Here is my review of the Mode1 Retro II Android flip phone. Additionally, I get into the reasons for why I ultimately made the choice to make this device my next mobile phone.
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'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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
@@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.
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.
