Smart phones are getting bigger, there's no denying it -- but what if you don't want a device that's too big for your pocket? Buy a smaller phone? No, don't be silly; HTC has a much better idea.
The Taiwanese company has started bundling a second, smaller phone, named the HTC Mini, with its 5-inch Butterfly mobile in China, Unwired View reports. It pairs with your main device -- which you keep in your bag or pocket, I guess -- and lets you carry out the main functions like call and text. Is this madness? I think so.
The HTC Mini pairs with your main phone using NFC, then takes texts, calendar entries and more from it using Bluetooth. It also doubles as a remote control for your TV, as a remote shutter trigger for the camera on your main handset, and it'll set off an alarm sound from your bigger blower, should you lose it.
In some ways, the concept is sound. It's a bit like those smart watches that pair with your mobile to show notifications, so you don't have to look rude by constantly ogling your phone. While it's fine in theory though, I've never seen anyone actually using one. (But if Apple is getting involved, as rumoured, they could take off.) And it could work as a cool accessory to a tablet, a bit like the remote control for an iMac. But a smaller phone to go with your main handset? Has April Fool's come early?
Imagine the inconvenience. Two phones to take everywhere. Two to keep charged. Two to lose on a night out. Why not just buy a smaller phone in the first place? And what's the point of paying for a massive high-resolution screen that you're not going to use?
As I say, it's only for China at the moment. And I can't see it taking off over here. Here's a promotional video just to prove I'm not making it up. If anyone can translate, I'd be grateful.
Would you ever want a smaller phone to go with your main handset? Let me know what you make of it in the comments, or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 15
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Damien2501 26 January, 2013 16:53
I think this is a pointless gimmick that won't catch on...I'd really like to see HTC release a powerful 3.5 to 4.3 inch phone with better specs than the new iPhone and the Galaxy S2 - 5 inch phones aren't for everyone, and most Android OEM's have abandoned people with small hands, so it's a pretty niche market right now.
And I'd like to say HTC Sense 4 is lovely to use, my mate brought recently brought the Desire X and it is incredibly fast and visually appealing compared to TouchWiz on my Galaxy S and households Note 1, I'm actually baffled why HTC is struggling.
Dave Phipp 26 January, 2013 17:40
it's a terrible idea. the watch thing makes sense but this will never take off
anonymous 26 January, 2013 18:22
I've said it once and I'll say it again,
A phone with top specs and Full HD screens in 4, 4.5 and 5 inches, will be hits.
nd HTC make some of the best looking and quality feeling mobiles with distinct designs. I agree with the first commenter, having a One S, Sense 4 is very nice and slick to use. They need to make these phones and market the hell outta them!
anonymous 26 January, 2013 20:39
It is very frustrating how Android OEMs refuse to make smaller (4-inch) phones with good specs. Not everyone wants a huge screen! In fact, I think a lot of people would prefer a smaller but well-specced phone. Unfortunately, we have no alternative to Apple in this particular category.
anonymous 26 January, 2013 21:24
honestly i like the idea. since i already carry two phones. one smartphone cannot withstand my phone calls all day on a single charge and use 3G. i like the idea. instead of carrying two phones for me with two separated sims i would carry a mini phone for my phone calls and keep the 5 inch for emails, browsing and games.
anonymous 27 January, 2013 09:58
@ above comment, I use my phone all day for work and pleasure and you're right the battery doesn't last so instead of carrying two phones I carry a spare fully charged battery,also I was using one of those cases that recharge your phone but their crap,I would suggest just carrying a spare battery also it takes up less room, I think this idea by HTC is pointless and won't take off,just a gimmick, HTC are pretty desperate now to get back in the game and I hope they can pull it off they make some pretty awesome blowers
anonymous 27 January, 2013 17:38
This, as other posters have said, is clearly a gimmick. HTC were never a good brand but now they're really going downhill.
anonymous 28 January, 2013 09:38
this is just a gimmicky status symbol thing that HTC are try to start a trend for.....i have large hands and i prefare larger screened phones and as someone else commented why pay for a HD smart phone that you keep in your pocket and don't use but use a smaller phone connected to, i could see this working for tablets taking advantage of their 3G connection to make and receive calls and as a remote for them and your smart TV and other devices.
anonymous 28 January, 2013 10:06
BB10 ftw!!!
anonymous 28 January, 2013 12:53
What OS does the smaller phone run??? It cant be Android because the Bluetooth stack wouldn't support receiving stream audio.
anonymous 28 January, 2013 13:28
How about a companion phone. A tiny phone w/ same # and contacts that you can throw in your gym bag , bike pouch or running shorts.
FastKatt 28 January, 2013 16:13
I'm on the fence...
Will the Mini work if the main phone dies?
Could you pair the Mini to any Android Phone?
Does is keep you from using your Bluetooth Headset?
It doesn't look like it has a QWERTY Keyboard? Who wants to go back to 'Tap-Texting'?
I really think this would be better served as an add-on for a Tablet, to use as VOIP Calling...
anonymous 28 January, 2013 20:34
The only place I could see this being interesting and maybe even effective was if a company reinvented the home phone.
Why not a Tablet to be used as a home phone/tv remote/ect- with a handset like this to take actual phone calls with.
anonymous 29 January, 2013 09:15
sounds ok to me
anonymous 29 January, 2013 23:08
Well, I think this make sense in public transportation or in high risk areas where you have to be reachable but you can´t show off your brand new top-of-the-line smart phone. Ej. Mexico City.