Note: This post replaces what was previously posted publicly on Reddit at https://www.reddit.com/r/sidephone/comments/1nzftuz/sidephones_current_limitations/
Limitation or Disclaimer | What it is | What it means for you |
New to Production | Sidephone is a new device entering production for the very first time. | We are doing everything we can to get Sidephone produced and packaged beautifully for the community on schedule. If there is a delay we will notify the community. We appreciate your patience as we ramp up production to meet demand. |
Device Logo on Back | We plan to etch Sidephone’s logo on the back of the device for the final production run. We intend for it to be placed centred, and be light in colour so that it does not stand out. | Some images shown thus far have not had the logo shown on the back. We will show an example of what we plan the etching to look like in the comments below. |
No GMS Certification and Play Integrity API | Official designations from Google to support the device and allow it to work with Google services and Google’s Play Store. | Sidephone's OS is built without Google apps or services. And it works really well. That said, you won’t be able to install apps that require Google’s Play Integrity API, such as Banking apps. We do not recommend trying to download banking apps on third party sites as they could be possible vectors to introduce malware on your device, which we would not be able to accept liability for. |
Tile Key Wear Over Time | Over time, and depending on the amount of use, it is possible that a tile key cap could come loose. | We plan to offer replacement key caps for purchase and offer guides on how to re-adhere loose key caps. The keypads are easily repairable and we are continuing to work on ways to improve the durability of the keys to prevent issues. |
Messaging & RCS | A modern messaging protocol that improves traditional SMS with features like read receipts, typing indicators, high-resolution media sharing, and interactive elements, requiring internet connectivity to function. | Sidephone does not support RCS yet. We are working on this. Moreover, iMessage-only effects/features (e.g., reactions) won’t mirror 1:1. This won’t change even if support for RCS is added, and is something that impacts all non-Apple devices. You will need to unenroll your number from RCS if you notice certain messages from people aren’t coming through. This is an RCS limitation that affects all RCS-free phones. |
Camera | We’ve secured a capable Samsung camera sensor for Sidephone that reproduces a nostalgic film-like effect on photos, but it’s not going to compete with modern smartphones in all cases. | Sidephone’s camera currently has the following limitations: Shaky Video, Digital Zoom Blur, Grainy Nightvision, Backlight Blooming. Examples: https://www.reddit.com/r/sidephone/comments/1n7x5ka/shot_on_sidephone_2_of_2_waterfalls_in_watkins/ |
No Backlighting | Illumination behind the keys for visibility at night / in dark environments. | Compact QWERTY and Numeric are not backlit. |
No PTCRB Certification | PTCRB is a prerequisite for carrier certifications and for selling phones directly through carrier retail channels, primarily in North America. | Sidephone will not be sold through carrier retail stores (eg. T-Mobile stores) at this time and will only be sold directly to consumers via our website. |
No IP Rating | Waterproof and weatherproof ratings for the device. | Please do not submerge Sidephone into water. We cannot guarantee that the device will work with a complete submersion in water. Do what you can to protect the device from water, such as adding approved and official protective cases or covers. |
No Carrier Certifications | A stamp of approval from carriers that the device is fully compatible with their network, after which the device is white-listed for use on the carrier’s network for complete functionality. | Depending on the carrier, certain functionality may be limited like data speeds, VoLTE, and more. Each carrier has different policies. If a SIM card that you’ve purchased specifically for Sidephone is not working, attempt to activate it on another device first and then add it to Sidephone. This is the reality for thousands of r/dumbphones and Open Market devices, not just Sidephone. |
No Fast Charging | The ability to charge the battery in an extremely fast amount of time. | We created a custom battery for Sidephone in order to fit it into the form factor you see today. We did not have the resources to accommodate fast charging at this point in time. We believe that the charging experience is still sufficient.Please use our provided cables and accessories to ensure the safe operation of your device and all internal components. Refrain from using chargers rated beyond what the device can support when charging as it could overheat the battery, deteriorate it, and/or pose a fire hazard. |
B13, B66, B71 | Antenna bands required for coverage in certain areas around the world. | Sidephone will not work with Verizon in the US. For other carriers, Sidephone cellular reception could be affected in certain settings outside of the city, or deep inside large buildings. Networks are constantly evolving. It is possible that satellite connectivity (B26) will continue to improve, and be available on more plans in the future, making the absence of B13, B66 and B71 a non-issue for customers. |
No Barometer | An altitude sensor. | Emergency services (e.g., 911) cannot receive your altitude data when you make an emergency call, which could affect their ability to locate you and respond if you are calling emergency services in a multi-story building, for example. |
Limited App Functionality for 2.8in Screen | Some apps might have reduced experience over what you could expect in their smartphone equivalent due to a combination of Sidephone’s smaller form factor, and our custom OS. | Maps: Turn-by-turn works; no 3D flyovers or live AR views. Media: Offline playback is supported; streaming options are minimal by design. Hotspot: Works with major carriers; some plans require enabling tethering. Accessories: Bluetooth headphones and car systems work; smartwatches are limited. Android Auto is not supported at this time. Notes: This is all mostly in the developer's control, and as Sidephone becomes more popular, we are confident we can encourage more people to support smaller screens again. |
eSIM | A digital, programmable SIM chip built directly into a device’s motherboard, removing the need for a physical, removable SIM card. | Sidephone uses a physically removable Nano SIM card.
This may impact your ability to use travel data providers like Saily. |
FM Radio Receiver | Ability to catch FM radio from an antenna without data required. | FM radio must be listened to over data via web or similar. |
Android Accessibility Suite | A collection of built-in, Google-developed applications designed to help users with visual, hearing, or physical impairments interact with their Android devices more easily. | Android Accessibility Suite functionality is limited in the absence of Google Play Services. |