Innovation and creativity are key drivers in the tech industry, and smartphones are no exception. Design is a crucial aspect of any smartphone, as it not only impacts the aesthetics of the device but also its functionality. In this article, we’ll explore ten phones with weird designs that have caught people’s attention over the years, along with their inspiration, designer, criticism, and reception.
1. Nokia 7600
The Nokia 7600 was released in 2003 and featured a unique teardrop-shaped design with a circular keypad. The design was inspired by a cosmetic compact, and the phone was created to appeal to fashion-conscious consumers. The designer of the phone was Frank Nuovo, who was known for his innovative and daring designs.
The phone’s design was met with mixed reviews, with some people loving its unique look, while others found it impractical and uncomfortable to hold. Nonetheless, the phone became a cult favorite and is still remembered today for its distinctive design.
2. Kyocera Echo
The Kyocera Echo was released in 2011 and was a dual-screen phone that featured two touchscreens that could be used together or independently. The inspiration for the phone’s design came from the Nintendo DS, and it was designed to appeal to gamers.
The phone was met with criticism for its bulky design and lack of practicality. However, it was still considered an innovative concept and was praised for its potential in gaming and multitasking. The phone’s designer was Nakamura Toshifumi, who was known for his work in the mobile phone industry.
3. Nokia 3650
The Nokia 3650 was released in 2002 and featured a circular keypad and an unconventional navigation pad. The phone was inspired by a pebble and was designed to be comfortable to hold.
The phone was criticized for its unusual design, which some users found difficult to use. However, it was still considered an innovative phone and was one of the first to feature a built-in camera. Its designer was Alastair Curtis, who worked on several other Nokia devices.
4. Motorola V70
The Motorola V70 was released in 2002 and featured a unique rotating design that flipped open in a different way than most flip phones. The inspiration for the phone’s design came from a makeup compact.
The phone was met with mixed reviews, with some users praising its unique design, while others found it impractical. The phone’s designer was Satoshi Saito, who worked on other Motorola devices.
5. Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness
The Sony Ericsson Xperia Pureness was released in 2009 and featured a transparent display. The inspiration for the phone’s design came from a diamond.
The phone was criticized for its lack of practicality, as the transparent display made it difficult to read in certain lighting conditions. However, it was still considered an innovative phone and was praised for its unique design. Its designer was Johan Sandstrom, who worked on other Sony Ericsson devices.
6. Samsung Galaxy Round
The Samsung Galaxy Round was released in 2013 and featured a curved display. The inspiration for the phone’s design came from a bracelet.
The phone was met with mixed reviews, with some users praising the curved display for its unique look and improved functionality, while others found it impractical. The phone’s designer was Lee Min-hyuk, who worked on other Samsung devices.
7. LG G Flex
The LG G Flex was released in 2013 and featured a curved display and body. The inspiration for the phone’s design came from the human body, specifically the shape of the spine.
The phone was well-received for its innovative design and features, including its self-healing back cover. Its designer was Chul Bae Lee, who worked on other LG devices.
8. Nokia N-Gage
The Nokia N-Gage was released in 2003 and featured a unique design that combined a phone and a gaming console. The inspiration for the phone’s design came from the popular Game Boy Advance.
The phone was met with criticism for its unconventional design and difficult-to-use controls. However, it was still considered an innovative concept and was praised for its potential in the gaming industry. The phone’s designer was Alastair Curtis, who worked on several other Nokia devices.
9. LG Wing
The LG Wing features a unique swivel design that allows the phone’s screen to rotate 90 degrees, revealing a smaller, secondary screen beneath. The phone’s design was inspired by the swiveling doors found in luxury cars, and LG aimed to create a device that would enable users to multitask more efficiently.
The phone has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its innovative design, while others have criticized its clunky form factor and limited app compatibility.
10. Essential Phone
The Essential Phone was designed by Android co-founder Andy Rubin and features a distinctive edge-to-edge screen that wraps around the phone’s front-facing camera. The phone’s design was inspired by the desire to create a device that was simple and elegant, with no unnecessary frills. The phone received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its sleek design, while others criticized its high price tag and lack of features.
In conclusion, the tech industry is constantly pushing the boundaries of design, and smartphones are no exception. The phones on this list demonstrate that innovative designs can be both praised and criticized, and that there is always room for experimentation and creativity in the industry. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what weird and wonderful designs are yet to come.
