F(x)tec partners with XDA to announce new, privacy-focused Pro1-X smartphone
Earlier this year, we reviewed the F(x)tec Pro1, a rather unique smartphone that comes with a full-blown, sliding physical 64 key QWERTY keyboard. While great for productivity, it is also very much adapted for gaming, at least for the games and emulators that support its keyboard as input methods as noted in our official review. For its next phone, F(x)tec is still keeping those features but is this time laying emphasis on giving users control over their data, privacy and OS. Their Pro1-X, created in partnership with the mobile software development community XDA, was officially announced today.
It comes preloaded with Lineage OS, making it the world’s first consumer smartphone to run this OS out of the box. On top of offering a pure Android experience, LineageOS allows users to control exactly what data and information are shared with the apps and services that they use thanks to the added controls and privacy permissions. The device also supports Ubuntu Touch with additional OS support in development. The Pro1-X sports a 5.99 inch AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 835 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (there's also a lower-priced 128GB model). Compared to the original Pro1, the major improvements on the specs with the Pro-1-X are the RAM and storage boost (and a different, Sapphire Blue color scheme). It can be considered as an incremental update as other specs such as the processor and cameras have been kept the same. So really, the focus is on the OS and giving more control to the user; and if that's something you care about (with the added benefit of hardware keys), you might want to consider this smartphone.
F(x)tec's Pro1-X launches its Indiegogo campaign today, whose goal has nearly been reached as of writing. Super Early Bird for the 256GB go for $499 (sold out) while the 128GB fetches for an Early Bird price of $649 USD (21% off). There's also an option to have one before this Christmas (Pre-Christmas 128GB Pro1-X at $749 USD), while the regular ones are expected to ship in March 2021. If you want to have an idea regarding what to expect when it comes to gaming and functionality, be sure to check out our official review linked below as the Pro1-X will share similar performance to the original Pro1.
F(x)tec Pro1-X Indiegogo campaign F(x)tec Pro1 Official GBAtemp Review
