ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Seven Simple Smartphones That Do Things Differently

other · 2026-05-12

Wallpaper*'s Jonathan Bell surveys seven smartphones that challenge the Google-Apple duopoly. The Titan 2 Elite by Unihertz ($489.99) revives the Blackberry form with a physical QWERTY keyboard, 5G, and a 50MP camera. Fairphone's sixth generation (£479) emphasizes repairability and sustainability, with swappable components, Android 16, and B Corporation certification. Bigme's HiBreak Dual combines a color e-ink main screen with a circular LCD front display, running Android 14. The Meadow ($399, US only) is a 4G device with a 3-inch screen, no browser or social media, and only 12 contacts. Jolla Phone (€649) runs Sailfish OS, a Linux-based system with Android app support, assembled in Finland. iKKO's MindOne Pro (£324) offers a compact main unit with a snap-on keyboard case and extra battery, plus an AI OS. Clicks Communicator ($199) is a tiny Android 16 phone with a 4.03-inch AMOLED screen and full QWERTY keyboard, targeting those tired of large screens.

Key facts

  • Titan 2 Elite by Unihertz costs $489.99 and has a physical keyboard, 5G, and 50MP camera.
  • Fairphone Generation 6 is priced at £479, is repairable, runs Android 16, and is B Corp certified.
  • Bigme HiBreak Dual features a 6.13-inch color e-ink screen and a circular LCD front display.
  • The Meadow costs $399, has a 3-inch screen, no social media or browser, and only 12 contacts.
  • Jolla Phone costs €649, runs Sailfish OS with Android app support, and is assembled in Finland.
  • iKKO MindOne Pro costs £324, has a compact design with a snap-on keyboard case and AI OS.
  • Clicks Communicator starts at $199, has a 4.03-inch AMOLED screen and full QWERTY keyboard.
  • All devices aim to reduce distraction or offer alternative form factors.

Entities

Artists

  • Jonathan Bell

Institutions

  • Wallpaper*
  • Google
  • Apple
  • Huawei
  • Fairphone
  • Unihertz
  • Bigme
  • Jolla
  • iKKO
  • Clicks
  • HMD
  • Vertu
  • Oukitel
  • Honor
  • Light Phone
  • Mudita
  • Cirrus Logic

Locations

  • Amsterdam
  • Netherlands
  • Finland
  • USA
  • UK
  • Norway
  • Switzerland

Sources