There’s no lack of so-called minimal phones. Phones that let you do what you’re supposed to do with a phone instead of getting distracted. But the new kid on the minimal-phone block, the Brax Wink, takes a different approach from the Sidephone, Minimal Phone, and Light Phone we have seen so far. It touts modularity like the Sidephone as one of its “superpowers,” but it also makes privacy a central part of the package. Less time feeding the algorithm, fewer things feeding it your data.
The Wink runs BraxOS, a de-Googled, open-source version of Android. According to Brax, there are no Google accounts, Google Play Services, built-in trackers, ads, or vendor analytics. You choose between Omni mode for installing Android apps and Zero mode for essentials such as calls, messages, encrypted messaging, and navigation. Changing your mind later requires a factory reset. So, perhaps give that decision more thought than your usual “accept all” routine.
Up top is a physical privacy switch. You configure which functions it controls, including the mobile network, microphones, camera, location, and sensors. One flip applies your chosen restrictions. Importantly, that doesn’t mean every component is physically disconnected: Brax’s support team says disabling happens at the software level or lower, with implementation details still being finalized.
There are also optional data-wiping rules, including a duress password or repeated failed unlock attempts, while calls and messages between Brax users get end-to-end encryption. Privacy features deserve rather more than a checkbox buried beneath seventeen menus.
The hardware looks like something your thumbs might actually enjoy. A detachable QWERTY keyboard sits beneath a 4-inch OLED touchscreen, and its touch-sensitive keys support swipe scrolling. Don’t like a keyboard, or you just need a longer battery life? Just swap out the QWERTY keyboard for a battery module, or do without a module completely for that iKKO MindOne Pro-like all-screen, square touchscreen phone aesthetic.
Listed specifications include a MediaTek MT8875 processor, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, microSD expansion up to 1 TB, a 50 MP rear camera, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and a headphone jack. Battery capacity remains unannounced. Also, de-Googling has trade-offs: some banking apps may refuse to work if they require Google’s integrity checks.
The Brax Wink is available to preorder for US$449 paid upfront, with first-batch shipping planned for July 2027. Alternatively, a US$30 reservation goes toward a US$550 total, with second-batch shipping scheduled for September 2027. The keyboard, USB-C cable, and translucent case are included. Specifications and delivery dates may change; this is a preorder for a device still under development.
Images: Brax Technologies.