GeeksPhone Keon Device Overview and Evaluation

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The GeeksPhone Keon is a unique device that runs on the Sailfish OS, a Linux-based operating system. It features a 4.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 720x1280 pixels.

The Keon has a quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage. This makes it a decent performer for everyday tasks.

Its 8MP camera is a notable feature, with the ability to record 1080p video.

Device Features

The GeeksPhone Keon is a device that's priced around 100€, which is on par with similarly priced Android devices. It's a decent value for the price.

The Keon is light and not too thick, measuring about 12mm. It's a compact device that's easy to carry around.

The body is made of a rubberized and soft plastic that feels pretty good in the hand. This design choice makes the device comfortable to hold and use.

The Keon has a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, which is a standard processor for this price range. It's fast enough to handle most tasks, but don't expect it to be a powerhouse.

Credit: youtube.com, [EN] Geeksphone Keon Quick Review

The device has a small internal storage of 4GB, which is dedicated to the system. This means you won't be able to store media files on the device itself, so you'll need to add a micro SD card.

The Keon supports 3G, WiFi N, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, and has light and proximity sensors, a gyroscope, and a GPS. It's a well-rounded device that's suitable for everyday use.

The screen resolution is standard for the price, at 320×480. Unfortunately, the display quality isn't great, with noticeable dithering and banding problems on gradients.

Communication

The GeeksPhone Keon offers a range of communication features that make staying in touch a breeze. You can use Call waiting, Conferency, Call forwarding, and Push To Talk to manage your calls efficiently.

With Instant Messenger and SMS, you can send and receive messages quickly. The device also supports SMS Memory, allowing you to store and retrieve messages easily. Additionally, you can use MMS to send multimedia messages.

The Keon also includes a Dictionary and an e-mail client, making it easy to stay connected with friends and family. You can access your e-mail using POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP protocols.

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Data Transfer

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Credit: pexels.com, A smartphone on a clipboard in a modern workspace setting with a keyboard and stationery.

Data transfer is a crucial aspect of communication. Your device has several options to transfer data.

HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, GPRS, and EDGE are some of the data transfer technologies supported by your device. These technologies enable fast and efficient data transfer.

Your device also supports Bluetooth v2.1 EDR and the A2DP Profile, allowing you to transfer data wirelessly to other devices.

WiFi is another option for data transfer, with your device supporting WiFi v802.11 b/g/n and WiFi frequencies of 2,4 GHz. This enables a WiFi speed of up to 600 Mbit/s.

The WiFi range of your device is impressive, with an indoor range of up to 70 m and an outdoor range of up to 140 m. This means you can stay connected even in areas with limited coverage.

You can also use your device as a WiFi hotspot, allowing you to share your internet connection with others. Your device supports WiFi 4, which is a popular WiFi standard.

DLNA is another feature that enables data transfer between devices. This allows you to share files and media with other devices on your network.

Infrared and USB v2.0 are also supported by your device, providing additional options for data transfer.

Communication and Messaging

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Communication and messaging have become an integral part of our daily lives. We have various features at our disposal to stay connected with others.

Call waiting, conferency, and call forwarding allow us to manage our calls more efficiently. These features enable us to take control of our communication and prioritize our interactions.

Conferency is particularly useful for group discussions or meetings. It allows multiple people to join a conversation simultaneously.

Instant messenger, SMS, and MMS provide quick and convenient ways to send messages to others. SMS memory is also a useful feature that allows us to store and manage our messages.

Some devices come equipped with a QWERTY keyboard for easier typing. This can be especially helpful for those who prefer a physical keyboard over a touchscreen interface.

We can also access our emails using a dedicated email client. This feature supports various email protocols such as POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP.

Muslim ethnic female in hijab texting message on mobile phone near iron construction on blurred background of building
Credit: pexels.com, Muslim ethnic female in hijab texting message on mobile phone near iron construction on blurred background of building

For those who like to stay updated on their favorite topics, an RSS reader is a great tool to have. It allows us to subscribe to feeds and receive updates on new content.

Here are some key features for effective communication and messaging:

  • Call waiting
  • Conferency
  • Call forwarding
  • Instant Messenger
  • SMS
  • SMS Memory
  • MMS
  • Dictionary
  • e-mail client
  • RSS Reader

Multimedia and Productivity

The GeeksPhone Keon offers a range of multimedia and productivity features that make it a great tool for staying organized and entertained on the go.

You can use the watch function to keep an eye on the time, or the stopwatch to time your workouts or cooking. The alarm function is also useful for setting reminders or waking you up on time.

The calculator and currency converter are great for quick calculations and converting currencies while traveling. The organizer and calendar functions help you keep track of your schedule and appointments.

Here are some of the productivity features you can expect from the GeeksPhone Keon:

  • Flight mode for when you need to conserve battery life
  • Data and fax for staying connected and sending documents
  • Voice dial and speakerphone for hands-free calls and conversations

Multimedia

The multimedia capabilities of a device can make a big difference in how you use it.

Top view of anonymous woman in casual wear sitting on floor with laptop and smartphone and creating plan on notebook while resting during break in modern living room
Credit: pexels.com, Top view of anonymous woman in casual wear sitting on floor with laptop and smartphone and creating plan on notebook while resting during break in modern living room

You can enjoy your music with the stereo speakers or plug in your headphones using the 3.5 mm audio jack.

The device supports various sound formats, including AAC, AMR, and WAV.

If you prefer video content, you can even set a video ringtone.

The device also supports HD Voice, which provides a clear and crisp audio experience.

Here are some of the multimedia features you can expect from this device:

  • Radio
  • MP3
  • Stereo speakers
  • Audio Jack 3.5 mm
  • HD Voice
  • Sound formats AAC, AMR, WAV
  • Video ringtone
  • Java
  • Videophone
  • DVB-H television
  • TV-Out

Pim Functions

The PIM functions on your device are incredibly versatile. They can help you stay organized and on top of your schedule with features like a calendar and organizer.

You can also use the watch function to keep track of time and set reminders. This is especially useful when you're in a meeting or on a deadline.

The device's alarm function is another useful tool. It can help you wake up on time or remind you of upcoming events.

In addition to these features, the device also has a calculator and currency converter. These can be a lifesaver when you're on the go and need to do some quick math or conversion.

The device's flight mode is also worth noting. This can help you save battery life and avoid distractions when you're in a meeting or on a plane.

Here are some of the PIM functions available on your device:

  • Watch
  • Stopwatch
  • Alarm
  • Calculator
  • Currency converter
  • Organizer
  • Calendar
  • Flight mode
  • Data and fax
  • Voice dial
  • Speakerphone
  • Recorder
  • Vibrations

Hardware and Design

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Credit: pexels.com, Creative design of bathroom with toilet bowl and small bath against mirror above washbasin and cabinet at home

The GeeksPhone Keon's hardware is its most basic feature, designed to be the lowest-end device for Firefox OS apps. It's a bargain-basement device by far.

The soft-touch orange plastic rear cover is a standout feature, nice to look at and delightful to grip. It's a pleasant surprise in an otherwise basic phone.

The loudspeaker isn't bad, but it's not great either - it's more like a kitchen radio. The headphone jack is not so good, unfortunately.

The battery is removable, which is a plus, and the mini-SIM and micro-SD card slots are easily reached. This makes it easy to swap out parts and upgrade the phone.

Hardware

The hardware of this device is surprisingly decent, considering it's intended to be the lowest-end device that Firefox OS apps will need to support.

The soft-touch orange plastic rear cover is a nice touch, both to look at and to grip. It's a pleasant surprise in a device that's otherwise quite basic.

New Android Smartphone Being Set Up
Credit: pexels.com, New Android Smartphone Being Set Up

The loudspeaker is functional, but not particularly impressive, akin to a kitchen radio. The headphone jack, on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired.

The battery is removable, which is a plus, and the mini-SIM and micro-SD card slots are easily accessible.

The screen, unfortunately, is the worst thing about this device, at least in terms of its outdoor visibility on a sunny day. Good screens are expensive, but this one is particularly poor in this regard.

Ui Design

The UI design of Firefox OS is simple and effective, with a homescreen featuring a clock, quick access buttons, and wallpaper.

You can swipe one way to access a grid of installed apps or the other way to get to the marketplace.

The navigation design within apps is less satisfying, as many apps are not well-adapted to the common platform design.

The principle behind this approach is to avoid user confusion by hoping that there's enough commonality amongst mobile versions of websites.

Consider reading: Tizen Os Apps

Black Android Smartphone
Credit: pexels.com, Black Android Smartphone

The UI design takes advantage of the touchscreen's effective touchable space by using half-width buttons at screen edges.

However, the Keon's touchscreen isn't responsive enough to trust it, making it a bit of a letdown.

Scolling and transitions are currently just functional, lacking features like bounce scrolling and kinetic scrolling that sometimes stops working or works only in one direction.

The UI design is rounded out by a distinctly humanist font, Feura, which is an evolution of FontFont Meta from designer Erik Spiekermann.

This font is tuned for small-screen legibility and looks lovely, but it's possible that it might wear you out eventually due to its less mechanical and more distinctive design.

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Evaluation

The GeeksPhone Keon is a device that's more practical than you'd expect. It's workable for everyday business use, but it's not exactly fun to use.

Its functional basics are sound, and the fact that the business is already developing for this device is a plus. The OS is designed to be minimally obstructive for everyday communications work.

The device could get by with some improvements to its slickness and smoothness. It's currently not that much fun to use, but it's functional.

I appreciate that the OS is complete enough to handle everyday work. I'm keen to mess with it and see what it can do.

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Gilbert Deckow

Senior Writer

Gilbert Deckow is a seasoned writer with a knack for breaking down complex technical topics into engaging and accessible content. With a focus on the ever-evolving world of cloud computing, Gilbert has established himself as a go-to expert on Azure Storage Options and related topics. Gilbert's writing style is characterized by clarity, precision, and a dash of humor, making even the most intricate concepts feel approachable and enjoyable to read.

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