When it comes to smartphones, the most popular ones are iPhone and Android. However, other tech companies are diving into the market.
One of them is Planet Computers, which just launched Astro Slide 5G. This smartphone is packed with updated specifications, running popular Linux distributions instead of Android 11.
According to XDA Developers, the Astro Slide 5G was introduced by Planet Computers at the Mobile World Congress 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. It is a small device with a different focus compared to other smartphones powered by the same chipsets.
Also, there is planned support for Sailfish OS, Kali Linux, and Debian.
Astro Slide 5G: Design
The Astro Slide 5G is aimed at a different group of users. It does not have the highest-end specifications, and the bezels on the front are massive compared to iPhones and Android smartphones. Also, the phone looks bulky, which can be difficult for some users to carry around with them.
All of that is because Planet Computers is focused on both the QWERTY keyboard and the phone's software.
Users can pick up an Astro Slide 5G that runs Android, but they can choose Sailfish OS, Ubuntu Touch, and other well-known Linux distributions as well.
Also, they can be dual-booted so that you do not need to lock yourself into one platform if you have different needs. Adam Conway from XDA Developers added that the Astro Slide 5G is thick due to its form factor.
Astro Slide 5G's screen slides out and props up against the phone's body. The smartphone also has a pair of USB-C ports--it can be found at the top, while the other can be found at the bottom, according to GSMArena.
The reason behind this is that usually, power users want the ability to have a dedicated USB-C port for an effective data transfer while charging at the same time.
For example, charging the smartphone while using a USB-C to ethernet adapter for wired network access.
Given that the smartphone can run Linux distributions, it makes complete sense that the device owners have power-user requirements like these.
The hinge snapping back feels robust, but users still need to be careful about constantly clacking the smartphone back and forth.
Even though it may feel like the Astro Slide 5G can take a beating, the plastic still has a tendency to snap if it is used too harshly and if it is constantly dropped.
Users may even break the phone if they try to open and close it too fast and with too much force, as it may accidentally snap.
Astro Slide 5G's Pricing and Availability
The Astro Slide 5G is available for pre-order right now on Planet Computers' website and through Indiegogo. The retail price for the smartphone is $1,112, inclusive of VAT.
The shipment will start in April 2022, and there are a lot of different keyboards for a lot of different regions to choose from.
Smartphone users were split between the Samsung S22 and the iPhone 13 in 2021.
Planet Computers is pushing through the smartphone market, even though its devices are not as popular. Earlier this year, Apple's iPhone was hailed as the best smartphone.
Related Article: iPhone, Android Settings That Can Help You Reduce Your Smartphone Addiction
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Sophie Webster
