Anyone remember 10+ years ago when the first 6 inch phones came out and were still a niche and got called phablets? Now that's pretty much the norm lol, like I have an almost 5 years old note 10 plus and it's got a 6.8 in screen, it was big back then but that's also when even budget phones started being big like that. And Idk but if feels like a weird trend that's going on in multiple places, cars for example, big chunky and tall suvs and crossovers have become really popular and their size plus that of american trucks have increased drastically in the last 20 to 15 years. And unnecessarily so, no one needs those big cars, they don't even fit that much more compared to a wagon for example, that's the definition of a family car with ample space, not an suv or a truck despite what people now would say. Like I have an acquaintance who went from a mercedes gle, a big chunking suv, to a more reasonable e class wagon and it's literally just as spatious on the inside but way better from the outside, not as tall and wide. And here's a different example from the other side of the scale spectrum, wrist watches. They have gone from 36mm +/- 2 to 4 millimeters for men, and under 30 for women, to 44 to 48mm for men, and 36 for women. Like 40mm was considered big for men 20 to 30 years ago, now it's the standard size and the advent of smartwatches just accelerated this even further, we have all those pro ultra max watches from apple or huawei, their flagships, be around 48 to 50mm big with an even bigger lug to lug distance, I've only seen samsung have more normal sized watches with their largest being 45mm, otherwise only monstrosities that don't really look good when you take into account just how thick they are. And another example moght be baggy clothing and especially big shoes with extremely thick midsoles(I had to google this term, I'm not a native english speaker and I'm not well versed in this subject, so I hope I got it right) with an outward extending heel that sometimes make those shoes, which more often than not are trainers or boots, look like they're made for making big foot footprints in the ground or something funny like that. Anyways, sorry for this giant ramble, I think all you need to know is I think overall a lot of things are getting unnecessarily big, not just smartphones.
@@WildWildWeasel oh yeah talking about lg, didn't they have a curved smartphone? That was the funniest phone at the time, and it's even funnier considering curved tvs and monitors have become pretty widely used now, heck I even have a samsung one lol.
My main issue with the Jelly 2 was the camera. The old version was 16MP and this is 48MP which is much better. I know it's not a top-tier camera, but it does solve the issue of a poor camera being kind of a deal breaker for some people. To be honest it did not bring my usage down to where I wanted it to be. I still can watch YT on it, etc. But it did make it less enjoyable. I don't notice it until I play with my old Pixel phone and think WOW this is amazing and I actually feel a dopamine rush. Which I know now to be habit-forming for me. It's been a good phone for me. They do have some software bugs, but I've only encountered them when using their App/Data blocker.
One user reviewer wrote that its really fine for watching movies and youtube, so apparently we need to wait for a 2,5 inch to really reduce screen time😊
@@JoseBriones I doubt it too, but that guy wrote so😄. Maybe with one of those harmonika holders around the neck. And maybe next model will come with Atmos speakers😄
@@beardedentity I need touch android and bluetooth 5.3. I will get the jelly star when price falls a bit and firmvare gets more stabile. Its perfect for my needs.
@@JoseBrionesI remember watching House M.D. on my iPod nano during classes in school, so 3.2 screen is actually more than enough to watch content not so dependent on visual detail😂
I switched from iPhone plus, to iPhone mini, and deleted socials too, and my screen time is much better but I find even just 10 min down the wrong rabbit hole in a web browser can be detrimental.. it’s just such a slippery slope I struggle with discipline it I don’t even blame myself because these apps are built to break u down like that. I don’t know if a “dumb” phone is the answer or I just need somehow to strengthen my will. Super interested in ur reviews and subscribed although I need to spend less time on RU-vid lol. Thanks for what u do
Thank you for the review! This looks promising. I'd been looking at the Light Phone 2 but I really want a camera to capture spur of the moment things with my young kids. I only recently found your channel, but I guessed you were a Cal Newport fan like myself. The Deep Questions podcast is a favorite of mine.
TY as always JB for these thorough reviews from a digital minimalist's usecase perspective. I have been a happy user of a flip phone for almost a year now but there are significant drawbacks. None more painful to me than the poopy camera. We are going to be travelling for several months this year and I want to be able to capture memories with a pocketable device AND be able to share the photos quickly and easily with friends and family, so I think this phone may be the answer as either a companion device or a travel phone. I already have a Palm Phone as part of my EDC for photos and for when I NEED a smart device but the camera isn't great and with that microscopic battery, the battery anxiety is intense. I have just ordered the Star on Amazon so I can return it if I don't like it, hearing it's a daily driver for you was very convincing and helped me spend the money. I'll comment again once I've found out if it works for me. :) You are a great influencer and spokesman for digital minimalism! I can hardly wait for us all to find out whether or not that qwerty eink "minimal phone" is vaporware cause I so, SO want to see your take on it!
Unihertz (a Chinese company) does not release the Kernel source, therefor violating Linux's GPL, and they don't release updates often, making it a poor choice for Mod'ers, and in turns of privacy and security.
@@pikatrainer3835 They also have a history of Chinese spyware, although I haven't encountered any on my Jelly 2e, I also don't know how to look for it.
I'd love if we could make this more "e-ink" feel! I love this form factor. I love the fact it's full android and customizable. How could we make the display so similar to eink?
I purchased one. It's just ok and the lights are an obvious gimmick that I NEVER use. In all honesty, I still use my Cat S22 as my daily because I can drop it and I won't lose my mind as it's constructed just like an F1 Abrams tank.
@@WalkInLoveJoey the jelly but the Cat is just, for whatever reason, easier to use. Plus, I just love flipping out the screen with a satisfying snap and the weight distribution is bloody perfect notwithstanding the fact it's seriously built like a tank. Brilliant stuff.
As an owner of the regular Jelly 2, I will say this device did not reduce my usage that much. Yes, the screen is smaller but you absolutely get used to it and for me it did not make a significant difference. The other big issue with the jelly is that often many apps that i needed did not work (Gmail, ADP for work, i think a few others), or when apps did work they were often incompatible with the screen size and text would often truncate off the edge of the screen and would be hidden. The workaround to this was to go into developer options and adjust the pixel density, something i would often have to do multiple times a day depending on what information was cut off in apps i needed. I will say if you use this in combination with a device like unpluq it could make a difference, but at least for me just the small screen did not significantly curtail my usage habits.
Either is fine. I'd go for the S22 if you don't have any specific apps that need full android. The S22 is cheaper so it works out better over the long term.
👋 Not JB, but I used a S22 as my only phone for about 4 months. Having Android in a frustrating form factor was a good balance between not losing necessary functionality but still discouraging doom scrolling and over usage. Unfortunately, the S22's keyboard functionality and slightly buggy software made daily usage, especially while traveling, nearly untenable. Looks like this Jelly Star would be a better transition device because it has a fresher version of Android but still in a usage-discouraging form factor.
Do you know if the notification lights on the back can be set to stay on or flash when you have a text message or a missed call waiting? My favorite thing about the Sunbeam F1 Orchid is the LED notification lights so I dont' even have to pick up the phone to know if I have something that needs my attention.
I have a jelly 2 phone and it does well, I liked the idea of the star but when I saw it was basically the same as the other with the lights and the newer version of android, but I do have my old phone which I'm watching this video on but yes I don't use my jelly 2 as much as I did with a regular phone and it gets the job done for me 😁👍
Hi, nice vid thx a lots! can you please check what is the security patch on that Jelly Star? because i got all the other old models and NO ONE was followed in software after realease. Thx for your time.
Had the original jelly , and loved the NFC chip for payments. Frustrated that they chose not to put this in Jelly2 or 2E Glad that they bought it back for the Jelly Star though..
i had the unihertz titan pocket. it was cool. i love small phones.. but once i started using apps that require a big screen. specifically i was looking through mecari to buy stuff. it was becoming too difficult as a daily driver.. i like smaller phones for the combination of 'not using it' and also using it for media consumption! its a terrible balance. i miss how small the titan pocket was.. and the keyboard. oh and the camera was so sad when hanging with friends. they made fun of the stinky camera.
Im using jelly 2, love it so much. Jelly star is not worth to get it, no much upgrades, but i really hope and wait for the next version... Please don't stop producing such phones ;(
Thinking of getting this as my secondary smartphone I never use only for trips. I have been using the Cat s22 flip but I have a vacation coming up in August in Aruba where my light phone 2 won't work so I think taking the Jelly star on this trip would be cool..is this water proof?
I have used this one for a month both daily and on the trip. Here are the major disadvantages: 1. Its security is DOA - no updates since June 2003 2. There is no ANC - a person you are talking to hears everything around you 3. Screen is to small for bigger QR codes. For example, transportation apps that produce bigger QR codes will display the codes, but subway, bus, and train readers likely will not be able to read these QR Codes because they are too small on the screen. 4. Camera is OK if there is enough light for images. Video - forget it. There is hardly any image stabilization.
Man I wish I'd seen this before buying my Pixel 7 which I bought begrudgingly because I got a great deal but I wanted to switch to a dump phone. My only problem was that I still needed to use it to pay via payment apps and I needed maps. I will 100% buy this once my Pixel shits itself.
I've been using a Motorola Razr V3 as my daily driver flip phone since 2018. I would use it forever if I could, but since T-Mobile is shutting down their 2G network in April of this year I've been on the lookout for a replacement minimalist phone. I really don't like "modern" 4G LTE flip phones since they have such cheap build quality and are so "clunky" compared to the sleek elegant flip phones from the mid to late 2000's. Having used a Moto Razr V3 for so long I'm basically spoiled and know that any other flip phone will feel like a significant downgrade. I'm really leaning towards the Jelly Star right now, it's such a neat device that seems like it would actually be fun to carry around. I checked the dimensions and it's almost identical to a Moto Razr V3 when closed, but a few mm thicker, so it would be comfortable in my pocket. I'm about 90% sure I'll be ordering one of these but haven't pulled the trigger yet.
I saw the part near the beginning where you played music, but with low volume. Does that mean this has a built-in speaker or just the 3.5mm jack? Thank you for posting this review!
Hello. I'm thinking kf buying this as secondary phone. Just curious about the end-of-life / android support for this? Anyway, I plan to use it specifically for google maps so how's the GPS for outdoor and travel use (where big phones are obviously cumbersome). And can it read QR code and camera translate (Google lens?) Thank you hehe
I guess I’ll get this one since I can log into work and I don’t have to tether to a tablet and Verizon doesn’t get any cool ones except the sharp edged light phone 2.
I see a lot of people that want to buy this because they want to reduce their screen time. I think that is the wrong approach. Phones should make your life easier, not harder. You only have one, better make the most of it. If you want to reduce screentime, try running, cycling or any kind of activity really. A small phone is much easier to carry around with you for these activities, it's easier to hide if you are worried about theft and it's also cheaper to replace in case it does get stolen or broken. Thát's what the goal should be, not punishing yourself for relaxing too much
I am addicted to using my phone. I need to break that habit. A phone with a small screen will not be as enjoyable to use so theoretically I'll use it less and do things I find more enjoyable. Phones have us hooked.
Dear Jose, thanks for the information. I have been looking for either a dumb phone or a less convenient smartphone. I have watched many videos and am currently considering this jelly star or the even smaller and rugged (which I think is just super cool) atom model. How do these compare in your opinion? My main goal is to reduce screentime, however I depend on certain android apps for work, school etc.
Both would be great. The question is how much you want to use the phone. The Atom is more difficult than the Jelly Star. If you want to go super minimal, then the Atom, but if you want something just a bit nicer, go the Star. Both should perform great :)
Hey Jose! How many hours of constant use does the battery give? Ideally that wouldn't be necessary ofc, but I'd like to know how well it compares to my current Pixel 4A's specs which gives me maybe 3-5 hours of moderate use in one go...does the battery drain at all when it's not being used from notifications?
Unihertz (a Chinese company) does not release the Kernel source, therefor violating Linux's GPL, and they don't release updates often, making it a poor choice for Mod'ers, and in turns of privacy and security. Look into their past devices for expectations of ROM development.
My 16-year-old son has the Jelly 2e as his first smartphone. It's been great for him. One thing we've had trouble with is that it doesn't seem to do wifi calling (we use Mint Mobile). Does the Jelly Star support wifi calling?
Make sure you turn on wifi calling both in the mint app and in the phone settings. Also, make sure "hd voice" is turned on, it somehow got turned off on mine and caused weird hard-to-debug calling problems.
@@JoseBriones hi Jose, would you be able to link me to an article or link of reddit convo? So far I have ordered a new SIM card from ATT and I am waiting to receive that
hi jose! great video, i'm thinking of getting this phone for myself. one question; does the jelly series support newer versions of android? like if i bought the 2 or 2e because they're cheaper would i be able to update them to android 13 or am i stuck with the os they ship as?
@@beardedentityindeed i remeber when Apple got Sued by the Neonode phone company since iPhone was a Clone of Neonode just lack the 3G and Videocalling so in sweden it was a flop when iPhone was relesed a Bad Expensive Clone of the Neonode brand
Your review is wrong headed. While some people may want to buy a phone like this to reduce their screen usage, this phone was not designed for that purpose and neither do most small phone users want to reduce their screen time. As with any phone you have to adapt to use the phone. Why would you expect a phone this small to be the same in usage as a larger screened device? If you don’t find it comfortable and it makes you want to use it less, that is your opinion, it doesn’t mean most people who buy this phone would be purchasing it for that reason. Anyone buying this phone would know the size of the screen, and would expect that they would have to learn how to use it. Most small phone users want all the features of a full OS which is why they are included. They find it easier to use a small screen one handed and it is more pocketable. If anything those people often find navigating a large phone harder which is what reduces their screen usage, so using a small phone like this makes it easier for them, and it is likely to increase their phone usage. If this phone was designed for people to use their phone less they would not have added full Android 13, and SD card slot and a headphone jack. They designed it for maximum usage, so if you want to reduce the amount of time you intend to use this phone, buy a dumb phone with no smart feature and apps, or just stop using screens. It is not like the big screen itself makes you use the phone more. Phones like this are made for people who want a small phone with all the usual features and they do not want to be deprived of the apps and experiences they enjoy on larger phones. If you find it hard to use, that is your subjective view and experience. You are indirectly saying that a phone like this will be less useful and you will use it less and are suggesting that that is its main appeal, but clearly they made of for people who have no problem using a small screen like this and want all the Android feature they expect from larger phones so they do not have a lesser overall experience of using a phone. Your point seems to be if you want a proper phone, get a bigger screen. The review has a very narrow focus and misses the entire point of why people might want a phone like this. This is a poor and reductive review, and seems like most tech critics talking about this phone have decided to cover the same narrow angle of how this device makes them want to use the phone less, as if that was the reason why this phone was made. What short-sighted critics don't realise is that when Unihertz look at all these reviews (and they will), they will think most people are buying it to reduce their phone usage, so in future they might not even include the full Android OS, and just make a dumb phone with basic features. That would be a shame for all the people who want small phones with a full featured Android OS and smart features like NFC. Practically all reviewers have covered it from this angle yet Unihertz never marketed nor designed it for people who want to reduce their screen time. The opposite is true - they made it for people who find that large phones are hard to use, so they want something smaller to increase their use, and they don't mind the compromise to get more enjoyment and usage out of a phone with a small form factor. There are those type of phone users, as hard as it may be to believe, and this device is marketed towards them. This phone was made for people who need it, not critics who wouldn't normally touch it because they think it is virtually unusable.
What I wonder is whether it makes any sense to trust a random Chinese manufacturer with my personal data. Given they probably don't push timely security updates even, likely they don't have much regard for user privacy. That's my assumption. I would feel better if I could flash my own copy of Android on it.
This comment makes the battery looks worse than what it is it really isn't that bad for its size because it's powering a small screen I've been using it as my daily driver fine i get up at 5am in morning listen to RU-vid music most of the day at work through headphones I finish work at 3pm usually will still have between 40%-55% range usually charge it up again in the evening if your gonna sit there solidly and game heavy and heavily watch videos sure it will drain so does my flagship phone but if your looking at getting jelly star don't read comments like this and think the battery terrible that was my concern before buying but I have actually been surprised so far and the battery has exceeded my expectations from what I thought it would be like
