The F(x)tec Pro 1, developed by British firm F(x)tec, aims to revive the physical keyboard trend with its sliding design. Announced at MWC Barcelona, the device combines a 5.99-inch 2160 x 1080 display with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage expandable to 2TB via microSD.
The phone includes a dual rear camera system with 12MP and 5MP sensors, a 8MP front camera, and LTE support with GSM, W-CDMA, and CDMA/EVDO compatibility. It offers WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and USB Type-C with HDMI output. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor enhances security.
The standout feature is its 64-key backlit keyboard, which slides out from beneath the screen. While the build quality withstands 100,000+ keyboard presses, users note a cheap plastic feel. The device runs Android 9 (Pie) with keyboard-specific modifications, including disabled gestures when the keyboard is active.
With a 3200mAh battery and a Sh65,000 preorder price, the Pro 1 targets business users seeking a physical keyboard. Despite its nostalgic appeal, the plastic construction remains a notable drawback.
