Bigme teases world's first smartphone with color e-ink display

Bigme, a small Chinese company, is generating buzz with the teaser of its new smartphone, the HiBreak Dual. This device reportedly boasts the world's first combination of a color e-ink display and a traditional LCD screen in a single device.

Unique dual-screen concept

One side of the phone features a standard LCD for everyday activities like watching videos, browsing social media, and playing games. Flip it over, and you gain a color e-ink panel optimized for reading, checking notifications, and reducing eye strain, much like Kindle e-readers.

E-Ink Technology, though slow to refresh, is far more comfortable for prolonged screen time and sips battery power compared to OLED or LCD screens. The HiBreak Dual allegedly employs E-Ink's Kaleido 3 Technology, potentially allowing for vibrant color displays on its e-ink side.

Bigme's track record raises concerns

While the concept is intriguing, there are significant reservations. Bigme has not disclosed specifications, pricing, or a release date for the HiBreak Dual. The company is even asking the public to guess the phone's processor and Android version, hardly inspiring confidence.

Furthermore, Bigme's history of software issues and limited global availability for its products raise further flags. The company's recently released HiBreak Plus, a single-screen color e-ink phone, costs $249 and ships from China with limited international support.

Despite these concerns, the idea of a dual-screen phone with e-ink has merit. Reducing screen time and promoting more comfortable reading habits are pressing issues. If a major manufacturer like Samsung, Google, or Xiaomi were to adopt this concept, it could lead to a compelling product. However, until then, it's best to approach the HiBreak Dual with skepticism, especially for international buyers.