Balmuda, recognized for its upscale kitchen appliances, has stepped into the smartphone arena with the Balmuda Phone. Released in Japan on November 26, 2021, this bold move marks a departure from their traditional product line. Despite some initial skepticism and rumors of discontinuation, the Balmuda Phone has made its way to Bangladesh, offering consumers a unique option in the compact smartphone market. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the key specs, features, pros, and cons of the Balmuda Phone to help you decide if it's worth your consideration.

 

Details and attributes of the Balmuda Phone:

 

Price of the Balmuda Phone in Bangladesh:

While the Balmuda Phone is not officially available in Bangladesh, users can purchase it unofficially for approximately BDT 13,000.

 

Design:

The Balmuda Phone boasts a distinctive design inspired by past experimental devices like the Palm Pre and Microsoft Kin One. With dimensions of 13.7 mm thickness, 69 mm width, and 123 mm height, it offers a comfortable grip despite its compact size. Crafted from plastic, the phone features sloping curves and a textured surface for better grip. While the design stands out, some users may find the plastic build feels somewhat cheap compared to premium materials.

 

Display:

Sporting a sharp 4.9-inch 16:9 1080p display, the Balmuda Phone offers a compact form factor reminiscent of the iPhone SE. The Full HD LCD panel delivers crisp visuals at 449 PPI, although it may not offer the deep blacks and vibrant colors of OLED displays. Available in black and white color options, the phone features a punch-hole cutout for the front-facing camera, providing an immersive viewing experience.

 

Camera:

Equipped with a single 48-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, the Balmuda Phone delivers decent but underwhelming performance in various lighting conditions. While the camera lacks advanced customization settings, it offers preset modes like portrait and night sight. However, users seeking exceptional photo quality may be disappointed by its performance.

 

Performance and Hardware:

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 processor and 6GB of RAM, the Balmuda Phone delivers satisfactory performance for everyday tasks. However, occasional slowdowns may occur when multitasking or running demanding applications. With 128GB of storage, users have ample space for apps, photos, and videos, although power users may find the storage capacity limiting.

 

Software:

Running on Android 11, the Balmuda Phone offers a user-friendly interface with regular updates and security patches. Balmuda's software enhancements add thoughtful touches to the Android experience, including customizable shortcuts and visually appealing widgets. While the preloaded carrier-specific apps may be intrusive, they do not detract significantly from the overall user experience.

 

Battery and Charging:

The Balmuda Phone features a 2,500mAh battery that offers moderate battery life for average users. However, power users may find the battery capacity insufficient for heavy usage. Charging options include USB-C and wireless charging, providing convenience for users on the go.

 

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Balmuda Phone:

 

Benefits:

- Unique and compact design inspired by experimental devices.

- Comfortable grip with sloping curves and textured plastic.

- IPX4 water resistance for protection against splashes.

- Sharp 4.9-inch Full HD display with punch-hole camera.

- Intuitive software features like customizable shortcuts.

 

Drawbacks:

- Plastic build may feel cheap compared to premium materials.

- Disappointing camera performance in various lighting conditions.

- Limited camera settings and customization options.

- Decent but not high-end performance for multitasking and gaming.

- Moderate battery capacity may not last all day for heavy users.

 

In summary:

The Balmuda Phone offers a unique and compact design with some innovative software features, making it an intriguing option for consumers seeking a smaller smartphone. However, its plastic build, underwhelming camera performance, and moderate battery capacity may deter users looking for premium features. Overall, the Balmuda Phone caters well to those seeking a compact device for regular usage but falls short of delivering a truly exceptional smartphone experience.