This modern Android smartphone has a full-size slide-out keyboard and costs $649

Meet the F(x)tec Pro1, a modern Android smartphone which features a full-size slide-out keyboard similar to handsets like the HTC Shift and the Nokia E7 from a bygone era. This new device is the vision of a startup, which is now in the process of taking pre-orders for this handset.

F(x)tech originally evolved from the Livermorium project, which originally envisioned a Keyboard Mod for Moto Z-series handsets. While the keyboard-attaching smartphone accessory never materialized, this time F(x)tech is set to achieve their goal of "bringing back what's missing and making it better."

The F(x)tec Pro1 features a 6-inch AMOLED curved display with a 2160 x 1080 pixel resolution. the keyboard slides out from under the screen and creates a 150-degree angle for "optimal typing and viewing experience" on both productivity and the content consumption. The manufacturer claims that the hinge mechanism is more robust and solid than a "regular" slider, which there is no way of confirming until we can put this handset to the test.

Other specs include 128GB of internal storage, dual (12MP+5MP) rear cameras, an 8MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture, dual nano SIM/microSD card support, USB Type-C connectivity, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 3200mAh battery and a somewhat outdated Snapdragon 835 chipset with 6GB of RAM. You also get Android 9 Pie out of the box, which is a nice treat.

The F(x)tec Pro1 will come unlocked with support for both GSM and CDMA networks on "the majority of carriers in Europe and North America."

The manufacturer is pricing the F(x)tec Pro1 at $649, which isn't a bad price when you compare it against handsets like the Apple iPhone XR or Samsung Galaxy S10e. However, it doesn't make sense that it costs more than the OnePlus 6T which offers 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.

In order to entice pre-orders, your F(x)tech purchase will include a "limited edition" earphones and a Pro1 case valued at $30. After their pre-orders are met, the company plans to launch the F(x)tec Pro1 to the public in a traditional manner rather than going through a crowdfunding phase.

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