The Aspera F50 is a straightforward, budget-friendly flip phone designed primarily for users who need basic functionality without the complexities of a smartphone.
Priced at around AUD$99, the F50 offers several key features tailored to meet the needs of those who prefer simplicity, individuals looking for a secondary phone. With the impending shutdown of the Australian 3G telephone network – you might be looking for a replacement simpler phone for those with low expectations of their phone.
Key features of the Aspera F50 (above in red) includes:
- Design and Display: The F50 has a 2.4-inch display and a compact flip design with a “soft touch” keypad. It includes external indicators for calls, messages, and charging status, and is available in red and midnight blue.
- Camera: A basic 2.0MP rear camera is included, which is suitable for simple photos and video recording.
- Battery and Charging: The phone comes with a 1000mAh battery, offering several days of standby time. It features a convenient charging cradle with a USB-C connection, making it easier for users to charge the phone without worrying about cable orientation. However, there is no re-assuring light on either the cradle to indicate when power is connected. Additionally, the cradle isn’t suitable for the elderly – requiring fine motor skills to insert the phone into the cradle. Even when resting in the cradle, the smallest bump can dislodge the phone from the charging pins.
- Connectivity: The F50 supports 4G and 3G connectivity, ensuring compatibility with current networks following the 3G shutdown. It also includes Bluetooth 4.0, an FM radio, and a loudspeaker. The speaker delivers adequate sound.
- Additional Features: Notably, the F50 includes an SOS button on the back, which can be programmed to call and send messages to pre-defined emergency contacts. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who might need quick access to emergency services.
- Memory and Storage: The phone has 48MB of RAM and 128MB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card up to 32GB.
While the Aspera F50 does not offer advanced smartphone features (and the screen isn’t touch capable), its focus on ease of use, basic functionalities, and affordability makes it a valuable option for those needing a reliable, basic phone.
I’m sure this phone will find a market (and it’s great to see an Australian designed phone available), this reviewer questions some of the included features.
Why include a camera? (Especially a 2.0MP camera), why the MicroSD card? is anyone going to use this?
To make a better phone (for the elderly or those with limited motor skills), remove the camera / SD card and Internet connectivity features, produce the phone a bright yellow or contrasting colours. Midnight Blue might be a nice colour for an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy or even a Mazda 3 – but will quickly get lost in the clutter of an elderly person’s accommodation. Make the charging cradle simpler and more robust – so it’s easy to insert the device into the cradle. Anyone with less technologically adept parents knows the struggle is real to convince them to check and charge their phones. We need to make it easier for them, unfortunately the F50 misses the mark.
The Aspera F50 is available from BigW and other retailers.
For more information on the new F50 go to: https://asperamobile.com/phones/easy-phones/aspera-f50/
For more information on the new F48 go to: https://asperamobile.com/phones/easy-phones/aspera-f48/
