I have it in my hands finally: the Gemini from Planet Computers.
I have been waiting to get hold of this device for nearly 6 months since I first caught wind of it back in November last year. It is a unique product on the market and some may call it niche. They are probably correct in that respect.
Now that I have spent a few days with the device and had a few hours of use (in between the day job), I have been able to form some impressions of the Gemini. Before I get into that though here is the unboxing ..
I am not going to go into to the design of the phone too much here, as that is going to be covered in great detail within the main review. However, there are few stand-out things that I would like to highlight.
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- Planet Logo on the back of Gemini
Firstly, this is a big device for a phone, and those who like things that are thin and light need not apply here. This thing has been built for a purpose and it works very well for that intended function. That is why features such as not having a rear facing camera and not having NFC are a reality here. I don’t mind this as NFC and a rear-facing camera are things that I would not use on a device like this.
However, if you are a road warrior or an email king/queen, you are going to love this device. It is made for entering text as one of its primary roles and it is a beautiful piece of kit to use for that. As an example, I am sitting on a bus back from work, and am writing this article on my knees in relative comfort. The keyboard does take some time to become accustomed to it, but after no time at all, you will be flying without too many issues.
The UI is clean and very fluid, and the App Bar that has been developed by Planet Computers is a nice touch if a bit superfluous for my usage. I suppose I have just become too comfortable using multitasking via the soft keys in Android. Speaking of which, having two windows open side by side is no issue as the screen real estate is there.
In the meantime, here are the specifications for those who are into that sort of thing..
| Gemini PDA (Wifi Only) | Gemini PDA (Wifi + 4G) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Network: | WIFI | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| GSM | – | 850/900/1800/1900MHz | |
| CDMA | – | 850/1900MHz BC0 BC1+ EVDO | |
| WCDMA | – | 900/2100MHz | |
| LTE | – | 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/17/20/41 | |
| VoLTE | – | Compatible | |
| Body: | Form Factor | Wide clamshell | Wide clamshell |
| Dimensions | 17.14(W) x 7.93cm(D) x 1.51(H)cm | 17.14(W) x 7.93cm(D) x 1.51(H)cm | |
| Weight | Approx 320g | Approx 320g | |
| SIM | – | SIM slot + eSIM (ready) | |
| Display: | Type | FHD+ (18:9) | FHD+ (18:9) |
| Size | 5.99inch | 5.99inch | |
| Resolution | 2160×1080, 403ppi | 2160×1080, 403 ppi | |
| Multi Touch | Yes | Yes | |
| Protection | Scratch resistant glass | Scratch resistant glass | |
| Platform: | OS | Android OS, Linux OS (dual-boot) | Android OS, Linux OS (dual-boot) |
| Chipset | Deca Core | Deca Core | |
| CPU | 2x Cortex A72 @2.6GHz 4x Cortex A53 @2.0GHz 4x Cortex A53 @1.6GHz |
2x Cortex A72 @2.6GHz 4x Cortex A53 @2.0GHz 4x Cortex A53 @1.6GHz |
|
| GPU | ARM Mali 875MHz | ARM Mali 875MHz | |
| Memory: | RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Card Slot | microSD | microSD | |
| Internal | 64 GB | 64 GB | |
| Camera: | Front Camera | 5Mp | 5Mp |
| Sound: | Speakers | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers |
| Microphone | Integrated ambient microphone | Integrated ambient microphone | |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes | Yes | |
| Comms: | WLAN | Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | v4.0 | v4.0 | |
| GPS | Yes, with AGPS | Yes, with AGPS | |
| NFC | – | – | |
| USB | 2x USB Type C, OTG support | 2x USB Type C, OTG support | |
| Features: | Keyboard | Mechanical full keyboard | Mechanical full keyboard |
| Voice Assistance | Dedicated button for voice commands | Dedicated button for voice commands | |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, compass, light sensor, gyro, magneto-sensor | Accelerometer, compass, light sensor, gyro, magneto-sensor | |
| Fingerprint | – | – | |
| Battery: | Removable Li-Ion 4220mAh battery | Removable Li-Ion 4220mAh battery | |
| Misc: | Colour | Metal, gold-plated (limited edition) | Metal, gold-plated (limited edition) |
I am pretty chuffed with what I have seen so far with the Gemini. The true test is what the Gemini will be like to live with for an extended period of time. To find out that, you will need to check back here for the full review in a few weeks.
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