Chinese tech company iKKO is shaking things up with its new device, the MindOne. This smartphone goes against the trend of today’s big, bulky flagships. Instead, it’s small, portable, and comes with a single flippable camera plus not one but two operating systems, one of which is built around AI.
On top of that, the phone includes free global internet access that doesn’t require a SIM card or Wi-Fi. And for those who miss physical keyboards, there’s even an optional case that adds a BlackBerry-style keyboard, better audio, and extra battery life.
A Different Kind of Phone
iKKO, a company best known for its high-end audio gear, describes the MindOne as “a new kind of digital companion built for creators, thinkers and travellers who seek focus and freedom.”
In a product video, the company explained its vision: “Phones today are all the same: big and heavy. So we made something different: small, thin, stylish and smart.”
The MindOne is about the size of a Post-it pad, with a full edge-to-edge AMOLED display. Instead of having a front-facing camera, it uses a flippable rear lens. Want to take a selfie? Just flip the 50-megapixel main camera forward. This way, all photos, including selfies, use the same high-quality lens, unlike most current phones where the front-facing camera is a lower-quality 12 megapixels.
Two Operating Systems in One Device
Another standout feature is its dual operating system setup. One is Android 15, while the other is a custom OS that iKKO says is lightweight and “designed for distraction-free focus.”
This second system highlights productivity and AI-powered tools like instant translation, speech-to-text note-taking, automatic meeting summaries, and even an “AI Study” app that can solve equations just by snapping a picture.
Is This the Future of Smartphones?
iKKO believes the dual OS approach gives people more control over how they spend their time. Users can choose which Android apps to bring into the custom system, essentially creating a personalized “focus mode.”
The company also promises a strong commitment to privacy, saying that the operating systems involve “no listening, data collection or advertising.”
Built-In Global Internet
The Pro version of MindOne takes things a step further. All of iKKO’s AI tools work out of the box in more than 60 countries thanks to a built-in virtual SIM (vSIM) that provides free global internet access. For regular mobile data use, people can either top up the vSIM or insert a traditional SIM card.
A Case With Extras
For those who want more functionality, iKKO has created a snap-on case. It comes with a QWERTY keyboard, a Cirrus Logic CS43198 digital-to-analogue converter for audiophiles, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for high-fidelity sound. The case also doubles as a power bank with its built-in battery.
More Than Just Another Smartphone
iKKO says the MindOne can be your main phone or serve as a simple, distraction-free second device. As the company puts it: “With its ultra-portable form factor, built-in AI connectivity and a philosophy centred around purposeful tech, MindOne is not trying to be the biggest phone – just the smartest, most thoughtful one.”
Based in Shenzhen, iKKO is already known for pushing boundaries in audio, with products like the ActiveBuds earbuds, which featured AI-powered tools, a touchscreen charging case, and even a built-in SIM card for streaming music and making calls without a phone.
Now, with MindOne available for pre-order, iKKO is stepping into the smartphone market with a bold vision, a smaller and smarter device designed around AI and a desire for fewer distractions.
After years of very little change in smartphone design, many in the tech world see this as a sign that the industry might be entering a new era, one where the smartphone as we know it could be completely reimagined or even replaced.
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