MWC 2024: Energizer Ultimate U660S, the folding clamshell smartphone for under $500
In the aisles of the MWC 2024 trade show in Barcelona, we came across the stand of operator Avenir Telecom, where several smartphones were on display under the Energizer brand. One of them caught our eye. Its name, the Energizer Ultimate U660S, is a clamshell model available by the end of the year, and will be priced at under $500.
After the ultra-enduring Energizer Hard Case P28K mobile with its 28,000 mAh battery, the brand is now preparing to launch its first folding smartphone model. What particularly sets this newcomer apart is its competitive price positioning, priced at less than $500, an initiative that could well shake up the market. Indeed, until now, the folding smartphone segment has been dominated by high-end models such as Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip5 or the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra in clamshell format, whose prices could deter even the most enthusiastic consumers. Faced with this situation, Energizer decided to take the bull by the horns and develop an "entry-level" strategy for this format. Indeed, the brand has announced the forthcoming launch of a folding smartphone at an unbeatable price, under the $500 mark. This aggressive pricing strategy could not only widen access to this technology, but also encourage other manufacturers to review their prices. However, Motorola recently tried its hand at this exercise, and unfortunately failed to find its audience. The fault, it seems, lies in the fact that the external screen is too small. The Energizer folding mobile's screen is 3.6".
Technical features and design: a promising first look
Physically, it's a lot like Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip3, which had one major flaw: when folded, the two flaps didn't fit together. The Energizer Ultimate U660S takes up this principle.
The model unveiled by Energizer boasts respectable technical specifications for its price. It features a 6.67-inch internal screen with 1080x2400 pixel resolution. It also incorporates an external screen capable of displaying widgets and notifications. Under the hood, the smartphone is equipped with a 4G Helio G99 processor from MediaTek, accompanied by 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage. In terms of photography, it offers a 25-megapixel front camera and two rear modules of 64 and 8 megapixels.
The device runs on a pure version of Android 14, with no software overlay, promising a fluid, uncluttered user experience. To date, it is not yet known how long updates will be scheduled.
The introduction of the Energizer Ultimate U660S at Mobile World Congress 2024 offered a foretaste of what the future of foldable smartphones could look like: more accessible mid-range devices. Energizer does not claim to compete directly with the giants of the sector, but rather aims to appeal to a clientele attracted by the compact design of foldable phones, without wanting to invest a substantial sum.
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