Verdict
Key specs
Critic reviews
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“The number one question remaining is if this particular device is worth your money or not. There are a few ways of looking at it, but I’m leaning towards a yes. At a starting price of $649 it seems pricey, but keep in mind that’s what the Blackberry Key2 retailed for. This is, more or less, the Blackberry Key2 but better in every way. It’s got a better chipset, a better camera, and a better keyboard, all in one package that cost the same at launch. My only gripe with that comparison is that the Blackberry Key2 has all the company’s security enclave, while the F(x)tec Pro 1 does not. Even still, as a productivity device, the F(x)tec wins hands down.”
“The F(X)tec Pro1 is a phone that does absolutely everything it can to get the QWERTY horizontal sliding Android phone form right. It's solid, doesn't wobble, has a keyboard that seems really nice on first looks, and a clean (but optimised) software experience. But the question is, are there enough nostalgic people out there to buy it and keep them coming?”
“Fxtec had a good vision for the Pro1 — add a physical QWERTY keyboard to a modern Android smartphone — but the execution simply isn't there. The lack of refinement and everyday usability compromises any benefit achieved via the keyboard.”
“While the Pro1 doesn't quite cost top-tier flagship buck, you can still pick up more powerful phones for less - a prime example being the excellent Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro. That said, if you long for a physical QWERTY keyboard that feels robust, there's no real competition out now.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
Despite the awkward name, the F(x)Tec Pro 1 has all the nostalgia of yesteryear’s slider phones. This could be an excellent option for those who miss having a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
Design
This phone brings all the nostalgia of some of the earliest mainstream mobile phones. It has everything a good smartphone has plus a slide-out keyboard. Reviewers felt the aluminum chassis has a nice weight and is not hugely different from your typical smartphone except for being a bit thicker.
Display
The F(x)Tec Pro has a 6-inch, Full HD+ AMOLED screen. It is not the sharpest looking screen but still has more pixels per inch than many mid-tier competitors. Reviewers were satisfied with the brightness.
TechRadar said, “It looks bright and vibrant enough from our limited testing time, and it looks much like what you’d expect on a modern smartphone.”
Performance
While the phone offers more than enough performance for common daily tasks, some reviewers said the phone lacks power for its price. We wouldn’t recommend heavy gaming or multitasking with the F(x)Tec Pro 1
Trusted Reviews says, “Hardly the power you’d expect from a [higher priced phone] in 2019, but enough to get the job done.”
Software & Storage
It is a little behind its time, using Android 9 instead of 10, but reviewers expect that it will get an upgrade in the future. It does not, however, lack in storage space with 128GB ready to go and microSD expansion support.
Digital Trends remarks, “Android Pie is mostly unchanged, but the F(x)tec team made some quality of life improvements to make the software work better with a keyboard.”
Cameras
The F(x)Tec Pro comes with a 12MP camera set up on the back and an 8MP fixed focus front-facing camera for selfies. The cameras performed average in good lighting. In weaker lighting reviews considered the results below average when compared to what smartphones can do these days. It does offer a few different modes options like Night, landscape, and Pro.
Battery Life
Battery life is one way the F(x)Tec excelled. Reviewers found its fairly large battery is capable of an entire day (or more) without needing a charge. When the inevitable did happen, it comes with a fast charge option that fills the battery within an hour and a half.
Audio
There was no mention of audio being good or poor except that it had good call quality. There’s also a headphone jack for those who like private listening.
Specs at a Glance
- Aluminum Chassis
- 6-in AMOLED HD+ Display
- Octa-core 2.45 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Processor
- 6GB of RAM
- Android 9 Pie
- 128GB of storage with microSD slot expansion
- 12MP Camera, 8MP front-facing
- 3200 mAh Battery
- Slide-out QWERTY keyboard
Bottom Line
The F(x)Tec Pro 1 brings all the nostalgia with its slide-out QWERTY keyboard. While it doesn’t come with state-of-the-art specs, there’s a lot to be said for a unique design among the slew of similar smartphones on the market right now.
Android Authority said, “The F(x)Tec Pro 1 features a full-sized screen and a physical keyboard that hides behind the screen when not in use. When opened and set on a table, it resembles a mini laptop and is meant for those seeking to be productive.”
Stuff says, “If you miss QWERTY keyboard phones and can’t get behind the latest BlackBerrys, a London-based startup may have just launched your next smartphone, the F(x)tec Pro1.”
TechRadar states, “If you’re desperate for a keyboard on a smartphone, your choices in [2020] are limited and the F(x)tec Pro1 already looks like it will be one of the better options for you.”
What people actually want to know
When was the F(x)tec Pro1 released?
The F(x)tec Pro1 was released on October 31, 2019.
How long does the battery last on the F(x)tec Pro1?
The F(x)tec Pro1 has a 3,200 mAh battery.
Does the F(x)tec Pro1 support wireless charging?
No, the F(x)tec Pro1 does not support wireless charging.
Does the F(x)tec Pro1 have a headphone jack?
Yes, the F(x)tec Pro1 has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Does the F(x)tec Pro1 have NFC?
Yes, the F(x)tec Pro1 has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
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