be careful not to rip it. Battery looks easy to replace and remove but finding one is a different story...
There are some problems with this thing which the video didn't mention. The phone is kinda pain to use if you're not a power user. The notification LED is very very bright that you can't look at it. I would recommend using a black sticker (with some transparency) to cover it or just disable the feature if you find it annoying. You have to stuck with the stock Japanese IME if you wanna use the keypad to type. Gboard is unusable if you use the latest one (it will use tablet layout). Sideload version 14.1.04 and disable update. There is no keypad backlight timeout or brightness setting. The stock camera is kinda bad for scanning QR codes that is close to you (Sometimes it will randomly zoom in like 3x and no way to backout). Stick with Google Lens for that. Not recommend to use a large SD card (>32GB) because it is sort of buggy with thick micro SD card. When you close the phone and open it again. You always return to home screen and there is no setting to disable that behavior. (not if I know there is a way) Every time you restart the phone, the home launcher setting will be reset to the default quickstep one. You better add an activity shortcut (Permission Controller, com.android.permissioncontroller.role.ui.HomeSettingsActivity) at the home screen if you use 3rd party launcher. (Disable the default launcher will make recent menu/task switcher unusable since Android 10, don't do that) The shortcut keys are actually F1 to F4. The stock app only let you to assign them to open apps and does not support long press. I would recommend using third party app (Buttons remapper) for features like next/previous track, home, back, recent, take screenshots, etc etc. You also need to disable a system app called "TestMode" (com.boogoob.rq.factory) which is the stock shortcut buttons manager so it won't pop up when you press the shortcut keys. Before updating the phone for the first time, make sure the screen timeout set to as long as you can. You might brick the phone if it turned off during the installation. There was no lock screen. Unlocking the phone with pin was straight forward. They added it after the recent July 2024 update so you have to press some extra keys to bring up the password screen or actually swipe up the screen to enter the pin. Unlocking with fingerprint is unchanged though. Don't except the speaker too much and there is no stereo audio. Although you can play FM radio without connecting the headphone though the type-c to 3.5mm adapter (yes, there is no 3.5mm jack) This is more like a Google issue but I also wanted to point it out. You used to able to use Google Pay without flipping the phone (the screen will turn on inside as soon as NFC sensed something). Since Google added the "verity it is you" requirement. You have to do payment with the phone flipped open and unlocked (the NFC sensor is at the bottom of the phone, which makes it annoying)
ive just bought this phone and your comment helped me out immensely ! how do i move japanese IME from numbers to kana/letters? the shortcut button set for it doesnt work (it opens an app instead, gmail)
@@nanobyte1avoid assigning app shortcuts on the III and IV button if you're using a thord party app. At least change that gmail shortcut to long press. This shouldn't happen if you're using a stock one but it has less features.
@@MaxLittleBuddy its a really confusing one, that's for sure. For now, ill use t9 keyboard app but it's a shame. When you say stock, 1 to 4 opens apps , right ?
@@luukje When I first changed from my Galaxy Ultra to the Mode1, the noticeable weight difference did initially make the Mode1 feel light and insubstantial. Once you become accustomed to the size and weight difference though, the Mode1 is sufficiently sturdy and of an overall quality feel. With the hinged screen, yes, there is going to be some slight movement if you actually try to flex it. In the hands though and when using it as you typically would, it's not a bad feel at all.
This looks fantastic, and I've managed to find some online, but before I buy one... I have a question and thought some clever people here might be able to help: Does the Retro II need a 3G signal to make phone calls and send SMS? I ask because I've been using an Aquos 601sh that came out in 2016. It has 4G for data, but it can only use 3G for calls and SMS. The problem is my service has recently replaced all their 3G with 5G, so now I can't use my phone as a phone anymore 😢 I'm pretty sad about it because I prefer keys over a touch screen, but no new phones from local stores has piqued my interest quite like the Retro II. So will this one work on 4G for calls, or does it need other VoLTE bands? Would love to hear from you, thanks for hearing me out ❤️
@@-sp00ky- Here in Australia at least, it operates on the 4g volte service. 3g is pretty much dead here now, so 4g volte is the only option. I've heard of numerous other Australian's also using this phone successfully and without any major problems.
I’d love to know what replacement phone you got and some details about why. Fellow Aussie here with similar phone considerations, wanting to de clutter self from social media, to an extent.
@@Podperson Thank you for your interest. Yes, I am still planning to make a follow up video very soon. I've just been very busy with work, unfortunately. I hope to get to it in the next couple of weeks. Thank you
@@Podperson You're welcome, and thank you for your support. As for my follow up video... I indeed have a plan for replacement phone review. I've had some good time with that phone now, so I've been able to form a good opinion about it. There's also a chance that there might be somewhat of a plot twist to round out that review, so watch this space...
@@metehangenc0571 My only advice would be to check what network your Turkish mobile phone service runs on. You should be able to find this information and compare it against the bands that the Mode1 Retro II requires. Good luck!
As hoped, I did find that I was conducting less aimless peeks throughout the day. I would argue that it's a healthy deterrence, rather than an obstacle.
There's no denying that it is a niche device in today's market, but I definitely would appreciate more phone makers offering alternatives like the Mode1.
Hello. I have a few questions regarding this device. 1.) Does it run on Android 13 or 14? 2.) Can you install apps on this device? 3.) I am personally in need of a detox phone which can install some crucial apps like Google Maps, Gpay etc. Also this device should be able to pair with my wireless bluetooth earphones. 4.) Does it have GPS and does it work work with ride sharing apps like Uber? 5.) Does it have Android Auto function? thanks in advance
Android 13, and it functions largely just like every other Android powered phone. There are no restrictions to the Google store or any apps that I needed to install. I don't use pay functions, so I can't comment on that, but GPS, bluetooth and such all work as normal.
Thanks for the review. Any chance you would know how to restore the lockscreen when you open the phone? Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 has this but not Retro II
Thank you for your support. I'm sorry, but I don't know what the lock screen restoration is that you're referring to. Could you please elaborate? Thanks
I have a problem with mine. When I change the launcher, it resets to the default launcher when I reboot the phone. Any ideas? How did you make your launcher stick?
I didn't have any such experiences with my device. Is it possible that there is a setting that you need to change? Perhaps it's set to default to a particular launcher? I believe there should be a setting for this.
That’s something that seems to not stick with the system. As soon as you reboot you have to choose the launcher again that you want. I have a link to mine on the homescreen so after restarting I can choose „Nova“ and then I have a link to the Nova settings where it says it needs to be „set“ as the launcher. But after restarting it’s back to the usual again, so I guess you can’t really change that.
@@agsoul. MIL spec is a standard used to test durability with a number of test, its a US military standard. IP certification is a rating used for testing dust and water resistance.
Thank you. Yes, I have been using my alternative for the last little while. I wanted to give it a proper use experience before making a review about it. I hope to do that in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
I so don't like the design, but I want it still. I've been waiting for a Japanese flip phone with a more recent Android version. Do you think banking apps wud work on it? PayPal? Can it be used as a hotspot?
I personally really do love the design. It's a great balance of size and function. If I were to make any improvements, I would prefer slightly more pronounced buttons, as they are arguably too flat, which means that they are difficult to distinguish without looking. A nice touch would also be a spring loaded flip, but it's hardly necessary. Otherwise, there is very little that I would change about this phone.
@@lolcathost Indeed. Some sellers are asking sometimes twice the price of what you could otherwise pay. Shop around on Japanese auction and sales sites, where you're sure to find one for a good price. Good luck!
Hi, I've had this phone Febuary abd I love it. I'm a teen whos always loved and wanted a flip phone since forever and I'm so glad i can live my dream with a modern twist. However, I've recently dropped my phone (it's fallen a few times now, the device is not really shock proof)and think I've damaged it internally. Theres no visible damage, but there's a part on my screen that has a 'ghost touch'. Im not sure if you can help with this. Should i visit a tech repair?
It really is a funky option for those who are into that kind of thing. As for your technical issue, it unfortunately sounds like you've done some physical damage. As the phone is a bit of an oddity, you may have a difficult time finding a repairer outside of Japan, sadly. Perhaps you could try writing an email to the manufacturer and seeing what they can advise? Good luck with everything!
I also had a T28 years ago, awesome memories came back when the picture of it came up on your video! My mum is bringing one of these retro 2s back from Japan for me to use in the UK. I believe the frequencies will work over here just fine. One question does it have WiFi hotspot?
I haven't had to scan any QR codes yet, but regarding the call quality, I touch on it in this follow up review. Thanks. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uf9sA-ouMXQ.htmlsi=xSTeMHefz7HMooL6
Yo, this phone is completely badass, but question the review doesn't address- does it, or would it, work in the US? Obviously you can't test that in Australia, but do you know if anyone has tested this?
The bands that it supports are available to find online. Depending on your phone company and the bands that they support, that will be your clearest answer.
@@McKeeToHappinesssorry I guess the official name it “touch cruiser”. So if you swipe around on the keypad is it touch sensitive like a trackpad? I think you’ve answered my question, doesn’t sound like it. Thank you very much for your thoughtful review of this unique device!
@@anthonyrulz12 Thank you for your support. I did understand your question, but I'm sorry if I didn't answer it clearly. But no, it doesn't feature the mode that you're referring to. Other Japanese phones that do offer this mode of input do so because of the lack of a touchscreen. As this has a touch screen, it honestly doesn't feel like it would be necessary.
Very thorough video, thanks for covering this phone, it was hard getting info on it besides the official ads. Can you uninstall any/most Google apps? What about other bloatware? Thanks!
Thank you for taking the time to check out my initial impressions. This phone runs a full version of Android. So long as you're not expecting it to run anything super processor intensive, it should suit all of your needs. Being a smaller screen, some apps can be a bit cramped, but it does work. As far as any bloat goes, it's just standard Google stuff. Nothing too obnoxious.
another aussie using this phone! ive been using it for about 4-5 months now, its great i only swapped to a real smartphone when i was travelling so i could use maps in a bigger screen
@@cry5742 My experience with battery was generally average overall. By average, I don't mean poor, just a standard level of expected performance. If you're watching a lot of video or doing any significant GPS trips, it will of course run down noticeably. With typical daily use however, I never ran out of battery.
I've been trialling this phone for a number of weeks now. It has been an interesting experiment, to which I will make a follow up video in the next week or so.
@@McKeeToHappiness If you don't have a way to check, don't worry, but I was curious as to whether wireless Android Auto works on this phone. My biggest stumbling block is we go a lot of different places and I use my phone as a satnav. I think the minimum req is Android 11 so should be sweet but not all phones support it
I am really, really tempted. I like the design, though might then miss the full functionality of my currently Samsung. But I like the retro aesthetic. Decisions, decisions. Great review of it.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Yes, I completely understand your hesitation regarding the concern of missing out on certain features. Having spent not yet even a week with the phone, I can already comment that the experience has been so far been positively eye opening. Each persons experience will be different, but that will entirely depend on the reasons and expectations for why you might be considering such a phone. I plan on making a follow up review in a couple of weeks, to go over my own early experience, as well as to highlight any drawbacks or unexpected surprises. In short, I can genuinely say that it has a mostly positive experience .
I use Optus 4G here in Australia. I don't use a digital wallet, so I can't comment on if or how payments work. Maps, calls, messages, plus all other typical internet functionality has all been working fine so far.
It's definitely a phone for a rather specific audience, but for what it does and how it does it, I've so far been very pleased with the overall design and operation.
@@eyohboy455 Physically opening the phone in order to view the screen is an extra step that is required to use the phone. For the reasons that I outlined for my own purposes, this was a feature, not a hindrance. For anyone who complains that a folding phone isn't convenient for them, I can only question why they're even looking into one to begin with? It's definitely not a form factor that is suited to everybody, but for those who do appreciate it, it's a fun little addition to the whole usage experience.
