The Minimal Phone 2 appears significantly improved compared to the original, and I'm truly excited about it.

      Plastic is out, metal is in, and the renders of the Minimal Phone 2 indicate that the concept of a digital detox phone finally has the hardware to support its goals.

      I have been following the Minimal Phone since its early crowdfunding phase. I would argue that the first version had a solid concept but was poorly executed. With its plastic construction, lack of 5G, an unimpressive camera, and e-paper ghosting that frustrated initial users, these problems prevented the phone from gaining a larger audience.

      Now, founder Armen Youssefian has shared what seems to be a 360-degree render of the Minimal Phone 2 on X, and it looks like the team has thoroughly prepared for this launch.

      What do these renders tell us about the design of the MP02?

      Quite a bit, actually. The phone will come in two color options: a sleek silver and a matte black. The MP02 instantly appears more premium to me. Its rounded corners and polished metal frame surrounding the display give it a vibe reminiscent of the iPhone 5s, although it is slightly wider.

      Flipping it over reveals a minimalist back panel featuring a single camera and the Minimal Company's signature dot logo in the bottom right corner. There’s no camera bump or cluttered design—just a clean, intentional look.

      On the front, the beloved full QWERTY keyboard makes a return, noticeably refined from the original’s 35-key layout. The keyboard seems to rest in a slightly recessed area, again evoking memories of classic BlackBerry devices.

      Is the MP02 finally featuring 5G connectivity?

      Minimal Company’s co-founder Andre Youssefian has also hinted at the next Minimal Phone on X, dubbing it the “world’s smallest 5G QWERTY physical keyboard phone.” This confirms that 5G cellular connectivity will be included, addressing one of the major criticisms of the original model.

      However, neither co-founder has disclosed any additional specifications for the Minimal Phone 2 just yet. A waitlist for early access is available on the company’s official website; this is currently the only solid commitment from the company, so I would approach this with cautious optimism.

      What the Minimal Phone 2 could do differently is offer true Android functionality in a premium package. The design ambition seems to be present, but it will ultimately be the specifications that determine the success of its implementation.

      For over five years, Shikhar has been simplifying advancements in consumer technology and presenting them clearly…

      The aspiration for ultra-affordable phones for children and seniors is nearly extinguished, primarily due to AI.

      The demand from AI for memory chips has rendered budget smartphones unviable to manufacture. The $100 phone that you might have considered for your child's first device or to give to your grandmother could soon become a fantasy. AI's demand for memory chips has made the entire budget phone segment almost unfeasible.

      Just how serious is the situation?

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

      Apple's updated leasing program may exclude AppleCare coverage from its offerings.

      Purchasing your next Apple device could resemble leasing a vehicle. Apple will launch its new Apple Upgrade program on Tuesday, July 28, replacing new sign-ups for the long-standing iPhone Upgrade Program with a leasing model that includes iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. Supported by Klarna, the program aims to reduce the upfront costs of Apple’s premium devices but raises questions about true ownership of the items you are financing.

      Are you 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 purchasing this semester.

      A phone stand is a minor expense on any back-to-school list, yet it is easy to choose poorly, particularly with so many options available on Amazon. A good phone stand effectively does its job and, importantly, won’t significantly impact your budget. This is a category where you don’t have to spend a lot unless a MagSafe dock or a multi-device charging stand genuinely enhances your desk or dorm arrangement. That's why this list starts with the most economical options and progresses to the pricier selections. From a two-pack priced around the same as a coffee to a three-in-one Apple charging station, I've selected eight highly rated phone stands from Amazon worth considering this back-to-school season.