The peak of popularity of thin touch screens has long passed, and manufacturers are considering new opportunities for combining the concept of a smartphone and a hardware keyboard. One way or another, today there is an acute shortage of mobile devices with full digging. This is due not only to nostalgia for outgoing classic phones, but also to a practical factor. Despite all the advantages of touchscreens, the real feel of buttons becomes an advantage in the rain or in other difficult operating conditions. Against this background, the only alternative is a smartphone with a push-button keyboard made according to the QWERTY standard. I must say that today this direction of development is gradually losing relevance, but several worthy models of such a device can still be found.
Button Smartphone Manufacturers
Perhaps the best QWERTY keyboard mastered by BlackBerry. Smartphones with buttons are regularly released under this brand, the last of which is the Q10. Noteworthy and development from budget manufacturers Runbo and Alcatel. Of course, the products of these brands are for the most part attractive at a low price, however, the technological design of the button devices is commendable. But the Nokia push-button smartphones are not so widely represented. The Finnish manufacturer, during the popularity of this segment, managed to release several interesting models, but the company nevertheless devoted its main efforts to sensory developments. It is important to note that the QWERTY keyboard is quite specific in its configuration, therefore, such devices do not have serious success on the market. Nevertheless, in order to cover the maximum range of consumers, some companies nevertheless developed this concept. How successful this is can be judged by the average characteristics of such a phone.
Model Features
As for performance, almost all of the most noticeable recent devices are equipped with 2-core processors. RAM is rarely less than 2 GB, and the capacity for the data and does match the capabilities of touch models. Screens rarely boast decent sizes, but there are exceptions. For example, the Runbo X3 push-button android smartphone is equipped with a display with a resolution of 800x480. The latest models of touch devices typically use a 5 megapixel camera. However, developers of keyboard analogs do not skimp on the number of characters - most devices of this type are provided with 8-megapixel modules. Another thing is that the quality of the resulting images is rather modest, despite the matrix.
It is worth noting one more significant characteristic for all smartphones - battery capacity. In the case of button versions, problems with autonomy are not so acute. The average range of battery capacities is 2,000 mAh, but there are exceptions. For example, button smartphones from BlackBerry with smaller screens have less volume, and the aforementioned Runbo X3 is equipped with a 3800 mAh battery.
The most successful devices
In addition to the described models, it is worth noting the offers from Nokia and Alcatel. So, under the Finnish brand, the E5 device with a good camera and decent functionality stands out. It should be noted that in the development of keyboard devices an important role is played by the experience of developers in the layout of the case. And Nokia did it very well. Therefore, if you need to choose the best push-button smartphone with QWERTY technology, then the E5 has a chance to become a leader. Also, Alcatel’s OneTouch 916D can compete for the championship. Again, the model is notable for appearance - for the design, by the way, it has separate awards. In the remaining parameters, everything is decent too. The smartphone holds a charge well, works with two "SIM cards" and does not cause any special complaints regarding the reliability,
Positive feedback on button smartphones
Typically, these gadgets are chosen by users who are initially prepared for the difficulties of handling an unusual button configuration. Therefore, there are many laudatory reviews, and all of them for the most part come down precisely to the advantages of ergonomics. Of course, you can call this layout convenient with serious reservations, but the approach to typing through the QWERTY system, of course, causes admiration for those who are used to small keys. It should also be noted high functionality. According to users, in some positions push-button smartphones are superior to touch counterparts. First of all, this relates to communication capabilities. Since a step has been taken in this direction through the hardware-structural part, the internal filling should not lag behind - this can explain the desire of manufacturers to increase functionality.
Negative reviews
Nevertheless, there are many users who have not appreciated the convenience of button smarts. Even if you do not take into account the shortcomings of a small keyboard, owners note the modest screen sizes. The block with the keyboard in any case cramps the display, which is why you have to either reduce the screen or increase the overall dimensions of the device. Therefore, push-button smartphones cause particularly sharp criticism among fans who share photos, watch videos, and also play games. It turns out that the user gets the same filling, but in a more modest design, in addition to receiving an uncomfortable keyboard. It is clear that this segment has not become mass.
Conclusion
Despite the differences in views on the advantages and disadvantages of smartphones with keyboards, the request for mechanical typing with the same control functions remains. And push-button smartphones in which the QWERTY configuration is implemented remain the only worthy offer for buyers with such requirements. But there is one more nuance - the fact is that the touch device could remain a button device without a button-symbol system. The revolution of keyboard devices was not in the maximum representation of the button layout right in the palm of the user, but in the thoughtful combination of a smart phone and physically sensible keys.