P-UP World, a Japanese tech firm, is turning back time with the launch of its new phone, the Mode 1 RETRO II. A nostalgic nod to the flip phones that were the rage between 2005 and 2010, this device successfully fuses the old with the new. The device features a 3.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1440×720. It has a unique design with a numeric keypad beneath the screen, reminiscent of older phones. The device also includes customizable buttons around the Android navigation keys. Despite these features, it remains compact and lightweight, weighing only 145 grams. The device measures 112 mm x 52 mm x 20 mm when folded.
Despite its retro appearance, the phone
doesn’t lag in modern-day features. Running on the Android 13 OS, it supports
full Google services and even has side fingerprint recognition. On the tech
front, the Mode 1 RETRO II is equipped with MediaTek’s Helio G85 processor, 4GB
of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage (expandable with an SD card). It features
a 48-megapixel main camera and a 13-megapixel front camera. The device is
powered by a 2500mAh battery and utilizes a Type-C port for charging and data
transfer.
Targeting an interesting segment of the
market, the Mode 1 RETRO II seems poised for those who miss the tactile feel of
feature phones but need the functionalities of today’s smartphones. Whether
it’s for pure nostalgia or utility, this device certainly offers a unique blend
of past and present. The device comes in Sheep White, and Wolf Black colors.
Starting pre-orders on October 13th and set to be available on October 20th,
this phone will retail at 29,800 Japanese yen, roughly 1,457 Chinese yuan
(US$ 199). There’s no info on the global availability yet.
