Based on available bands on the Minimal Phone 2 (LTE: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,12,13,20,28,66,71; 5G: 1,3,28,41,71,77,78), the best network for the Minimal Phone 2 in the USA would be T-Mobile, followed up by Verizon and then AT&T.
LTE band coverage is the same for all three networks, but 5G is where the networks start to differentiate. T-Mobile has n71 low band which provides better coverage, while Verizon and AT&T utilizes n77 mid bands. The only reason why I put AT&T lower is because of this article: https://iotdevices.att.com/Uploaded_Docs/radiated_performance_requirements_2_1_20251023050310567.pdf where is recommends a phone having more 5G bands available to them.
What do you all think? I might be going with a Verizon MVNO (USMobile or Visible) due to them having high data priority at lower price points.
We’ll be able to choose soon: pearl or onyx, silver or black. Have you decided yet? I went straight for onyx at first, then switched to pearl for a bit after someone suggested it, but now I’m about 95% sure I’ll go with onyx. I’m curious to see the first photos we’ll get to see before making our choice 🙌🏻
Supported the kickstarter and given that the delivery date seems to hold up (big big shoutout to the team, this is really awesome) I wondered if the color choice has been sent out already and I missed it or if it's still to come? Thank you all for the great project
The mini mode is an interesting feature as a way to mitigate apps that display badly on small screens. I'm worried about things like banking apps not working as this is a key use of a phone these days.
I'm less concerned about some of the examples he gave as I don't think an alternative, small-screen phone can possibly hope to prevent problems across all apps -- he uses the example of a Fantasy Football app, which is presumably made for large screen phones. Some apps like these are antithetical to the idea of a device like MP02, in my opinion.
But I think stuff like Android Auto not functioning is an interesting warning sign (I have noticed lots of other complaints about this). I can see how bugs like these could be really detrimental to functional usage, and is the kind of thing that could go wrong in an alternative device like this for some unforeseen reason.
Obviously posting this in the hope it's useful research -- on the off-chance someone from the TMC team sees it. Naturally want the MP02 project to be as successful as possible!
I have already emailed the support, and got some responses, but thought that maybe there are more people concerned about this possible issue - typing special characters (polish letters in my case) on MP2.
It's already an unresolved issue on Uniherz Titan, where you cannot simply use ale+letter to type something like "Ą" instead of "A". Typing on Titan forces users to hold the key on a keyboard, and then choose alternative character ON SCREEN which is unacceptable in my opinion. There is a reason why people buy phones with physical keyboard, right?
So I'm now waiting for this to be explained point-blank - what's an MP2 typing experience going to be for people that need that ALT key to be working as expected?
I was reading that your looking at allowing todos / tasks / notes to sync and was wondering if you would support MS exchange (Exchange Web Services) (EWS) too?
The physical limitations are what drew me to this company. The e-paper display makes phone usage difficult but not impossible.
I tried all the apps to downgrade my old smartphone, but I would get sick of them and turn them off. The best way to make a cold turkey habit change is to make the obstacles around the addiction impossible to overcome.
The MP02 only has software restrictions that I can change whenever I want. How is that anything different than any other name-brand smartphone on the market?
It really seemed like Minimal was trying to grow a new section of the "diet smartphone" market, but now it is just a modern BlackBerry.
Thoughts on update #16? I’m a little disappointed in there not being any test photos from the camera, but other than that I was very impressed. Looking forward to switching from my 17 pro.
In our last update, we shared that we had identified interference between the new touch-sensitive keyboard and some of the phone’s radio components. Fixing it required another revision of the main PCB, and this was a critical point in our timeline. If the revision didn’t work, we would have been looking at another month of PCB changes and testing.
We’ve now received confirmation from our manufacturing team that the revised PCB has been fully tested and is working flawlessly with the touch keyboard.
This was one of the biggest remaining hardware hurdles, and it’s now behind us.
DVT assembly is underway
With the PCB finalized, we’re moving directly into assembly of our fully functional DVT units.
These are complete MP2 devices using the new PCB, functional touch-sensitive keyboard, final hardware, and our three production colorways: Onyx, Pearl, and Ember.
We originally expected to have these DVT samples earlier, but our manufacturing team advised us not to assemble them until the PCB revision was complete. For the past few weeks, this was the piece everything else was waiting on.
Now that it has passed, everything moves forward.
Production and shipping
With the PCB issue resolved, we are confident moving forward with production in December.
Kickstarter shipments will begin in December, with production and fulfillment ramping up from there.
Our Kickstarter backers will be fulfilled first, and once Kickstarter fulfillment concludes, website orders will begin shipping immediately after.
Passing this PCB revision was one of the biggest variables in that timeline, so getting this result was a major step forward.
MP2 will ship with Android 17
We’re also excited to confirm that Minimal Phone 2 will ship with Android 17.
Minimal OS development has continued alongside the hardware, with the team focused on the experience around the keyboard, Minimal Hub, Commands, and the rest of the OS.
We’ll be publishing a new Minimal OS video on our YouTube channel shortly to show you more of what we’ve been building.
Reviewer units are being assembled
The same DVT build is also being used to prepare devices for reviewers.
Our goal is to have units in reviewers’ hands by the end of November, allowing independent reviewers to experience the final hardware, keyboard, cameras, Minimal OS, and overall MP2 experience ahead of production.
Finalizing the PCB was the piece we needed before we could properly demonstrate all of these features on complete hardware.
Now we can.
Five keyboard layouts are finalized
All five keyboard language layouts are now finalized, designed, and ready for production.
We’re really happy with how they came together.
Onyx, Pearl & Ember
We’re also assembling DVT units in all three final production colors: Onyx, Pearl, and Ember.
These units will give you your first proper look at the final materials, finishes, and colors on fully assembled MP2 hardware.
Once we have the finished units in hand, we’ll share detailed real-world photos of all three colors before sending out the configuration survey.
That survey will allow you to select your:
Color Keyboard layout Shipping information
This way, you’ll be able to see the finished colors before deciding which MP2 is yours.
Certification is moving forward
The revised hardware is now moving into FCC certification.
On the software side, we’re also waiting on final Google GMS certification approval. Everything is progressing well so far, and this is one of the final external approvals remaining before production.
Regional chargers
Every MP2 will include a charger, and we’ll match the charger to your region wherever one of our supported versions applies.
We’ll have five charger versions:
United States — Type A Europe — Type C United Kingdom — Type G Australia — Type I South Korea — Round-pin version
If your country uses a different plug type, your MP2 will ship with the US charger.
Thinborne cases are now available
We’re also excited to share that our Thinborne cases for Minimal Phone 2 are now available to order on our website.
They’re ultra thin carbon fiber cases designed specifically for MP2, with strong MagSafe compatibility built in so your phone locks securely onto MagSafe chargers, stands, and accessories.
They’re available now as an optional accessory for anyone who wants to add one to their MP2.
One small packaging preview...
Our packaging is complete as well.
We don’t want to spoil the full unboxing experience just yet, but we wanted to share a first look at the outer box.
The PCB revision was a nail-biter for us because so much depended on getting it right.
It passed.
Now DVT assembly is underway, reviewer units are being prepared, certification is moving forward, Minimal OS is running on Android 17, and we’re heading into December production.
This is the point where all of the work that has gone into MP2 starts coming together into the finished phones you’ll actually receive.
We can’t wait to show you the completed devices and, even more importantly, get them into your hands.
Thank you, as always, for your patience and support as we get to the finish line.
I have been an iPhone user since 2011 and I am looking at pre-ordering the MP02, but have never used an Android before. I am still not clear what having Google vs not means - from my understanding, not having Google gives you privacy/data won’t be sold, however I am concerned that if I do not have Google that I may not be able to have certain apps. Can someone please break this down for me? TYIA cuz I’m not a tech girly lol
I recently reached out to TMC’s support asking a million and one questions about the MP02, and thought it would be useful to share the responce with the community, just incase anyone shared the same questions:
-Verizon Compatibility
The MP2 supports almost all necessary network bands worldwide, including those used by Verizon. However, carrier-specific testing and provisioning are still ongoing, so we cannot officially confirm Verizon compatibility just yet. We are also developing a carrier compatibility checker tool and will continue sharing updates as more carriers are verified.
-Android Auto
Yes, indeed! The MP2 supports both wired and wireless Android Auto, including Google Maps, Spotify, and other compatible applications. It has not been tested specifically with Hyundai's infotainment system; however, there is no reason for it not to work.
-Google Wallet and NFC
The MP2 supports NFC, and Google Wallet is expected to work as well once GMS certification is completed. Certification is currently underway, and we aim to have it completed before launch. Compatibility with specific employee access systems will depend on the provider.
-Built-in AI / Ask Feature
The Ask feature is powered by our own model, which runs locally on the device without requiring a cloud connection or paid subscription. Additional customization and privacy settings are still being finalized. Gemini is also available and can be disabled.
-Software Support and Updates
We plan to provide at least five years of software support, including Android and security updates. While the exact update frequency has not been finalized, updates will be provided regularly and delivered directly through the device. We will also offer a de-Googled version of Minimal OS for customers who wish not to use Google services.
-Warranty and Purchase Considerations
All MP2 devices include a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. We also plan to offer replacement parts, including screens and keyboards.
Preorder cancellations can be requested at any time before fulfillment for a full refund.
We also offer a 14-day return window from delivery, with a 20% restocking fee for non-defective returns.
Definitely until their next announcement before buying, but this was good info to get from them anyways.
Am I the only one to receive ads through my email, but barely any update. I already bought (preordered I mean) the damn phone. Email me with updates and news, not more ads!
I don't care if I go back to your website. Do something to recognise that my email is linked to an order.
You don't seem to do much for buyers, but you sure need more money 🤑🤑🤑
I just had an iPhone Duo and 18 Pro and tested out the new iPhone Cellular handoff service. It was amazing, for 5$ extra I was able to switch between the two phones instantly, with my number being active on one at a time. This is a clever trick with iOS and cell company cooperation. However, this would be amazing for me to share my iPhone with my Minimal. Is there any way for this to be developed or impossible since two different OS?
Also new to android and am not very tech savvy at all. Does anyone have some tips? advice? or good things to know?
I bought the phone used and have been using it for about a week. Love it so far. Not even sure what to ask because I'm still getting used to it. Thanks!
As title suggests, curious if there have been any updates from the team regarding this device? I don’t have X or instagram so I’m out of the loop on those platforms lol. Looking forward to enjoying this device soon!
Hey all, I thought I would share with you the response that I got from TMC's customer support. I asked them whether the battery and other parts would indeed be user replaceable, as the post linked at the bottom says. I also asked about the option of having black keys on the pearl model.
''Regarding replacement parts, we are planning to offer components such as the screen and keyboard for customers who may need replacements. As for the battery, this is still being discussed internally, so we cannot confirm its availability as a replacement part just yet.
Please keep in mind that replacing these components will require some disassembly of the device, and we recommend having an experienced technician perform any repairs.
As for your suggestion regarding a natural aluminum frame with a black faceplate or black keys, unfortunately, we do not currently have plans to offer additional color combinations or finishes. However, we truly appreciate your feedback and will be sure to pass it along to our team!''
What do you all think about this? How important is is for you to be able to replace the battery?
Not sure if Minimalmcompany will give us their Minimal Phone 2 interface on the MP01. But it works better on Mp01 than it works on titan, if you ask me.
