Meadow is a square-shaped phone that eliminates distracting apps, and I really want to get one.
We all understand that sensation. You settle down for dinner, put your phone aside, and just five minutes later, you find yourself checking it for no specific reason. With platforms like TikTok and Instagram designed to capture every ounce of your focus, remaining present can be challenging.
In an effort to address our smartphone addictions, a new series of devices has surfaced. These devices simplify the smartphone experience, restricting access to only the necessary applications. However, many of these phones seem overly basic in my view.
Meadow is a new gadget intended to rectify this, achieving the ideal equilibrium between functionality and simplicity. It serves as a secondary smartphone designed to provide the essentials: your phone number, maps, music, a camera, ride-hailing services, and nothing more.
What can Meadow do?
Setting up Meadow is quick, taking less than five minutes. You connect it to your existing phone number, enabling you to make and receive calls without a new SIM card or a different number. Your primary phone can remain completely off, yet you’ll still receive calls.
After that, you select your apps from a curated list of essential ones. It includes most necessary applications, such as Strava, Spotify, Google Maps, Uber, and a notes application.
As for the specifications, while they aren't the most critical aspect for such devices, here’s what's mentioned on their website. They do not specify the processor, so I assume it's a lower-end one, which is expected given the price.
Size & Weight: 1.3in x 2in x 0.4in, 4oz
Screen: 3” TFT LCD
Camera: 13MP ultrawide rear camera
Connectivity: 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
Capacity: 128GB storage, 6GB memory
Battery: 1-2 days of battery life with fast charging
Materials: 100% recycled polycarbonate exterior
Consider what you typically use your smartphone for: texting and calling, listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks, navigation, and hailing rides. Meadow addresses all of these fundamental needs, so you won’t feel confined by it. I cannot say the same about other basic smartphones I have tried previously.
Is it worth buying?
Meadow is priced at $399 and is expected to ship in June 2026, with free returns if it doesn't meet your needs. There’s also an optional $10/month subscription that offers unlimited photo storage, calls, and texts.
Whether this is mandatory, I can't verify from their website. It’s complimentary for the first nine months, so you have plenty of time to try out the service.
Meadow isn’t intended to replace your phone, and that’s precisely the point. It’s a device for those moments when you want your phone to function less. If you often find yourself scrolling aimlessly when you resolved not to, Meadow might be worth considering.
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Meadow is a square-shaped phone that eliminates distracting apps, and I really want to get one.
Meadow is a secondary device priced at $399 that provides your phone number, maps, music, and camera functionalities, while excluding social media, work emails, and notifications.