Most smartphones have limited software support, but in my experience with Xiaomi smartphones part of Android One, the hardware tends to fail even earlier than the 18 to 24-month support window for such phones. It’s also close to impossible to repair those by yourself.
So it would be nice to have a phone with a longer warranty, software support, and that the user can service himself. If it was made of recycled materials, it would be a bonus too. That’s exactly what Teracube 2e phone provides with recycled materials, a fully biodegradable case, and a 4-year “premium care warranty” for hardware repairs, and since it runs Android 10 stock, you’d get 3-years of Android and security updates.
Teracube 2 phone is also meant to be affordable going for $99 and up on Indiegogo with the following specifications:
- SoC – Mediatek Helio A25 octa-core Cortex-A53 processor @ 1.8GHz with IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU
- System Memory – 4GB RAM
- Storage – 64GB eMMC flash, MicroSD slot
- Display – 6.1-inch HD+ IPS Display
- Camera – 13MP + 8MP rear camera, 8MP front-facing camera
- Audio – 3.5mm headphone jack
- Connectivity
- Cellular
- 4G LTE – Band 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 20
- 3G – Band 1, 2, 4, 5, 8
- 2G GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
- Dedicated Dual-SIM socket
- 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0
- NFC
- Cellular
- USB – 1x USB-C port
- Security – PIN, Pattern, Fingerprint, Face unlock
- Battery – Replaceable 4,000mAh good for about 2 days on a charge
- Dimensions – 155.2 x 73.3 x 10.1mm
The retail price will be $199, so after the crowdfunding is over, it will not be the best value, but still affordable, and one of the rare phones with a long warranty. Users in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, and Singapore will get a 4-year premium warrantee with two-way free shipping for an express replacement or repair. Note, there’s a $59 service fee to replace a cracked screen or other damage caused by an accident or misuse. Users in other countries will still benefit from the extended warranty but they must cover shipping themselves.
Teracube 2e phone will not ship with typical accessories like a USB charger and headphones, since you’ve probably already have those, and if not, they can be added at the time of order. Shipping is scheduled for December, but bearing in mind it’s a crowdfunding campaign do not count on receiving it in time for Christmas.
Via XDA Developers
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Did they announce the 3y SW updates or is it your guess?
It’s not really consistent with the 4y warranty. But that’s nitpicking, I’m much more curious if they will be better in supporting their device in the long term than fairphone was able with the FF1.
But if their approach works out it’s a great concept, especially if you can get it for 99.
You can not press Ctrl+F to look for it. Instead you need to scroll down, and there’s an image talking about software support for 3 years.
Oh ok. Strange, the hw is made for 4y but sw support only 3y still better than my old huawei with a sw support of a month or so.
At least the mi a2 is back to regular updates and the hw is out of the 24m warranty and still as new, with just a slightly weaker battery
Terrible LTE band support. Nobody in America should buy this. Doesn’t work with Verizon or Sprint, and lacks the extended range LTE of AT&T and T-Mobile.
You’d be amazed how low the cost is to add a B13/B14/B71 antenna and amplifier.
Their list of supported carriers
What US carrier does Teracube 2e support?
T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, AT&T, Cricket Wireless, Republic Wireless, Simple Mobile, Speedtalk Mobile, Ultra Mobile, Red Pocket Mobile, Ting, Tempo, Walmart Family Mobile, Pure TalkUSA, Straight Talk.
What Canadian carrier does Teracube 2e support?
Rogers, Telus, Shaw, BCE, Virgin Mobile, Fido, Freedom
What wireless carrier does Teracube 2e support in the EU and UK?
Teracube 2e supports all carriers in the EU and the UK including Telekom, O2, Vodafone, Orange, Bouygues, SFR, TIM, WINDTRE, Vodafone, Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, EE (formerly Orange, T-Mobile), O2, Vodafone, Three.
They may “support” it in that the phone can sometimes connect to some frequencies. But that’s partially false advertising in my opinion. Only IoT devices should “pick and choose” bands based on connectivity.
They should note that you will miss out on a lot of speed and extended range reception if you’re only going to support legacy/core LTE bands from a decade ago.
Absolutely no value for me 😉
I’m with AT&T and the phone doesn’t support either VoLTE or WiFi Calling on their network