Zanco may not be a well-known name in the world of
mobile phones. Since this U.K based company has started a Kickstarter campaign
for the world’s smallest mobile phone called tiny t1, it is gradually gaining
popularity. The tiny t1 is indeed very small as it measures 46.7 x 21x 12mm and
weighs 12 grams.
Most smartphone OEMs are now launching full screen
design smartphones that feature larger displays that are packed inside compact
bodies by cutting down the size of the bezels. On the contrary, Zanco’s tiny t1
is a thumb-sized phone that is lighter than a coin. The phone is built for
voice calls and sending text messages.
The tiny t1 supports a single nano SIM that allow
users to store up to 300 contacts in the phonebook. Also, it can store up to 50
text messages. It can show 50 incoming and outgoing phone numbers in the call
register by using its 32 MB inbuilt storage.
The tiny t1 is driven by MediaTek MTK6261D chipset
that is coupled with 32 MB of RAM. It features a 0.49-inch OLED display that
offers a resolution of 64 x 32 pixels. It is fueled by a 2,00mAh battery that
offers a standby time of 3 days and a talk time of 180 minutes. It is equipped
with a T9 backlit keyboard, a loudspeaker and a mic.
For connectivity, the tiny t1 offers features like
2G (two band frequencies – 850/1900 and 900/1800), Bluetooth and microUSB. The
handset does not support 3G and 4G network frequencies. Hence, it does not
support internet connectivity.
The tiny t1 can be a great secondary phone. The
company claims since it is so small, it can be easily carried in pocket while
jogging, running, cycling and walking. Through the Kickstarter campaign, the
company has set a goal of US$ 33,480. As of this writing, it has accumulated US$ 44,817 from pledgers. It is available with a pre-order price tag of US$ 40 and
its shipment is expected to begin in May 2018 across the world.
Customers who are interested in purchasing should
check whether their network providers are still offering 2G services. In the
U.S, AT&T has shut down 2G services. Verizon will be closing 2G services in
December 2019 and T-Mobile will be ending it in 2020. Australian services
providers have already shut down 2G services. In the U.K. and Europe, Vodafone
will be offering 2G services until 2025.