Teracube 2e – $ 200 smartphone with 4-year warranty
Most Android smartphone manufacturers expect you to replace your device every two years. Even Google is only promising 3 years of OS and security updates for its Pixel smartphones (the last update for the Pixel 2 will be out in December)
But a startup called Teracube is betting on a market for low-cost smartphones that you’ll be using for a long time.
Earlier this year, after a successful crowdfunding campaign, the company began shipping a $ 300 smartphone with a 4-year warranty. Now Teracube is about to launch a $ 200 smartphone with the same 4-year warranty. In fact, the smartphone will cost even less if you pre-order it as part of the new crowdfunding campaign.
Teracube 2e is not the most impressive smartphone on the market in terms of specifications. It has a 6.1-inch display with 1560 x 720 pixels, a MediaTek Helio A25 processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage and 13MP + 8MP rear cameras, and an 8MP front camera.
But it has a user-replaceable 4000mAh battery, headphone jack and microSD card slot, dual SIM and NFC support.
Other features include fingerprint reader, USB-C port, Wi -Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 and 4G LTE. The smartphone ships with Android 10.
But what sets the Teracube 2e apart is its relatively low price and high maintainability. Teracube employees note that the smartphone is easy to disassemble, as it is fastened only with screws and does not use glue. The company plans to offer parts for users who want to do home repairs, along with instructions for doing so. The 4-year warranty means that if the user is not comfortable fixing the smartphone himself, they can send the broken device to Teracube and have it repaired for a flat $ 40 fee that covers shipping and repairs.
Teracube also notes that the smartphone comes in “minimal and eco-friendly packaging” that uses recycled paper. However, there is no charger included. Most likely, you already have one, but if this is your first USB-C device, you may need to buy a power adapter or charging cable separately. Teracube will also add a USB-C charger to your order for an additional $ 8 fee.
Notably, the smartphone body itself is 25% recycled polycarbonate.
The Teracube 2e is expected to retail for $ 200, but early Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign pre-customers can get it all at half price – $ 99. The smartphone is expected to ship in December.