Yotaphone: This one never sleeps

While you are reading this, I want you to flip your smartphone and observe what you see. Most of us have swanky back covers, logos from brands that sell sometimes because of the logos itself. If not these, then we have the camera lens and a morbid flash staring right at us.

What if you had another screen? That is what the Yotaphone brings to the smartphone party.

The always-on display
Let's focus straight on the Yotaphone's USP: The back screen that never turns off. The back screen is the Yotaphone's second screen that uses the electronic paper technology. Now this screen never turns off - even when you are out of battery.

The notifications system on the phone is pretty good, especially on the back screen. Notifications (incoming or missed calls, messages, emails and so on) first appear big and then retreat to the bottom of the back screen after some time.

The back screen comes with a wallpaper. Moreover, you can get the stuff that is on your front screen (4.3-inch) to the back screen. It's pretty easy : You use two fingers to swipe down from the top on the front screen and presto! - the content on the front screen is replicated on the back. You can not only use the back screen to read e-books, but also store valuable info such as maps, images and so on. And there are a few interactive touches that make sure you don't get 'bored' looking at the grey screen. You start the camera app on the main screen, and meanwhile the back screen displays a message asking to smile for the camera. The phone also attaches a matching picture to any message you receive.

Design and OS
The Yotaphone runs on Android 4.2.2. It is backed by a 1.7GHz dual core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and 2GB RAM. It comes with an in-built storage of 32GB. You will notice a curved design on the phone that surprisingly has a good grip. But the placement of the power key is awkward. In fact, it is merged with the SIM tray. Another talking point will be the battery (1,800 mAh). On initial usage, the battery managed to last for a day.

Swipe, not touch
Instead of the traditional buttons, the Yotaphone comes with a touch area both on the front and back. We wouldn't call the interface and swipe system tricky, but it will take time for users to get used to it. We recommend that you take the tutorial on the phone first.

Camera: A mixed reaction
The Yotaphone comes with a 13-megapixel (MP) rear camera and a 1MP front cam. The picture output on the Yotaphone was not what we expected from a 13MP snapper. Also, the rear camera's placement is just not right.

At Rs 23,499, the Yotaphone is a bit overpriced. Take nothing away from this nice piece of innovation, but it remains to be seen if the "world's first dual-screen, always-on smartphone" can work its magic in the Indian markets.
YOTAPHONE

• Always-on display: Electronic paper display technology; 4.3"; 640 x 360
• Battery: 1,800 mAh
• Colour display: 4.3 inches
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400, 1.7GHz dual core
• RAM: 2GB
• Internal storage: 32GB
• Camera: Rear: 13 MP, front: 1 MP
• Operating System: Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
• Price: Rs 23,499