Sharp & Softbank To Release World's First Android Flip Phone

Long live the flip!

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Before the iPhone hit Japan, flip phones reigned supreme. There's still a strong contingent of wireless subscribers that have decided to forgo the luxury of next-gen mobile computing to stick with their trusty dumb phones. To appease those who refuse to give up the flip, Sharp and Softbank have decided to combine the two worlds with their upcoming Android-owered Aquos phone. 

Built by Sharp, the Aquos-branded handset will sport a 3.4-inch touchscreen, a hi-res camera, and run Google's mobile OS. It's also waterproof. The phone will retain a conventional number pad, but if that's not needed, the screen can be flipped around to cover it, making it look and operate like a conventional smartphone. The device is expected to hit stories in Asia in mid-June for $490. 

[Nikkei via DVICE

 

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