The front of the Sidephone is divided between a 2.8-inch touchscreen and a lower section designed to accommodate removable control modules. Available options include a QWERTY keyboard, a T9-style keypad, a game controller and a shortcut button array inspired by the classic iPod click wheel. The magnetic modules can reportedly be swapped in about a second, making the phone adaptable to different everyday tasks.

Underneath the simplified interface, the Sidephone uses the open-source foundation behind Android. It does not include Google services or the Google Play Store, however. Instead, the device comes with nine essential applications, while additional software can be installed through preset app packs accessed by scanning QR codes provided on the Sidephone website.

The basic software covers calls, text messaging, photography and file and photo viewing. The phone also supports maps, WhatsApp, a voice recorder, calendar, notes and Proton's email service. A button-mapping utility allows users to assign different functions to the physical controls on each module depending on the application being used.

The hardware limitations are arguably just as important as the modular design. The small display is not particularly suited to activities such as extended video viewing or endless social-media scrolling. Installing additional applications can also require more deliberate steps than on a conventional smartphone. Even the game-controller module is primarily suited to simpler or retro-style gaming.

Sidephone is powered by a 2,000-mAh rechargeable battery and is designed to provide multiple days of use from a full charge. Rather than competing with smartphones on the number of features they can offer, the SP-01 takes a more restrained approach: give users the tools they need, make the physical interface adaptable, and introduce enough friction to make spending hours on a screen less tempting.

According to Newatlas