Although I have been to the IFA fair in Berlin 5 times, this year it happened for the first time that I was there alone (that is, Krzysiek was also there, but we missed each other’s schedules). This required a different organization from me, and as a result, I am only just starting to build relationships now. However, I have a real bomb to start with! This is the first impression of interacting with the prototype Polish phone Mudita Kompakt.
Mudita is a Polish company founded by Michał Kiciński, who was a co-founder of CD Project. At the beginning of its existence, Mudita already had a candybar-style phone in its offer. Unfortunately, one cannot speak of commercial success here, and this is related to several drawbacks that the device had. Since then, the company has introduced watches, alarm clocks, mindfulness cards, and even a collection of comfortable clothing made from natural materials.
This is a company that focuses on well-being, their latest phone is something that can be a really interesting alternative to a world full of noise, stimuli, stress, and constant notifications and other distractions.
Mudita Compact in our hands
I wrote about the same idea of this anti-smartphone along with Mateusz. There is no longer a need to explain the whole concept. However, it is worth reminding that this device is for minimalists who want to escape from the hustle and bustle and a million notifications that come to colorful smartphones every day.
So let's start from the beginning. I learned that Mudita is going to IFA 2024 in Berlin from a post on the company's IG. Unfortunately, I didn't find the company's booth for two days. On the last day of my presence at the fair, four hours before leaving for the airport, I went with Michał from Chip.pl to say goodbye to the fair. However, I set myself the goal of finding the booth where Mudita Kompakt would be exhibited.
It wasn't that simple. First of all, it was extremely small and did not appear on the IFA booth map, secondly, Mudita was exhibiting under the banner of its distributor Tradesnest, thirdly, during the fair, the booth was moved to a completely different hall. However, Cyfranek came to my aid, who quickly responded to the message and very precisely described how and where to find the booth!
Remember, the material is based on contact with the prototype device. It reveals certain details, but the device may differ from the version that the manufacturer will bring to market.
The Mudita Compact in prototype version works quite well. Essentially, all functions were available here. Including the ability to send SMS and the camera.
The software of this model is responsive and resembles other devices that operate using an E-Ink screen. The main screen displays information about battery status, network coverage, date, and time. At the bottom, we see the phone app and messages, as well as the More tab with additional applications.
In the prototype device, there were six: e-book reader, voice recorder, calculator, camera/video, and meditations. All of them worked quite well. In one of the videos I recorded, you can notice that the camera app did not turn on after clicking it. However, I think it was just a miss click (I had two busy hands), because the next time it worked without any problems. All applications worked without issues. One thing to complain about is the long loading of books — I attribute this to the fact that it is still a prototype.
The device's execution turned out to be quite good as well. It is entirely plastic, but nothing creaked or squeaked here. The casing was compact and well-fitted. An interesting feature is the slider on the side of the casing, similar to that of the iPhone, which completely cuts off the GSM module, WiFi, Bluetooth, as well as the microphone and camera.
The equipment really impressed me. It's one of the devices we've been looking forward to in the editorial office!
User needs
I know that this is just a prototype and probably the manufacturer will present the Compact model, which will be more advanced in terms of software. But it is necessary to introduce a few additional applications:
- audio player,
- LED flashlight (since it's already in the device)
- communicator like secure Signal or popular Whatsapp
- calendar
- to-do list,
- timer/pomodoro
I would gladly like to see applications of popular e-book and audiobook services here, such as Legimi or Audible/Audoteka. I also have a comment regarding the backlighting; it is probably too late for such a change. However, a fantastic feature would be the ability to change the backlighting temperature — just like in e-ink readers.
Dimensions
128 x 70 x 12.6 mm
Display
E-Ink, 4.3 inches, 800 x 480 pixels
Material
Polycarbonate with 7% glass fiber content
Processor
MediaTek MT6761V/WBA
System
Own PureOS system
Memory
32 GB built-in memory
Accumulator
3300 mAh LiPo
Device
8 MP with dual tone LED flash
Audio
high quality ACC speaker, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Sloty
hybrid SIM slot + Micro SD card or two SIMs
Resistance
IP54 standard
Connectivity
2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, VoLTE, VoWiFi, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.x, NFC
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USB C (with cable included) and wireless