It is easy to feel overwhelmed by new technology, especially in the world of connected devices like the smartphone. Somewhere along the way, the philosophy of telecommunication, that is – the ability to connect with others – got lost and now many find themselves swimming in a sea of buzzwords and acronyms like 5G, NFC, and mCommerce that are designed to cause unnecessary anxiety. Swiss pioneers Punkt are looking to change all that with the latest iteration of their MP02 mobile phone that promises to cure us of our technology addiction and reacquaint ourselves with what truly matters– life!

Punkt products are built with simplicity with sophistication in mind and that is exactly what the MP02 is all about, it is a well-crafted mobile phone that encourages you to take a break from the connected world. It is a voice phone that works as a voice phone. The company wants consumers to rethink the way they interact with technology through the formation of a simple but poignant philosophy: “Technology can bring great things, but like any good relationship, there should be healthy boundaries. As we spend more time looking down at a screen, we are missing the opportunity to look up, look around and engage with life”.

It wasn’t too long ago that the cellphone was a robust communication tool that seemed to fit in with and not rule our entire existence. These days, consumers battle issues we shouldn’t have to worry about like – fragile all-glass smartphone designs; battery anxiety, connectivity woes, and an unfortunate lesson in consumerism: the anxiety of needs versus wants, as we are constantly being told year after year that we MUST have the latest and greatest $1500 punches in our proverbial stomachs and wallets!

Building on their original MP01 with its inspired product design by Jasper Morrison, great pocket-ability, battery life, and superb loudspeaker packaged in a simple and intuitive Android-based interface that any generation would find refreshing; their latest offering shares many of the same great characteristics with a few new added features. The original candy bar ergonomic design remains except this year Punkt have changed the outer texture to be more colorful and grippier which is a welcome change to the slippery bar of soap the original became when your hands were even the slightest bit moist. Secondly, the inclusion of 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity means better call quality with Voice over LTE or (VOLTE), and the data connection can be tethered with a tablet/laptop which allows for more convenient typing in comparison with a smartphone, and a bigger screen.

There is also the welcome inclusion of a downloadable privacy feature – Signal Protocol – that provides free, encrypted Internet-based calls and texts worldwide via Wi-Fi or mobile data (subject to data charges) and all metadata is encrypted. Also of note are improvements in the loudness of the speaker, Nano-sim support, and USB-C type charging which should complement the already stellar 12-day battery life.

To conclude, Punkt’s MP02 is a worthwhile lesson in timeless minimalism meeting functional design. It is nothing more or nothing less than a communication tool need be, and you need to be ok with that before you buy. There are no time-wasting social media apps, no camera to snap photos with, and no web browser for online shopping! This is a minimalist tool for communicating only, when necessary, but most importantly, is for those that are serious about reclaiming their time and subsequently their lives. The tough build, comfortable ergonomics, simple navigation, and worthwhile set of life real-life tools mean this could be the best purchase you make this year.  

BUY yours here – PUNKT MP02