BigMe HighBreak introduces a unique innovation—a smartphone equipped with an E-Ink screen. This Android device stands out with its color E-Ink display, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional screens. Let’s take a deep dive into this innovative device, its features, and how it performs in real-world use.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The BigMe HighBreak comes in a well-packaged parcel, complete with a silicone case for protection. Upon unboxing, the device is an intriguing sight, especially for those familiar with the history of E-Ink technology. E-Ink screens have been around for a while, especially in e-readers, but the HighBreak introduces them to the smartphone world.
This model offers a color E-Ink display, and though there’s a black-and-white version available, I opted for the color variant. E-Ink technology was first popularized by the YotaPhone, a dual-screen device from Russia, but despite the initial hype, it didn’t quite gain traction due to developer and consumer support issues. After YotaPhone ceased production, HiSense emerged with a similar model. However, BigMe now seems to be leading the pack, with its more advanced screen and strong focus on offering E-Ink displays in smartphones.
The E-Ink Screen Explained
For those unfamiliar with E-Ink screens, they work quite differently compared to traditional displays. In regular LCD or OLED screens, pixels are made up of RGB subpixels, with each individual pixel modulating its brightness to display various colors. E-Ink displays, on the other hand, use a mechanical process. The screen is essentially made up of pigment-filled microcapsules that shift in response to an electric charge, resulting in a more “static” display. This makes the screen easier on the eyes, especially for extended reading or viewing in bright sunlight.
BigMe’s HighBreak uses the Koo Plus (or Koo V2) color E-Ink screen, which offers a decent 1440 x 720 resolution. While this isn’t Full HD, it’s more than enough for basic use cases, especially since E-Ink displays excel in static visuals like reading text. That said, the colors are more subdued compared to standard displays, and while you can view 50,000 colors, the screen’s refresh rate is limited to 20-25Hz, which makes fast-moving visuals, such as videos, a less-than-ideal experience.
Hardware and Build
The HighBreak is lightweight and has a slightly dated design, with a plastic back that mimics leather. The device isn’t overly large, being just a bit bigger than the iPhone 14, and feels comfortable to hold. It features a 13MP main camera, which takes decent photos but lacks AI processing. The phone also includes GPS support and the basic sensors you’d expect from an Android smartphone.
However, one of the most important things to note is the lack of a headphone jack. While many users may be moving to wireless audio, this means that those relying on wired headphones will need a USB-C to analog adapter.
Performance and Usability
The performance of the HighBreak is relatively modest, powered by the MediaTek Helio P35 chipset, which handles everyday tasks like reading, browsing, and messaging without issue. However, it is by no means a powerhouse. Games, particularly those that require intensive graphics, are not ideal for this device, especially given the E-Ink display’s limited refresh rate.
The touchscreen only supports two simultaneous presses at a time, which is typical for E-Ink devices but may be limiting for users used to more responsive touchscreens. Furthermore, while the HighBreak supports a microSD card slot for up to 1TB of additional storage, it only has 128GB of built-in storage, with around 104GB usable.
Battery life is one of the HighBreak’s standout features. With a 3,300mAh battery, the device easily lasts about three days on a single charge, thanks to the E-Ink screen’s minimal power consumption. However, it only supports wired charging and lacks wireless charging support.
Software and Interface
Running Android 11, the HighBreak offers a near-stock Android experience, with a few additions. The device is pre-loaded with BigMe-specific apps, including an AI feature, though its usefulness may be limited at this stage. The custom launcher provides a sleek, minimalistic interface that harks back to older PDA devices, which many users may find nostalgic. Despite some minor quirks in the user interface, like the misalignment of navigation buttons initially, the device has been getting better through software updates.
While the HighBreak does not support NFC, it can still access Google Play Store apps and run most common Android applications without issue. The device works globally with various networks and supports 4G connectivity, so users won’t have trouble using it for voice calls, text messages, or mobile data.
The Use Case: A Phone for Readers
So, who is the BigMe HighBreak for? In my experience, this device works best as a work phone or as a dedicated reading device. The E-Ink screen is perfect for reading text-based content like emails, messages, documents, and even books. It’s ideal for people who read a lot, whether it’s business news, ebooks, or even PDFs.
That said, the device falls short for more media-centric use cases. Video streaming and gaming are not its strong suit, and users looking for a high-performance smartphone should look elsewhere. However, if you’re someone who values battery life, minimal eye strain, and ease of reading, this device can be a game-changer.
The only downside for me personally was the lack of dual SIM support. This is a crucial feature for anyone juggling both personal and work phones. BigMe is working on a HighBreak Pro model that will include dual SIM support, and I’m looking forward to upgrading when that happens.
Final Thoughts: A Love-Hate Device
The BigMe HighBreak is certainly a “love or hate” device. It’s not going to replace your main phone, and it’s definitely not the most powerful or feature-packed smartphone on the market. But if you’re looking for a device with an E-Ink screen that excels at reading and offers solid battery life, it’s an excellent option.
Its focus on reading, coupled with its extended standby time, makes it a great work companion, especially for people who want to keep their personal and professional lives separate. As long as you’re okay with its limitations, like the low refresh rate and lack of dual SIM, the HighBreak is an intriguing choice.
Overall, this device is a niche but innovative offering in the smartphone world. With potential improvements in future models, it could carve out a strong spot for those who prioritize text-based tasks, battery life, and unique technology.