Touchscreen smartphone with push-button keyboard. Xiaomi with mechanical “Home” button

Most people associate the word “smartphone” with a touchscreen phone, despite the fact that it is a smart phone, that is, a device running on an operating system. Can it then have buttons? Answer: yes. on Android, perhaps not as popular as the sensor familiar to many, but still not uncommon.

This article presents several Android models with buttons for those who prefer classic mechanics to newfangled innovations.

Samsung W2014

Samsung W2014 is a push-button Android phone in the form of a clamshell. Those who like to be nostalgic for the old days will definitely like it. However, the contents of this clamshell will please even the most inveterate skeptics, who claim that Android is a failure in the touchscreen smartphone market.

Today Samsung W2014 is the most powerful device among smart phones with buttons. 1.4 GHz quad-core processor, one gigabyte of RAM, thirteen megapixel cameras (and considering that the manufacturer is Samsung, it’s easy to guess that the pictures will be high-quality), 4 GB of native memory + up to 64 GB from MicroSD (if desired), two full-size screens , Wi-Fi support and, of course, Android 4.3 OS.

Reviews

More than sixty percent of reviews are positive. Those who are indignant are mainly those who do not accept a return to the era of flip phones and other push-button gadgets. There are no complaints about the functional features. Therefore, considering that an Android phone with a push-button keyboard is made primarily for those who are eager to use these buttons again, the Samsung W2014 becomes an excellent choice for them.

Chat

Chat is another push-button model from Samsung. Those who are interested in whether there are push-button phones on Android should definitely pay attention to it.

Smartphone with Android 4.0 OS. is no longer a new product, and therefore its filling is somewhat inferior to the recently released models, but at the same time, it would be hard to call it simple either. 3-inch QVGA screen, extended QWERTY keyboard - Galaxy Chat looks quite presentable. A two-megapixel camera, an 800 MHz processor, 4 GB of its own memory + the ability to use memory cards, a standard set of communication modules - all this at an affordable price pleases buyers.

Responses

Samsung Galaxy Chat was received quite warmly. This push-button Android phone corresponds to its price segment, and therefore it makes sense to pay attention to it. Which, in fact, is what some did. The Android-based push-button phone, of course, did not become a bestseller, but it did occupy its niche.

LG Optimus F3Q

Released at the beginning of 2014, the LQ Optimus F3Q combined business with pleasure. Or, in other words, it became a clear example of the “two-in-one” model. On the one hand, this is a push-button phone on Android, on the other, it has a retractable keyboard, so it also has, and a full-size one, everything as it should be.

The LQ Optimus F3Q has good characteristics: a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM and four built-in cameras (a five-megapixel main one and a 0.3-megapixel front one). All this comes with only one, but very significant drawback for the domestic buyer - the smartphone is sold only abroad and is intended only for foreign telecom operators. However, for those who often go on business trips to other countries, it can be a real find.

Any reviews?

Due to the fact that LQ Optimus F3Q was never released in the post-Soviet countries, there are almost no reviews about it. The sensor + keyboard in one bottle is also confusing - it was an intermediate stage in the evolution of mobile phones and, it seems, there is no point in returning to it.

Sonim XP6

Sonim XP6 is positioned as an armored push-button phone on Android. The protective properties of its coating are truly stunning - the likelihood of breaking the gadget is very small, and even then you have to try hard to do it.

However, due to safety, the appearance was neglected - it is difficult to call it elegant, rather practical. The monitor, for example, by modern standards, when smartphones tend to be the size of tablets and the display takes up almost the entire space, in the Sonim XP6 is almost microscopic.

OS Android 4.4, 4 processor cores, gigabytes of RAM and 8 built-in. We haven’t heard anything from the manufacturer about expanding the volume using MicroSD.

Sonim XP6 has Wi-Fi support, Bluetooth and a 5-megapixel camera: such characteristics are not surprising; the device has another advantage - a battery capacity of 4800 mAh. Not even all laptops have this value, let alone phones.

And of course, the armor, which was announced at the very beginning: it is made according to military standards, the device can withstand temperatures down to minus twenty and plus fifty-five, a fall from a two-meter height or a dive to a two-meter depth under water.

Chinese retailers informed the editors of Electronics on the Road about the imminent appearance of a new interesting Outdoor gadget on the market. This is a Sanda CVAFL-M1019 push-button-touch smartphone protected by IP68 with a Walkie-Talkie radio, which is suitable for tourists, extreme sports enthusiasts, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts who need to have reliable communication even in the absence of a cellular signal.

Compliance indicates the presence of a sealed housing that can prevent the penetration of dirt, dust, sand and water. Testing according to this standard is carried out in an active pressure chamber with sand and dust for 9 hours, as well as during an hour-long immersion in a pool 200 cm deep. In addition, the retailer mentions the presence of protection against impacts and falls, but does not specify the test parameters in this direction.

2016 runs on Android 6.0 OS, its hardware is based on a 4-core MTK6580 processor with a clock frequency of 1.2 GHz and a Mali-400 video controller. The system memory size is 2 GB, the permanent memory is equipped with 16 GB and can be expanded with a MicroSD card by another 32 GB.

Control is carried out through a standard physical keyboard, similar to a simple push-button telephone, as well as through a 3.5-inch IPS touch display with a resolution of 640 x 960 pixels. The cameras are equipped with a 2 MP sensor (front, video recording 480 x 640) and a 5 MP sensor (rear, video recording 1080 x 1920).

Cellular communication is carried out in GSM and 3G WCDMA standards (two slots for SIM cards). In field conditions, an external antenna allows the use of a Walkie Talkie radio, operating in the civil radio frequency range 400 - 470 MHz permitted in Russia. Wireless technologies are represented by Wi-Fi B/G/N modules with access point function, Bluetooth and NFC.

In addition, the shockproof, waterproof smartphone has an FM radio antenna and a GPS module. There is also an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, orientation and light level sensors, there is a convenient flashlight and an SOS button. Wired interfaces include a Micro USB port and a 3.5 mm audio jack.

The travel smartphone has a removable battery with a capacity of 3800 mAh, which lasts for 10 days in standby mode. The dimensions of the device are within the range of 1.5 x 6.3 x 14.5 cm and weighs 207 grams. The package includes a USB cable, external antenna, screwdriver and adapter. The cost of the smartphone in China will be 140 USD. There is no word yet on whether it will go on sale.

Added 11/10/2016. The smartphone is presented in Russia as Land Rover N2 PTT, and its cost is about 235 USD.

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Based on materials from “Electronics on the Road” own sources.

99% of the smartphone market today is occupied by all-in-one all-in-one devices with a touch screen. For users who want to buy something unusual, we have prepared a selection of push-button phones and flip phones on Android, which can please not only with their non-standard appearance, but also with functionality.

BlackBerry Priv

Blackberry is a company whose calling card is premium push-button smartphones. Priv is a slider-shaped model that combines a large AMOLED display with Quad HD resolution and a full-fledged mechanical keyboard.

Priv is a flagship device with excellent specifications. In addition to the chic curved display, like the Galaxy EDGE, the smartphone boasts a Snapdragon 808 processor (6 * 1.8 GHz), 32/3 GB of memory expandable with cards up to 200 GB, an 18 MP main camera with an optical stabilizer and a 3410 mAh battery.

The Priv's keyboard consists of 4 rows of buttons, without a numeric layout, but backlit. Each key can be assigned to launch a separate application, and the keyboard itself is touch-sensitive; by swiping your finger over it, you can scroll through lists or pages open in the browser.

The price of BlackBerry Priv is 35 thousand rubles. Buying this device makes sense for those who want to get a prestigious smartphone with a mechanical keyboard, excellent performance, a high level of personal data protection and a memorable design.

Sonim XP6

Sonim XP6 is a secure push-button Android phone that can survive the harshest operating conditions. The device is certified according to the IP-69 standard - this is the highest protection class among mobile devices today. It is resistant to rain, dust, dirt and other microparticles, remains operational when in water (no deeper than 2 meters) for 60 minutes and can be used at temperatures from -20 to +55 degrees.

The characteristics of the XP6 are quite modest - a 2.63’’ screen with a resolution of 432*320 px, a 5 MP main camera, a Snapdragon 400 processor (4*1200 MHz), 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal memory. In addition to security, the smartphone is distinguished by a battery capacity of 4800 mAh - if used economically, the device will last for 4-5 days of operation. Cost – from 33 thousand rubles.

RugGear RG310

RugGear RG310 is another rugged smartphone (IP68 class according to international certification and 810G in accordance with US Army standards). The device costs almost 3 times less than the XP6 presented above - only 13 thousand rubles, and is only slightly inferior to it in terms of technical characteristics.

In addition to the mechanical keyboard, there is a 2.4’’ touch screen, a 5MP camera, a MediaTek6572 processor (2*1 GHz) and 4/0.5 GB of memory. Autonomy is ensured by a 3600 mAh battery, which is enough for 3 days of reliable operation.

Among the features of the RugGear RG310, we highlight a very loud speaker and a powerful flashlight, a built-in NFC chip (the smartphone can be used to make contactless payments), and the ability to work with 2 SIM cards. A drawback noticed by many users is unstable synchronization with navigation satellites.

Gionee W909

Gionee W909 is one of the most powerful smartphones in the clamshell form factor. The device has a premium design - a metal body, two screens and a leather-trimmed back wall, which corresponds to flagship technical characteristics.

The smartphone is powered by a Helio P10 processor (8*1.8 GHz), on board there is 4 GB of RAM and 64 internal memory (support for flash cards up to 256 GB), both screens are 4.2’’ IPS matrices with FULL HD resolution. The main camera has a resolution of 16 MP, the front one – 5 MP. W909 supports USB-C, NFC interfaces and has a fingerprint scanner.

The weak point of the smartphone is its autonomy - the battery capacity is only 2530 mAh, which is small, given the presence of two screens. But judging by user reviews, the W909, with moderate use, confidently survives until the evening. The device is not officially sold in Russia; the price in China starts at $600.

Vkworld T2

Vkworld T2 is suitable for those who want to get a folding phone on Android, but are not ready to spend a large amount of money. On AliExpress, the smartphone can be purchased for just $120, and its characteristics are quite consistent with the modern budget segment.

T2 has 2 4.02-inch displays with a resolution of 854*480 pixels (IPS matrix), MTK6580 processor (4*1.3 GHz), 8/1 GB of memory (flash drives up to 32 GB are supported), 13 and 5 MP cameras, and 2050 mAh battery.

The thickness of Vkworld T2 is 17, which may seem unusual to people accustomed to using thin all-in-one PCs. However, visually the smartphone looks cool, it has a strict design and will be especially appropriate in the hands of business people.

Radger F1

Our rating already included rugged push-button smartphones and clamshells, and finally we prepared their symbiosis – the rugged clamshell Radger F1. The device is certified to the IP54 standard, it can withstand short-term immersion in water and is protected from all types of penetration (dust, dirt, etc.).

The smartphone has two screens: a main diagonal of 2.6 inches with a resolution of 432*320 and an external one of 1.4 inches with 128*128 pixels. The software part of the device is represented by a 4-core MTK processor, 8 GB of built-in and 4 GB of RAM. There is support for LTE and satellite navigation, camera resolution is 5 MP.

Radger F1 is equipped with a capacious 2800 mAh battery. Considering the hardware is not the most powerful, it will be enough for 2-3 days of battery life with very intensive use. The smartphone is not presented in Russia; when purchased from the manufacturer on AliExpress, its price will be 17 thousand rubles.

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Physical/capacitive or on-screen buttons - which is better? There are different opinions on this issue, but it is from different perspectives. And there is still a demand for phones with both physical and touch buttons. Even since Google made it clear that the Android OS is designed for on-screen buttons only, manufacturers like Samsung and even HTC continue to equip their devices with physical buttons.

However, other manufacturers, including LG, Sony and Motorola, almost completely follow Google's approach, limiting their devices to soft buttons. The advantages and disadvantages of physical and software buttons were discussed by Edgar Cervantes in the article “Physical vs. on-screen buttons – what’s your pick?

Moreover, even the Priv, a phone with a full keyboard, has on-screen navigation buttons. However, the question of which buttons are better and, most importantly, why, remains relevant. Alas, this question is one of those for which there is no clear answer.

A little history

In 2011, Google released the Galaxy Nexus and the then-new operating system Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Subsequently, new Nexus began to be accompanied by the next version of Android. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich was intended for both tablets and smartphones, which was a big step forward for the operating system.

Among other changes affecting the operating system was the appearance of soft buttons. It was the device of the future, and it changed the idea of ​​what a modern smartphone should look like. Users know this, but many of them still love physical buttons.

Physical/capacitive buttons

Let's start with a story about the shortcomings of physical buttons. First of all, novice users will have to put in more effort to learn how to use them, especially if we are talking about mechanical buttons that require pressing rather than touching. This, of course, is not difficult, but many users are accustomed to the fact that even less effort can be applied.

The second point concerns reliability. Physical buttons are additional elements that can break. And we should not forget that these buttons are permanent design elements of the device. They will forever remain where the device manufacturer placed them. They will not move anywhere and will not be updated.

But physical buttons also have certain advantages. Many novice users would prefer to feel real buttons under their fingers and experience tactile feedback, which is not what you would expect from touch buttons. Some things - like accessing the camera - can be done without even unlocking the phone, especially if the device has a dedicated camera button.

And, very importantly, physical buttons allow you to increase usable screen real estate. Phones are getting larger and their screens continue to improve, but many users still prefer not to have some of the display space taken up by on-screen buttons.

In addition, it should be noted that some of the physical buttons on modern phones also have fingerprint scanners, which is another reason to keep them in modern devices. Examples of such a design solution include the well-known HTC 10 phones - a new flagship phone in a familiar look, for which the Samsung Galaxy S7 is also available.

On-screen buttons

Some users like soft buttons, but others don't. In this regard, everything is exactly the same as with physical buttons. And there are a number of reasons not to like them, which every user who switches from a phone with physical/capacitive buttons will remember.

As noted above, these on-screen buttons reduce precious usable real estate on your phone's screen. Since they are hidden while playing games, viewing photos and videos, the user experience with the phone is “less natural”.

But there are also reasons why on-screen buttons appeal to users. They open up a lot of user interface customization and adaptability, as a soft button can be added to or removed from the phone screen. The developer didn't add a menu button? No problem. Does the user prefer the left or right button to go back? And it is possible. With soft buttons, a lot is possible, if the software allows it, of course.

In addition to providing a richer software experience, eliminating physical buttons also improves the phone's hardware performance. The free space can be used, for example, for a larger battery. Or the manufacturer can make the frame around the screen narrower.

On-screen buttons give manufacturers the opportunity to fit a smaller phone with a larger screen.

Of course, each user has their own reasons for preferring physical or on-screen buttons. What do you think the navigation buttons on a modern smartphone should look like?

Mobile phones with touch controls are becoming a worthy replacement for push-button models. This has been happening since 2013. Currently, it is almost impossible to find a smartphone with a push-button keyboard on the shelves of modern stores. Despite this, some smartphones still have a slide-out keyboard, and this fact indicates that not every company is interested only in touch displays.

LG Enact

LG primarily focuses on touchscreen smartphones. Despite this, the push-button model can still be successfully found. Moreover, the device successfully operates on the Android operating system. Maybe this particular device will please people who do not strive to actively and successfully understand modern trends.

LG Enact pleases with ease of control, but at the same time the functionality matches its sophisticated brothers. Additional advantages include a very powerful and decent battery.

Of course, there will be disadvantages. For example, a smartphone has a small display (the diagonal is only 4 inches), but even such dimensions do not lead to refusal of the purchase.

Technical data:

• 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 400 processor;
• built-in memory – 8 gigabytes;
• battery capacity – 2460 mAh;
• operating system – Android version 4.1;
• Camera – 5 megapixels with LED backlight.

In fact, the technical specifications are at an average level and suggest a practical approach to a mobile phone. The cost is $350.

Nokia C6

Nokia C6 has gained real interest. The smartphone is ideal for fans of an active lifestyle who still gravitate towards a qwerty keyboard. The mobile phone runs the fifth version of the Symbian S60 operating system, which, fortunately, is characterized by maximum convenience.

The smartphone has 4 rows of keys that represent almost all letters of the Cyrillic alphabet. The exceptions were two letters - X, B. On the right side of the keyboard there is a navigation system that successfully replaces the arrows. Among the advantages of buttons are their large size and convex shape. The white backlight allows you to type text successfully and without any problems even in the dark.

• bluetooth;
• wi-fi;
• branded navigator;
• possibility of using memory cards;
• radio;
• 5 megapixel camera.

The screen has a resolution of 640 by 360 pixels, and this is already enough to watch videos.

An interesting feature is the minimum weight (50 grams). The smartphone is available in black and white.

BlackBerry Venice

BlackBerry offers a unique smartphone with a slide-out keyboard called Venice. This model features a 5.1-inch curved screen. Technical data and functionality are encouraging:

• screen – 5.1 inches. The most convenient and enjoyable work experience is expected thanks to the smartphone display;
• An 8-core processor that successfully performs almost any task;
• 16-megapixel camera that allows you to create high-quality images;
• Battery capacity – 3650 mAh for long-term operation on a single charge.

However, the smartphone initially attracts with its unique design: the front glass is actually curved at the edges. We can safely assume that this form will provide maximum ergonomics.

BlackBerry Passport

This smartphone is popular among businessmen and executives. It should be noted that it turned out to be one of the fastest, best and most functional among models with a sliding keyboard.

The smartphone initially looks expensive and prestigious, which evokes only the best impressions. Moreover, many people will appreciate the ability to control in two ways: touch screen and slide-out keyboard. However, the smartphone is offered without the Cyrillic alphabet, which turns out to be an atypical drawback. To communicate successfully, you have to regularly use a transliterated to Russian translator or double buttons, which actually complicates the process of typing any text. If you use the keyboard for navigation, you can control your smartphone with ease, because the buttons are even adapted for copying, pasting, and highlighting different texts.

Despite the high cost (about 43,000 rubles), BlackBerry Passport is ready to please with its versatility. All functions are brought to near perfection, which, without a doubt, leaves the best impression.

Despite the fact that smartphones with push-button keyboards are becoming a thing of the past, similar models can still be found on the market. The most important thing is to carefully study all the offers and understand which option is best to choose the right one, since only in this case can you be completely satisfied with the purchase.

Video: the best smartphone with a sliding keyboard 2017