The Samsung Alias2 is just about the highest-tech featurephone we’ve seen in the US – mostly because the Alias2 rocks E-Ink keypad buttons that can morph between numeric keypad and QWERTY keyboard. The Alias2’s dual-hinge form-factor is aimed at messaging fanatics that want the best of both worlds – a vertical flip-phone with numeric keypad for calling and a landscape QWERTY keyboard for messaging duties.
By using E-Ink, the Samsung Alias2’s keys have the ability to change the symbol that’s displayed on their face. Open the Alias2’s flip vertically and the buttons display a standard numeric keypad with navigation controls. Open the Alias2 lengthwise, and you’re treated to a full QWERTY keyboard. The best part is that the passive E-Ink technology only draws power when it has to change the display. In fact, the Alias2 came to us completely drained of battery power, but still displayed the numeric symbols on the keys.
The Verizon Samsung Alias2 is available now for $79.99 after $50 mail-in rebate and new 2-year contract.
Enjoy the unboxing pics, full review to follow.