Do you remember clamshell phones? If you do then shame on you. If you don’t then clamshell phones in the most basic definition are flip phones that utilize a hinge to join two parts…the keypad and the screen. It was believed that such abominations had died out although it seems they very well maybe making a comeback…and in a big way.
Only a few days ago we reported that LG were working on a new clamshell phone and now it already seems the device is about to launch. According to the information coming in, the LG Wine Smart is a new clamshell phone. Although in contrast to the previous incarnations is a smart-clamshell. The device offers a 3.5″ HVGA touchscreen and is powered by a 1.2 GHz Quad-core processor. In addition, the new flip phone comes equipped with an 8 MP rear camera (with LED flash) and a VGA front shooter. The device will run on Android 4.4 (KitKat) and will come equipped with Kakao Talk messenger. Inside the device is loaded with 1 GB RAM and a 1700 mAh battery. In terms of storage the device offers 4 GB internal storage and also offers a standard ‘expansion slot’ (presumably micro SD). The device also offers 4G LTE compatibility, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS. As this is a flip phone the physical details will matter and the device is reportedly 16.9mm thick and weighing-in at 140.8 grams.
One interesting feature is that the device is designed with safety in mind. The Wine Smart comes equipped with a Safe Keeper function which automatically sends the location and calls the emergency services when the phone is not used for a significant period. This seems to suggest that the Wine Smart is designed and intended more for the elderly and the mature market than the young Samsung Note 4 go-getters. At present the release details are extremely sketchy although the Wine Smart is expected to launch in two colors, black and white. We currently have no details in regards to the price although the device is expected to launch on September 26th in South Korea. There are no current indications that the device will be launched outside Asia although it wont be long before we hear further details. So, are you interested in a flip or clamshell phone? Or do you think (like me) flip phones deserve to be left in the past…and in the matrix films? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment.