The Minimal Phone 2 appears significantly improved compared to the original, and I truly appreciate that.

      Plastic is out, and metal is in. The renders of the Minimal Phone 2 indicate that the concept of a digital detox phone finally has hardware that aligns with its ambitions.

      I've been following the Minimal Phone since its crowdfunding beginnings. The initial version had a solid concept but suffered due to its plastic build, lack of 5G, subpar camera, and e-paper ghosting, which frustrated early users. These shortcomings prevented the phone from reaching a broader market.

      Now, founder Armen Youssefian has shared a 360-degree render of the Minimal Phone 2 on X, and it seems the team has made significant improvements.

      What do the renders disclose about the MP02’s design?

      A lot, in fact. The phone will come in two colors: a sleek silver and a matte black. The MP02 immediately appears to be a more luxurious device. The rounded corners and the polished metal frame surrounding the display give it an iPhone 5s vibe, although it's somewhat wider.

      On the back, there is a minimalist panel featuring a single camera and the Minimal Company’s distinct dot logo in the bottom right corner. There’s no camera bump or cluttered design, just a clean and thoughtful aesthetic.

      On the front, the classic full QWERTY keyboard makes a comeback, significantly refined from the original’s 35-key layout. The keyboard section seems to be positioned in a slightly recessed area, reminiscent of traditional BlackBerry phones.

      Is the MP02 finally incorporating 5G?

      Minimal Company co-founder Andre Youssefian also hinted at the next Minimal Phone on X, referring to it as the “world’s smallest 5G QWERTY physical keyboard phone.” This confirms the inclusion of 5G cellular connectivity, addressing one of the most significant criticisms of the initial model.

      However, neither co-founder has disclosed any additional specifications for the Minimal Phone 2 at this point. An early-access waitlist is available on the company’s official website; that’s the only definitive commitment the company has made so far, so I would advise proceeding with cautious optimism.

      The Minimal Phone 2 could potentially introduce real Android capabilities in a premium format. While the design aspirations are evident, the specifications will ultimately determine the success of its execution.

      For over five years, Shikhar has been dedicated to simplifying advancements in consumer technology and presenting them...

      The dream of ultra-affordable phones for children and senior citizens is effectively fading due to AI.

      The rising demand for memory chips driven by AI has jeopardized the viability of producing budget smartphones. The $100 phone you might have considered for your child's first device or to pass on to grandma may soon become a mere fantasy. AI’s demand for memory chips has made it increasingly challenging to manufacture budget phones.

      So how severe is the situation?

      Apple’s new Upgrade program is set to launch on Tuesday with significant changes.

      Apple's new leasing initiative may exclude AppleCare coverage from the package.

      Purchasing your next Apple product could soon resemble leasing a vehicle. Apple is set to launch its Apple Upgrade program on Tuesday, July 28, which will replace new enrollments in the longstanding iPhone Upgrade Program with a lease-based option covering iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. Supported by Klarna, this program aims to reduce the upfront costs of Apple's premium devices, yet it also raises concerns about whether users will truly own the products they are paying for.

      Setting up your dorm desk? Here are the phone stands I’d actually invest in.

      From a $2 folding stand to a three-in-one Apple charging dock, these are the phone stands worth considering this semester.

      A phone stand is among the smallest expenses on any back-to-school shopping list, but it’s also easy to choose poorly, particularly with the myriad options available on Amazon. A good phone stand performs its task well without straining your budget.

      In this category, significant spending isn't necessary unless a MagSafe dock or a multi-device charging stand genuinely enhances your desk or dorm setup. Therefore, this list starts with the most affordable options and progresses to the pricier ones. I've selected eight of Amazon's highest-rated phone stands worth considering this back-to-school season.