If you loved the Nothing Phone’s glyph interface, their Community Edition phone may just absolutely capture your heart. Announced today following a lengthy community-driven design competition, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition made its global reveal, with a unique twist on the original phone’s design. Sure, you’ve got the Glyph Interface with LEDs that glow to make the phone’s rear panel turn into a dynamic display for notifications and alerts, but the new Community-made version of the phone comes with literal glow-in-the-dark ribbon cables that are ‘nothing’ like anything we’ve seen on any phone in the past decade!

Thanks to input from community members Astrid Vanhuyse and Kenta Akasaki, this phone stands out in a crowd—but not with power-hungry LEDs. Instead, it uses a green phosphorescent material that charges up with ambient light, glowing gently in dim settings and giving the 2(a) a dose of unique, eco-friendly style.

Designers: Astrid Vanhuyse & Kenta Akasaki for Nothing

The design shift here is significant, especially if you remember the original Phone (2) and the less glowy Phone (2a). While the Phone (2) featured bright LED glyphs, the 2(a) kept things quieter, dialing back on the glow to maintain a sleeker look. This Community Edition, though, reintroduces some of that distinctive Nothing flair, swapping LEDs for a phosphorescent effect along the phone’s ribbon cables and components. It’s a subtler, softer glow that gives the phone character without the need for extra power or flashing lights. Imagine your phone lighting up on the nightstand—not enough to keep you awake, just enough to catch your eye.

The phosphorescent material works just like those glow-in-the-dark stars you might have seen as a kid. It absorbs natural or artificial light and emits a soft glow when the lights go down. Unlike typical LEDs, it doesn’t drain the battery, giving this 2(a) a style boost without impacting battery life or performance. It’s the kind of understated cool that’s right in line with Nothing’s design philosophy: thoughtful, sustainable, and practical. Plus, it makes it easier to find in a dark room, giving the design a practical edge as well as aesthetic appeal.

The collaborative effort on this phone really says a lot about Nothing’s approach to designing for their community. The company didn’t just create the effect on its own; they opened it up to the public and sorted through more than 900 design submissions from fans across 47 countries. Out of these, Vanhuyse and Akasaki’s concept shone the brightest, resulting in a design that feels distinctively Nothing while showcasing a global community’s creativity. It’s part of Nothing’s shift toward community-centric product innovation, giving fans a real voice in shaping what they carry.

Nothing also went to great lengths to ensure this glow effect wasn’t just a gimmick but a part of the Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition’s build. The phosphorescent material is durable and seamlessly integrated, meaning it won’t interfere with the phone’s performance or longevity. You get a sturdy device with an artistic edge, a blend of tech and simplicity that fits seamlessly into daily life.

The Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition is priced at $518 USD (£399 / €449 / ₹29,999), with sales beginning on November 12. If you’re located in London, you might also grab one in person at the Nothing Soho store on November 16. There are just 1,000 units available up for grabs… so if you enjoy the idea of having a phone so dazzling that you’ll never want to put a case on it, grab one while you still can. And for anybody at dbrand or Spigen, you best believe people will want glowing cases for their iPhones and flagship Androids too!

The post Nothing’s Glow-in-the-Dark Phone (2a) Plus Sparks a New Design Trend: We Need Glowing Phone Cases! first appeared on Yanko Design.

Video calls have become a staple of online communication today, whether it’s for meetings or even just personal one-on-one calls. Unfortunately, the devices we use for video calls haven’t caught up quickly with the trend, and we’re only recently seeing webcams with better sensors or phone stands with better angles. Even then, however, there is still some missing aspects to make these videos more engaging and natural.

This simple-looking phone stand tries to deliver that missing piece by making sure that the user’s face is always within the frame during those video calls. It isn’t a one-trick pony, though, and can keep your phone’s battery topped up or be an interesting piece of desk decor even when not in use.

Designer: Kunal Wagh

Webcams are admittedly getting more sophisticated, both in terms of hardware as well as software. While those integrated into laptop screen bezels are limited to simply upgrading their imaging sensors, external cameras are now sporting stabilizers and gimbals. There are also apps that do automatic focus, zooming, and framing. That’s all fine if you’re using your computer, but not if your smartphone is your device of choice.

Orbit is a design concept for a phone stand that brings those features to mobile devices. It’s practically a MagSafe-compatible charging stand with a unique, minimalist design that makes it look good even when not in use. It pretty much looks like a miniature trophy, with a dome-like shape on top held aloft by two thin arms.

Simply place the phone on the stand and go about your video call or even watch videos. Orbit will simply follow your face to make sure that you always have a clear view of the screen or that your face is always in frame. The concept doesn’t exactly explain the software that makes this possible, but it’s not that difficult to pull off given today’s technology.

Of course, it also functions as a charger to make sure your battery never goes empty, whether you’re on a call or not. Unlike a phone gimbal, Orbit’s simpler design makes it suitable for use almost anywhere, even when away from your desk, as long as you have a power source to keep that charger and internal motors running.

The post MagSafe phone stand concept adds hands-free face tracking for perfect framing first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung has finally made the right changes with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition (SE), refining their approach to foldable smartphone innovation. Building on the Z Fold 6, this new edition introduces practical upgrades that raise the bar for foldable technology. While South Korean tech enthusiasts are celebrating, the rest of the world can only wait, wondering when or if they’ll get access to this exclusive release. Let’s take a closer look at why the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition is such a pivotal step for Samsung and why it’s leaving global consumers wanting more.

Designer: Samsung

Advancements in Design

Samsung continues to lead in foldable technology, and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE redefines design expectations. It’s thinner and lighter than its predecessor, measuring just 10.6mm when folded and 4.9mm when unfolded, showcasing Samsung’s commitment to refining foldable devices. This sleek profile enhances usability and addresses long-standing demands for a more elegant foldable design.

Image Samsung: Z Fold 6 Special Edition

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE features larger displays, with an 8-inch foldable screen and a 6.5-inch cover screen, offering a larger canvas for productivity and entertainment. The internal screen’s 20:18 aspect ratio and the external screen’s 21:9 ratio provide a traditional smartphone experience when closed, addressing complaints about cramped outer screens on previous models.

Camera Enhancements

The camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE has been upgraded with a 200MP primary camera, aligning it with Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra and closing the gap with competitors like Google and Apple. This high-resolution sensor promises superior detail and dynamic range, appealing to photography enthusiasts. While other cameras remain unchanged from the Fold 6, the main sensor’s improvement is significant.

Image Samsung: Z Fold 6 Special Edition

However, these advancements come with a high price. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE starts at around $2,000, a substantial increase from the Fold 6’s price. This reflects the high-end materials and engineering required for its slim profile and large screens, raising questions about its value compared to the more affordable Fold 6.

Market Availability Challenges

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE is initially exclusive to the South Korean market. This strategy may be a nod to Samsung’s home market, where foldables are popular, but it leaves potential buyers in other regions, such as North America and Europe, feeling excluded.

Image Samsung: Z Fold 6 Special Edition

Limiting the launch to South Korea could be a strategic test of market response before a wider rollout or a move to cater to domestic preferences. This approach is not unprecedented; Apple has also introduced products exclusively in certain markets before global availability.

Comparing the Z Fold 6 and Z Fold 6 Special Edition

Several key differences emerge between the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the SE:

• Design: The SE is thinner and features a unique striped design and rectangular camera bump, appealing to those seeking a distinctive look. The Fold 6 maintains a more conservative design.
• Display: The SE’s larger screens provide an immersive experience. However, it lacks S Pen functionality due to the absence of a digitizer layer for a slimmer profile, a feature retained by the Fold 6 that may appeal to productivity-focused users.
• Camera: The SE’s 200MP main sensor enhances imaging capabilities. While the Fold 6’s camera is commendable, the SE’s upgrade could attract photography enthusiasts despite the price difference.
• Performance: Both models use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, ensuring top performance. The SE’s 16GB of RAM is an improvement over the Fold 6’s 12GB, offering smoother multitasking.
• Pricing and Availability: The Fold 6 is more accessible globally at a lower price, making it a more viable choice for many consumers.

Samsung Galaxy Fold6

Samsung Galaxy Fold6

Final Thoughts

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition is a significant step for Samsung, showcasing foldable design and technology advancements. It responds to critics and competitors with a thinner, lighter design and superior camera. Yet, its limited availability means this technological leap remains out of reach for many consumers. While it’s an exciting upgrade for South Korea, it’s a missed opportunity for the rest of the world.

Image Samsung: Z Fold 6 Special Edition

This situation reflects a broader trend in tech, where exclusivity can create desire and alienate many consumers. As Samsung continues to innovate, there is hope that future foldables will be more accessible worldwide, bridging the gap between innovation and availability. Until then, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition symbolizes Samsung’s capabilities, but not necessarily what consumers can experience.

The post The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition You Desire is Here — But You Can’t Buy It! first appeared on Yanko Design.

Three years ago, Apple ditched the iPhone mini to focus on larger phones with bigger displays. I don’t expect the NanoPhone to fill that void, but for a phone as small as a stack of credit cards, it definitely packs enough to grab one’s attention. Almost comically compact, the NanoPhone has a 3-inch IPS touchscreen, looks and feels like a shrunken iPhone Pro, and packs quite a few impressive features. It has 4G support, dual SIM trays, expandable storage, and a 2000mAh battery that should last fairly long given how tiny the entire device is. The phone runs Android 10, so it isn’t your flagship killer, but it’s the perfect backup smartphone – or a functional phone for kids who are too young to be given flagships. The NanoPhone has access to the Play Store, runs all the apps you’d need from a phone, and costs a mere $99 (on discount), making it a no-brainer if you want a spare phone that’s sure to have everyone’s attention.

Designer: NanoPhone

At first glance, it looks like an iPhone Pro got hit by a shrink-ray, but switch it on and you realize what’s really happening. The phone has thick bezels that were somewhat excusable 3-4 years ago but not really anymore – but then again, you only get so much for a hundred bucks, right?! The HD screen (which isn’t even 1080p) comes with a custom theme that’s designed to make it look like iOS, but you’ll quickly notice the presence of Android buttons on the bottom, and the Play Store icon on the home screen. Flip the phone over and you’ve got a faux camera setup that looks like 3 lenses, but is actually just one 5MP shooter. Don’t expect Portrait Mode or Night Mode on this bad boy – the photos should be barely passable. You’ve even got a 2MP front-facing shooter – no FaceID obviously, or even fingerprint detection. Just old-fashioned patterns and PINs.

The NanoPhone, however, is a fully functional smartphone despite its size and OS limitations. It runs all the apps available on the Android Play Store and that are compatible with the OS. Yes, you can browse Instagram or TikTok on this (or even Snapchat for the younger folk), and there’s WhatsApp for the older folk too. YouTube and Netflix feel especially weird, given how tiny the screen is, but yes, they run flawlessly too. Dual SIM support means your tiny smartphone can support two carriers together (with 4G capabilities and WiFi support too), and 2Gb of RAM should be fairly potent enough to handle all your daily tasks. The NanoPhone does come with 16 gigs of built-in storage too, expandable thanks to a memory card slot. Plus, a phone that size isn’t particularly a battery guzzler, which means the 2,000 mAh battery is more than enough to last you an entire day. Don’t expect wireless charging on this thing – a USB-C port is all you have to juice the NanoPhone’s battery.

It’s easy to get caught up on the things the NanoPhone doesn’t have – like a good camera setup, the latest operating system, a bezel-less display, but when you look at the fact that it’s 1/10th the price of a flagship, and 1/10th the size of your high-end folding phone, you realize exactly what makes it so special. It’s just a little larger than a watch, but runs a full smartphone experience. The NanoPhone is a perfect spare for someone who’s got multiple SIMs lying around, or for someone who just wants a small phone without those addictive flagship-like features. At 3 inches, that screen is far from being immersive or addictive. In fact, it’s honestly perfect for people who love the idea of having their thumb reach every part of the display, especially for kids who can often struggle with larger, heavier, and more expensive smartphones.

The post This $100 Smartphone is as small as a Credit Card but packs 4G, Wi-Fi, Dual-SIM, and runs Android first appeared on Yanko Design.

E-book Readers, a.k.a. e-Readers, are becoming popular again thanks to the introduction of new technologies like Color E Ink, as well as the proliferation of new brands like Onyx BOOX, Bigme, and reMarkable. That said, some people prefer to stick to the slightly large screens of their smartphones rather than carry a separate device, but that kind of digital reading experience brings its fair share of discomfort. Even disregarding eye strain, reading for long periods on a smartphone means potentially blocking part of the screen or giving your hand cramps in the long run. This iPhone accessory offers a solution that tries to make reading on a phone slightly more comfortable, even if it only addresses one very specific problem.

Designer: Astropad

While smartphones and tablets are banishing bezels, e-Readers are insistent on keeping them around. It isn’t because they can’t make screen borders incredibly thin but because they want to offer an ergonomic design where one or two hands can comfortably hold the device without worrying about accidentally touching the screen or blocking part of the content. Without that kind of “margin,” holding a smartphone can become awkward and uncomfortable for an extended period of time.

Astropad Bookcase is an accessory that adds handles to the sides of a phone without forcing owners to put on a protective case. A MagSafe-compatible phone attaches to the middle of the tray-like accessory when you want to read, giving your hands something stable to grasp. And when you’re done, you simply detach the phone, put away the Bookcase, and be on your merry way. The accessory is made with lightweight polycarbonate that makes it feel like you’re adding nothing to the smartphone, and it uses vegan leather to add a bit of style and elegance to the design.

The Astropad Bookcase has a few gimmicks that make the e-Reading experience a bit smoother. A companion app, for example, can automatically launch your favorite e-Reader app the moment you attach the iPhone to the Bookcase thanks to an NFC chip inside the MagSafe mount. Although it’s primarily compatible with iPhone 12 and later models, the package includes a MagSafe conversion kit to support older iPhones as well as Android phones.

While the Bookcase does solve one part of the smartphone ergonomic problem, it doesn’t fully address the reasons why it’s not ideal to read on a smartphone for too long. For one, there are no convenient physical buttons that would let you turn the page without having to swipe or tap on the screen, similar to how some apps allow you to use the volume buttons for the same purpose. And there’s no escaping the fact that LCD and OLED screens, regardless of advertised advanced technologies, cause eye strain over prolonged use compared to eye-friendly E Ink displays.

The post Astropad Bookcase turns iPhones into slightly more ergonomic e-Readers first appeared on Yanko Design.

HMD Fusion is a new kid on the block but already with so many differences for the user to toil with. Embracing the idea of repairability and taking that notch further with support for ‘Smart Outfits,’ it allows you to clip an outfit – basically a smartphone case – to a pogo pin connector on the back of the phone and change its functionality.

The Finish company is taking advantage of this functionality and is teaming up with Marvel’s Venom: The Last Dance movie and give users an antihero experience to integrate on their phones: An experience not limited to hardware! Meant to transform the HMD Fusion’s functionality and appearance in real-time, the Venom-themed Smart Outfits bring iconic elements from the Venom franchise to the phone.

Designer: HMD

HMD has been away from the top celebrated phone-makers for a while. It has not been a very active player at that, but it’s trying to make some dishevel nonetheless, by giving users the choice of how they wish to use their phones. Customizing the experience with Smart Outfits, such as the three Venom exclusives showcased at the Venom: The Last Dance pop-up event on October 20 and the film’s premier the following day.

Clipping to the back of the Fusion, these Smart Outfits render custom theme, wallpapers, and some famous lines from Venom to put it in the intriguing sphere of the fans and the Marvel franchise to adore. Each of these custom outfits integrates “160 electromagnetic arrays controlling ferrofluid in a glass chamber” to create a venom-like effect on the Fusion’s physical appearance and software; a cool customization!

The customizations include phrases inspired by the movie that go up for instance in the boot up or when a notification sounds. When the device is booted it sounds the phrase “We are Venom,” followed by an animation from the new flick. The phone alerts on an alarm with “Eddie, the time has come,” or “Who sent that thing?” upon receiving a new notification. Interestingly, the Venom-themed HMD Fusion outfit also includes a “We are screwed” ringtone in Venom’s voice.

No matter how fascinating this may all seem, these outfits are only to showcase the unique possibilities of the Fusion and may not see the light of day. However, HMD allows interested ones with some technical skills and access to a 3D printer to create their own outfits or download wallpapers. The latest HMD smartphone is already available in Europe and pre-orders have started in the US.

The post HMD Fusion gets Venom-themed Smart Outfits that transform the phone and change its functionality first appeared on Yanko Design.

Although smartphones are logically designed to be durable and reliable, their premium appearance and elegant aesthetics give these devices a seemingly delicate character. On the opposite end of the spectrum are rugged smartphones designed like tanks and look the part, giving the impression that you can only choose one or the other. There are indeed limitations when it comes to materials that give phones added protection, but with some creative thinking, you can turn that undesirable property into a key feature. That’s exactly what this curious-looking smartphone does, eschewing luxurious aesthetics for a motif that calls to mind the battle-hardened mecha or robots of science fiction. Even better, it can definitely walk the walk as well.

Designer: Doogee

Doogee is one of the remaining smartphone brands that target a niche market that prioritizes durability and longevity over flashy designs and cutting-edge features. Although its early models did exhibit tank-like appearances, it has learned to fine-tune its designs to look more sophisticated without sacrificing its biggest strengths. The Doogee S98, for example, looked like a gadget to be used by secret agents, and that design DNA resurfaces in the brand’s newest product.

Rather than trying hard to reconcile smooth curves with rugged shells, the Doogee S200 embraces sharp angles and straight lines. But rather than leaving them at that, it transforms these design elements into geometric shapes that give the phone a sci-fi vibe, like a panel or piece of a gigantic fighting robot. Of course, that design isn’t just for show, as Doogee took the opportunity to go all out on the materials to give the S200 a much-coveted IP69 and IP69K rating for protection not just against water and dust but also from humidity, sand, and more.

A design element that the Doogee S20 carried over from its predecessors is the 1.32-inch circular AMOLED display on the back, flanked by the phone’s triple camera system and an infrared lamp for improved night sensitivity. It makes the back of the phone truly look futuristic, even if the functionality it offers is just as limited as a smartwatch with a similar circular design. It really drives home the mecha motif, making it look more interesting than other tank-like rugged smartphones.

The Doogee S200 is boasted to be the first 5G phone in Doogee’s S-letter series, which is admittedly not saying much these days. The phone’s specs, as one might expect, are hardly noteworthy, starting with a mid-range MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor. The 12GB of RAM can be boosted to 32GB by taking some space from the already meager 256GB storage. A killer feature, however, is the gigantic 10,100 mAh battery that will unfortunately be throttled by a fast but inadequate 33W charging speed. Given the $400 price tag, however, it’s not such a bad deal, especially if you’re into phones that look like props from fiction.

The post Mech-inspired smartphone Doogee S200 embraces rugged design in an interesting way first appeared on Yanko Design.

With its elegant design, the leaked invitation features an envelope that unfolds to reveal a sleek message reading “You’re Invited,” seemingly displayed on a foldable screen. The presentation is intimate and exclusive, evoking a formal, old-world charm contrasting with Samsung’s typical mass-market marketing style. The premium choice of typography and colors hints at something more significant than a standard product launch. Yet, the October 21, 2024, date—which happens to be today—casts serious doubt on the authenticity, given the absence of any official announcement. With AI capable of creating remarkably convincing content, how much can we trust these leaks?

Samsung Galaxy Ring and Fold6

There is no denying that Samsung, much like Apple, follows a predictable yearly release schedule, and we know they’re planning a major event. The only question is when. Most sources suggest this event will feature either the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim or a Special Edition—a version that pushes the boundaries of foldable technology while focusing on style and portability. As always, rumors must be taken with a grain of salt, especially when tied to specific dates. So, is this invitation authentic, or is it just another bait using generative AI?

A Premium Touch: Breaking Down the Design Elements—Or Is It Meant to Fool Us?

Looking closely at the invitation, its elegance and minimalism offer an interesting contrast to past Samsung event invitations. The carefully staged unwrapping, paired with the luxurious appearance of the invitation, suggests this product launch is something special—almost like an intimate gallery reveal rather than a tech event. If future invitations are this extravagant, it only adds credibility to the theory that Samsung could launch a Special Edition Z Fold—designed for true enthusiasts who value exclusivity and innovation.

The “You’re Invited” message is presented with understated simplicity as if giving a sly nod to those who think they’re in on an exclusive secret—though, let’s be honest, some of those people are probably laughing away in their parent’s basement, thinking they’re masterminds. It could be an invitation intended for a select few—those who still believe pigs are pink and can fly—hinting at a limited release or an exclusive event. Given the rumored scarcity of the Special Edition Z Fold6, this seems plausible. Eventually, the truth will come out, and maybe we’ll all have a good laugh. But for now, the question stands: Is this elegance the work of Samsung’s designers, or is AI simply tricking us into craving exclusivity?

What We Know About the Galaxy Z Fold6 Special Edition

Rumors and speculation about this device suggest significant changes compared to the standard Galaxy Z Fold 6. First and foremost, these changes focus heavily on the physical hardware—particularly the slimness of the device. The Special Edition is expected to be just 10.6mm thick when folded, making it slimmer and likely lighter than its predecessor, which is 12.1mm thick. The reduction in thickness aims to make the foldable more practical and less cumbersome, suited for everyday use. This appears to be Samsung’s response to users who want portability without giving up the spacious screens foldable offer.

Image: Onleaks / Smartprix

Speaking of screens, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition is rumored to feature an even larger foldable display, increasing it to 8 inches compared to the regular Fold 6’s 7.6-inch panel. The cover screen will also grow, reaching 6.5 inches versus the previous 6.3 inches. This larger footprint suggests Samsung is targeting those who see their Z Fold as a productivity powerhouse—more screen space means fewer compromises when multitasking, viewing documents, or streaming content.

Adding to the design allure are rumors of a boxy structure with a brushed metal finish, giving the Special Edition an industrial yet refined look. The separate, protruding camera module hints at Samsung embracing a bolder design. The decision to let the camera stand out suggests that the photography experience is being taken up a notch. In fact, the under-display camera—a feature that received mixed reviews in earlier models—is rumored to get an upgrade to 5MP from the standard version’s 4MP.

Real or AI Prank—Does It Matter?

Whether the leaked invitation is real or just AI-generated hype, one thing is clear—it has caught the attention of the tech community. It fits into a narrative that Samsung could be heading towards more exclusive launches, releasing devices that are reserved for a select few rather than for the masses. However, today is October 21, and without an official announcement in sight, the doubts about this invitation are growing. The uncertainty has created a mixture of buzz, disappointments, and even grief, keeping tech enthusiasts guessing and questioning what’s true.

At the end of the day, whether the invitation is real or fake doesn’t change the fact that we are anticipating an ambitious, more refined foldable. One that is slimmer, offers larger displays, and showcases a unique design aimed at making a statement. If Samsung delivers what this invitation suggests, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition could easily be one of the most memorable foldables they’ve produced—a device less about mass-market appeal and more about exclusivity, just as the invitation implies.

The post Did We Get Duped by This Leaked Galaxy Z Fold6 Invitation? first appeared on Yanko Design.

A phone case that goes perfectly with MKBHD’s Panels app subscription…

Phones have been getting smarter, faster, and flashier, but let’s be honest—most cases? They’ve been playing catch-up. E-ink displays on phone cases made their debut years ago, but they’ve remained stuck in a world of grayscale… until now. Reinkstone’s new 4-color e-ink cases aren’t just breaking that mold; they’re practically reinventing it. Forget the drab black-and-white screens of the past. These cases bring vibrant cyan, magenta, yellow, and black into the picture, transforming the back of your phone into something that feels almost alive. It’s the closest thing to having a foldable phone with a dual screen!

Designer: Reinkstone

It’s not just the color that grabs your attention—it’s the seamless integration with your phone. There’s no bulky battery strapped to the back, no charging cables to wrestle with. Reinkstone’s clever use of NFC technology takes care of that. Your phone powers the case wirelessly, transmitting both power and data through NFC. E-ink displays have negligible power consumption (they only need power while changing pixels), so the cases work just fine without needing a battery pack or a dedicated charging port. Change the display using a companion app, and just like that, the back of your phone updates in real-time. It feels effortless, the kind of feature that makes you wonder why it wasn’t done sooner. It’s not magic, but it’s pretty close.

About the e-ink screen – it’s roughly the size of a trading card, which might not sound groundbreaking, but in the world of phone cases, it’s a revelation. Gone are the days of dull, static covers. This little screen is the perfect canvas for photos, to-do lists, your boarding pass, or a QR code of your website or social media if you’re heavy into networking. And yes – while it might not replace your main screen for binge-watching or endless scrolling, it does offer a burst of practicality. Quick flashes of information on your phone’s backside? It’s a feature you didn’t know you needed until you have it.

Reinkstone didn’t stop at just a pretty screen – durability is baked into these cases as well. They’ve wrapped the e-ink display in explosion-proof tempered glass, ensuring your photos and lists stay protected even if your phone decides to take a tumble. The body of the case is built from Bayer TPU—a material known for being tough, flexible, and capable of surviving drops up to 1.8 meters. Inside, the tech gets even smarter, with a patented multi-layer flexible PCB keeping everything running smoothly without adding bulk. In a world where form often outpaces function, Reinkstone is balancing both like a pro.

And just when you think it might interfere with your day-to-day phone usage, Reinkstone’s already thought of it. Their custom-designed NFC antenna ensures you won’t run into any trouble when making contactless payments or scanning for public transport. You still get to tap and go without any hiccups. It’s almost as if the case isn’t even there—until, of course, you want it to be.

As for pricing, Reinkstone knows how to sweeten the deal. Normally, their cases sit around the $100 mark, but they’re currently on sale—$74.90 for the Reink Case C1 (iPhone 13 to 15 Pro Max) and $79.90 for the Reink Case Knight (Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra)… that’s just a few bucks more than the Panels+ annual subscription for MKBHD’s wallpaper app, and should be no big deal if you are a “wallpaper power-user” like Marques.

The post These Color E-ink Cases let you put Wallpapers on the BACK of your Smartphone too first appeared on Yanko Design.

Smartphones have pretty much become more than just communication tools, at least in the traditional sense. We still use it to connect with others, especially via the Internet, but we do so more through images and multimedia, whether they’re the ones we capture ourselves or generated by an app. Cameras and AI have become the focal points of these devices today, no pun intended, and vivo is pressing three new smartphones under its X200 series, all equipped with the latest and greatest innovations promising the ultimate user experience.

Designer: vivo

Design: Nature-inspired, Classic Looks

If you simply compared them with the X100 phones at the start of the year, you might walk away disappointed. That said, the vivo X200 opted to ignore flashy novelties that wear off in a few weeks, preferring designs that stand the test of time. And what better way to embrace evergreen designs than taking a page from the most evergreen design of all: nature.

The vivo X200 Pro’s new Sapphire Blue colorway, for example, has patterns that seem to recreate the enchanting ocean waves on the back of your phone. The vivo X200 Pro mini’s Light Pink, on the other hand, is a nod to the romantic colors of cherry blossoms. Whichever color you pick, you will have a stylish and elegant phone in your hand.

The vivo X200 Pro mini adopts the current design trends with its flat 6.31-inch screen and flat edges, giving it a more modern personality. In contrast, the vivo X200 and X200 Pro stick to tradition with a “Quad Curved Screen” and gentle slopes on all sides and corners. All models of the X200 series are enhanced with ZEISS Natural Color, expanding the collaboration between brands beyond cameras.

Power: New Ways to Communicate

The vivo X200 series is powered by the newly-baked MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor, the chipmaker’s first 3nm process, to deliver unmatched power and power efficiency. While that already translates to a huge performance boost, most users will probably be interested in how it greatly improves AI performance across the board, from the usual photography touch-ups to popular applications like AI note-taking and, of course, Circle to Search.

Completely new to the X200 series is a kilometer-level network-free communication technology, a product of its close collaboration with MediaTek. This would allow long-distance communication via Bluetooth even when cellular networks are unavailable but without relying on satellite technology. Sending text messages, making voice calls, or even broadcasting SOS signals in extreme environments like mountains and forests are critical features that will make outdoor adventures safer and more enjoyable using these phones.

Cameras: Zooming to the Scene

Of course, photography is a major piece of the X200 series formula, and it’s where vivo flexes its muscle the most. On the vivo X200 Pro, the roster is led by a Sony LYT-818, a 1/1.28-inch sensor that, paired with an f/1.57 aperture lens, is advertised to rival even larger 1-inch sensors. Together with the custom V3+ Imaging Chip, the X200 Pro is promised to deliver not only captivating still photos but also cinematic videos.

Portrait mode, 35mm

Portrait mode, 50mm

Portrait mode, 85mm

The real star of the show, however, is probably the 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto camera, capable of up to 100x zoom, making short work of capturing live events like concerts. In addition to 85mm HD portraits, this camera is also capable of the new 135mm portrait focal length as well. A Telephoto Macro feature with a magnification ratio of 20x for stunning closeups of nature.

Macro, 3.5x (85mm)

Macro, 7.4x (170mm)

All in all, the vivo X200 series delivers quite a potent package that tries to serve the sub-$800 market. With impressive photography capabilities, innovative features, and a classic, nature-inspired design, vivo is aiming to strike a chord with an audience that loves living in the moment, whether it’s in concerts, live events, a nature trek, or an outdoor adventure.

The post vivo X200 Series Hands-On: For Concerts and Nature Adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.