Best Handset Smartphones

2022-10-20

Buying a smartphone with a physical keyboard in 2022 is difficult. Such devices are almost not produced today, and rare exceptions are not officially sold in Russia. There are still smartphones with full-featured QWERTY keyboard from BlackBerry in stores, but they are definitely not new. So if you are determined to buy a button smartphone, then get ready to search for used options in Russia or new devices, but from foreign sites like AliExpress or Ebay.

Please note: the talk in our selection will be about so-called smart devices - smartphones (with one exception). If you're on the lookout for a regular phone, however, check out the best push-button mobiles. And in another of our articles, you can learn about how smartphones differ from cell phones.

Brief history of the disappearance of buttons

If you go into a store that sells electronics, you'll definitely notice one fact. The vast majority of modern phones do not have a numeric or QWERTY keypad. All of them are faceless in appearance, because most of the front panel is occupied by a touch screen. Where did the buttons go? Why have smartphones with a QWERTY keyboard become a rarity? It was impossible to imagine the first smart devices without a keypad. For example the Nokia 9210 Communicator was designed as a clamshell, inside it were hidden many physical buttons.

A little later were released Nokia N-Gage and Siemens SX1. These are very different smartphones, but they both had a certain number of keys. In the mid-2000s, PDAs and communicators began to appear on the shelves, where the number of buttons was reduced to a minimum. They were implemented by pressing the stylus on different areas of the touch screen. But the real revolutionary in this field was Apple, who pioneered the touch screen smartphone, which is incredibly easy to operate.

It is interesting that the first Android based devices were exactly smartphones with QWERTY keyboard. Particularly the first commercial prototype was the HTC Dream, which had a sliding block with keys. Devices of this type were produced for several years. But later, virtually all manufacturers have abandoned this form factor. There are several reasons for this:

Google recommends (but not mandates) to minimize the number of physical keys.
Smartphones with a push-button keyboard are often large and heavy.
Such devices have less reliability.
Touch controls are in fact easier than push-button controls.

Button phones in 2022?

It is commonly thought that push-button phones have long gone out of fashion, but you can still find devices of this type on the market. It's not easy, and you may have to turn to the secondary market, but yes, you can still buy a phone with a physical keyboard in 2022!

Can I install WhatsApp on a pushbutton smartphone?

Certainly. Most models run on Android (or a shell based on it), which means that you will have access to the Google Play Store. From there you may download all your favorite applications, be it social networking, messengers or even games.

How long will a push-button smartphone last?

It is difficult to give a definite answer to this question. But one thing is certain, if you treat your phone well, it will last quite a long time.

Yes, many smartphones from the list are already obsolete, that means that you will inevitably face different problems (lack of updates, outdated hardware, etc.).

In general, you can expect a pushbutton phone to last one to two years, or maybe as long as three (when buying a brand new device).

Alternatives?

You can still buy a pushbutton phone, but given today's market, it might be worth spending the money to buy a regular smartphone and some additional accessories like a keyboard.

You do not get the same tactile feedback, however you can buy a portable wireless keyboard. This allows to create a comfortable working environment wherever you are: in a cafe, on a train, on a plane.

Fxtec Pro1

Operating system: Android 90 Pie
Processor: Snapdragon 835
Display: 5.99 inches, Full HD+
Memory capacity: 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage
Cameras: main 12MP, front 8MP
Battery : 3200mAh

Price: $729

In 2019, at the Mobile World Congress tech forum, London-based startup Fxtec unveiled its first phone called Pro1. The device has a slider-style design, with the keyboard sliding out to the side and tilting the display at a 155-degree angle for better viewing. The QWERTY keyboard has five rows and 64 backlit keys.

The phone runs the standard version of Android Pie, has a fingerprint scanner (on the side) and a headphone jack. As for the internals, the smartphone has a Snapdragon 835 processor, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of built-in memory "under the hood".

The device has a dual camera on the back for bokeh effect shots. Given all these features, the Fxtec Pro1 is one of the best keyboard phones available on the market right now.

If you're willing to wait, a new model called the Fxtec Pro1 X is currently available for pre-order for $729 and will be available this August.

The company's new device has updated specifications and an improved QWERTY keyboard. As for software, users will be able to choose between Android, Lineage OS and Ubuntu.

Advantages:

Unique design.
QWERTY keyboard.
Features.

Disadvantages:

Expensive.
Size.

Buy

Unihertz Titan

Operating system: Android 9.0 Pie
Processor: MediaTek Helio P60
Memory capacity: 6GB RAM and 128GB internal memory
Cameras: Main - 16MP, Front - 8MP
Battery capacity: 6000 mAh

Price: from 43,990 rubles

Next on our list is a smartphone with a QWERTY keyboard and enhanced security. We don't quite understand for whom exactly this device is intended, but one thing we can say for sure: this is an excellent push-button smartphone, despite its dimensions.

Unihertz is not the most famous Chinese company outside the home market. At first, it produced miniature Jelly and Atom smartphones with tiny screens, as well as rugged phones. In 2019, the company launched a project on the Kikstarter portal and was able to raise the necessary funding to start production of one of the most interesting smartphones with a physical keyboard. It became the Unihertz Titan.

Sturdy construction is one of the key features of the Titan. Metal plates protect the sides of the smartphone and the rear camera while the rest of the device is covered by a thick layer of rubber.

Because of its ruggedness, the device certainly stands out because of its huge size. The phone is big and heavy, 303 grams is an awful lot for a smartphone, which is really noticeable.

As for the keyboard, it is not as good as with BlackBerry smartphones. To correct typing mistakes you need to press the QWERTY keyboard at the bottom of the screen and some keys are in odd places which makes typing awkward.

We should keep in mind though that in today's reality most people would need some time to get used to using a QWERTY keyboard anyway so this might not be such a big issue for some.

The display is not bad either. It has a square shape and the resolution is 1400 x 1400 pixels. There's nothing special about it, but it certainly performs its functions with flying colors.

The phone runs on the MediaTek Helio P60 processor. This is a pretty solid chipset because the performance is generally not bad.

You will, however, hardly want to play games on this phone (again, because of the QWERTY keyboard). The 6000mAh battery allows you to use it for a long time.

The camera is also all right, but of the minuses worth mentioning is the Android 9.0 Pie operating system, which is already a bit old.

Advantages:

Excellent build.
Good keyboard quality.
BlackBerry-like keyboard functions.
Great battery life.
Durability.
Unique design.

Disadvantages:

Heavy.
Bad camera.
Not the best audio.
Android 9 Pie.

Samsung Galaxy Folder 2

Operating system : Android 6.0
Processor : Snapdragon 425
Display : 3.8 inches, TFT, 480×800 inches
Memory capacity : 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory
Cameras : Main - 8 MP, front - 5 MP
Battery : 1950 mAh

Price: from 22,000 rubles

Galaxy Folder 2 is a smartphone with a physical keyboard, created in a clamshell form factor. The device is expensive and its parameters are modest, but, due to the lack of something similar on the market, it is quite curious.

It is made in a metal case and offers three color solutions - gold, red and black. The device supports two sim cards and has a separate memory card slot. The main camera is 8 megapixels, the front camera is 5 megapixels. The battery is removable - 1950 mAh. Among the wireless modules - Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, Glonass.

The model was not released for the Russian market, so it does not have a Russian-language keyboard. However, Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 is easy to buy on AliExpress. Users from Russia note that the Russian-language interface is provided and the device is quite realistic to use in the RF. The operating system is updated to version 7.

Dignities:

Style appearance.
The sharing of two sims and MicroSD.
Good autonomy.

Disadvantages:

High price tag.
Old Android.
The keyboard has no Russian font.

Buy

Punkt MP 02

Operating system : Android AOSP 8.1
Processor : Snapdragon TM 210
Display : 2 inches, TFT, 320 x 240 dots, Gorilla Glass 3
Memory capacity : 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory
Battery : 1280 mAh

Price: from 32,600 rubles

Punkt MP 02 is a device that is positioned as a smartphone, but in fact it is not. So why is this device in this review? The device is the brainchild of the Swiss company. It is a pushbutton phone with the Android operating system version from the company BlaskBerger. At the same time, all the Android functionality is disabled here and there is no synchronization with Google services and accounts. The device has received security standards from BlackBerry and this should attract users who value the privacy of their communication.

Besides this, the Punkt MP 02 has support for Wi-Fi, LTE, VoLTE and can work in modem mode. The phone charges via USB-C and has a 1280 mAh battery that lasts for 12 days in standby mode. The model is designed by industrial designer Jasper Morrison. The case has excellent ergonomics and is pleasant to the touch, the screen is well readable in the sun and has Gorilla Glass 3 protection.

Punkt MP 02 is an expensive device, which to smartphones refers only to the presence of its Android with almost completely disabled functionality. It is not for everyone, but if you need a quality device for calls with a guarantee that you will not be overheard and for internet distribution, it is an excellent choice. Another purchase option for those who depend on social media and want to fix that. The manufacturer himself positions the Punkt MP 02 as a complement to a tablet without sim cards - the former takes care of the calls and becomes a high speed network access point.

Advantages:

Excellent design.
Ergonomics.
Communication quality.
Good sound.
LTE and VoLTE support.
Display with high readability.
Protected OS.

Disadvantages:

Cut functionality (as for smartphone).
The price tag is too high.

Buy

Unihertz Titan Pocket

Operating system : Android 11
Processor : MediaTek Helio P70
Display : 3.1 inch, HD
Memory capacity : 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage
Cameras : 16 MP primary, 8 MP front
Battery : 4000 mAh

Price: 46,990 rubles

The new model in the Titan line, which appeared in 2021, was inspired by the iconic BlackBerry Classic smartphone. Compared to the Unihertz Titan, the device turned out to be more compact and less heavy - the developers managed to stay within acceptable dimensions. It is 30% smaller and lighter than the older Titan model. Among the disadvantages of the device is its thicker case - as much as 16.8 mm. This is about one and a half times the thickness of an ordinary smartphone. But, it must be paid tribute, because of compact size Unihertz Titan Pocket is much more convenient to hold than a modern wide smartphone.

As the older model, Unihertz Titan Pocket boasts of protection from shocks and falls - rubberized case does not let the smartphone slip from hands and softens the shocks.

The screen is unusually small for modern realities - only 3.1 inches. But at a resolution of 716×720 pixels pixel density is 328 ppi, which is very good.

In terms of hardware smartphone does not represent anything outstanding. It uses a four-year-old chipset MediaTek Helio P70, still quite fast. The manufacturer has not spared memory: 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of permanent memory. In addition, there is support for microSD.

Cameras at Unihertz Titan Pocket rather modest: 8-megapixel front and main 16 megapixel. However, to create a relatively passable pictures this is quite enough.

The device has a lot of features. There is a gyroscope, fingerprint scanner, symmetrical Type-C connector, GLONNAS support, NFC module. The Titan Pocket can even be used as a remote control - it is equipped with an IR transmitter.

Advantages:

Compact size.
Good performance.
Huge memory capacity.
Network design.
Excellent ergonomics.

Disadvantages:

Too small screen for gaming.
Intermediate cameras.
Big weight.

Samsung W2019

Operating system : Android 9 9.0 Pie
Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
Display : main - 4.2 inches, 1080×1920 pixels, secondary - 4.2 inches, 1080×1920 pixels
Memory capacity : 6GB RAM and 256GB internal storage
Cameras : Main - 12 + 12 MP, Front - 8 MP
Battery : 3070 mAh

Price: from 150,000 rubles

Samsung W2019 is a flagship flip-flop smartphone with premium features, premium design and insane price tag.

Devices of such form factor, moreover the top level, are becoming fewer and fewer, so the Samsung W2019 is of particular interest.

The device is equipped with two absolutely identical 4.2-inch screens with SuperAMOLED matrix and FullHD resolution. The displays have an old-fashioned 16:9 aspect ratio and no camera openings or cutouts.

The physical keyboard numeric keys are separated by horizontal stripes. They seem to emphasize the overall angular style of the device. The keyboard itself is devoid of any flashy elements and is made in common with the smartphone strict and minimalistic design.

As the hardware platform is used the most powerful at the time of the release of the smartphone on the market chip Qualcomm Snapdragon 845. The flagship smartphone has been given a large amount of memory: 6GB of RAM and 256GB of permanent. In addition, there is also the possibility of using a memory card. However, to do this you will have to sacrifice a second SIM card - a separate slot for the memory card is not provided.

Samsung W2019 got a main double camera with modules each of 12 megapixels, and the main one with variable aperture - from f/1.5 to f/2.4 and optical stabilization. The device can not be called a camerophone, but the camera takes pretty good pictures. But the front camera of the flagship model at the level of mid-budget level units - the resolution it has only 8 megapixels.

The smartphone battery has a medium capacity, at 3070 mAh. Given the two bright AMOLED screens and the powerful iron, you will have to charge the Samsung W2019 daily if you actively use all its features.

Dignities:

Premium design.
The flagship processor.
Large storage capacity.
Two AMOLED matrix displays.
Advanced camera with optical stabilization and variable aperture.
NFC module.

Disadvantages:

Battery of medium capacity.
High price.

Buy

AGM M5

Operating system : Android 8.1
Processor : Snapdragon 210
Display : 2.8 inches, QVGA, 320×240 pixels
Memory capacity : 1GB RAM and 8GB internal memory
Cameras : main - 2MP, front - 0.3MP
Battery : 2500 mAh

Price: 13,000 rubles

AGM M5 is a non-trivial smartphone with a physical keyboard, touch screen and serious water and dust protection under the IP68 standard. The body of the device is made of durable soft-touch plastic with a pleasant touch rubberized coating. On the top edge there is a rather large flashlight.

Battery cover is removable, which should be strange for a protected device, but the manufacturer has provided everything - under the removable cover is a protective plastic insert with a rubber band around the perimeter. Under the battery hidden two SIM-card slots and a separate tray for microSD card. A symmetrical Type-C connector is used to charge the smartphone. It's nice that the button device has all the modern slots and connectors.

The weakness of the AGM M5 is the screen. It is touch-sensitive, but tiny by modern standards, with a diagonal of only 2.8 inches. A TN-matrix with mediocre anti-reflective properties and an air layer is used.

The smartphone has two cameras, but very modest: the main 2 megapixel, front 0.3 MP.

The operating system in the smartphone uses Android 8.1.

Advantages:

Water and dust proof case.
Bright flashlight.
A modern USB Type-C connector.
Solid removable battery.
Affordable price.

Disadvantages:

Large size and thickness.
Small screen.

Land Rover N2 Extreme Edition

Operating system : Android 6.0
Processor : MediaTek MT6580
Display : 3.85 inches, IPS, 640x960 pixels
Memory capacity : 1GB RAM and 8GB internal memory
Cameras : Main - 5 MP, front - 2 MP
Battery : 3800 mAh

Price: 19,990 rubles

Another secure Android push-button smartphone with a brutal design and good functionality.

The device has received protection against ingress of water and dust in accordance with the standard IP68 and can be used as a radio. For this purpose, a removable antenna is included. The housing has an interesting feature such as the metric ruler on the side edge. The smartphone's strong points include a sufficiently large for a protected device 3.8-inch IPS matrix touch screen, a bright flashlight, two loud speakers with noise reduction, and wireless modules such as Wi-Fi, GPS, and NFC.

The removable 3000 mAh battery provides up to 3-4 days of usage in a moderate mode of operation.

The device runs on a pure Android 6.0 operating system.

Dignities: