Phones have grown up and stretched. The iKKO MindOne goes against the grain: a box measuring 86 × 72 × 8.9 mm, just a little wider than a credit card, but still a full-fledged Android phone. The idea is simple — less screen, more focus — and surprisingly ambitious: two environments (full Android and “pure” iKKO AI OS), a main camera that switches to selfie, and a body with a real keyboard and a real 3.5-mm output.
iKKO MindOne tries to shrink a smartphone to the size of a coin pocket without leaving out the “big” things: a 4.02-inch almost square AMOLED, a 50 MP rotating Sony camera, a dual operating system (Android 15 and the minimalist iKKO AI OS), and a hinged case with QWERTY keyboard, Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC and an extra battery. The Kickstarter campaign has already surpassed $1 million; first deliveries are not expected until late 2025, so we remain cautious.
What is MindOne and why is it different?
On the front of the iKKO MindOne is 4.02-inch AMOLED, almost square, so most apps appear with edges or in a custom ratio — it's not for everyone, but that's the charm. The base model is said to have tempered glass, Pro well sapphire and edges that are designed for better impact resistance.
Two worlds: Android 15 and iKKO AI OS
iKKO MindOne powered by Android 15 with Google Mobile Services (i.e. without inventing app stores), and in addition to it, iKKO AI OS — a lean environment with built-in translation, transcription, and summarization tools. Switching between them is handled by hardware, according to iKKO, while TechRadar mentions physical button; in an early test Notebookcheck also describes switching via a shortcut in the power menu. The manufacturer promises three big ones Android upgrades and five years security fixes. Ambitious, but also necessary in 2025.
Connectivity: 4G+ instead of 5G, vSIM and free AI data
iKKO consciously avoided 5G and stayed with 4G+ LTE, with the argument of lower consumption, less heating and more stable roaming. More interesting is the double layer of virtual cards: NovaLink brings free data access for embedded AI tools in 60+ regions, paid vSIM and unlocks the entire internet in 140+ countriesFor classic users, there is also nano-SIMNote for digital nomads: hotspot sharing is not enabled via NovaLink, but is enabled via vSIM.
Machine base and battery
Inside the iKKO MindOne ticking MediaTek MT8781 (Helio G99 family), 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. Battery with 2200 mAh It doesn't shine on paper, but the screen is also small, so iKKO is targeting "all-day" moderate usage. Both sound reasonable for a "less is more" format — until you get into gaming or all-night streaming.
A camera that flips for selfies
Main module with 50MP Sony sensors 1/1,56″, opening f/1.88 and OIS you rotate 180°, so it's both a rear and front camera. Fewer cutouts, better selfies and video calls without compromise. The Pro version is said to have sapphire glass protecting the lens and front.
The case that brings back the keys — and brings back Hi-Fi
The most fun addition is snap-in QWERTY case: physical, angled keys (yes, BlackBerry nostalgia), Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC with 3.5 mm connections and additional 500mAh batteries. The keyboard works plug-and-play with Gboard, without pairing or self-charging, and the case also supports magnetic MagSafe/Qi2 accessories. For audiophiles, this is a more elegant solution than USB-C “dongles.”
Price, availability and the reality of crowdfunding
The Kickstarter campaign has already exceeded $1 million. Early packages moved around $369 for MindOne Pro (introductory $299 went), the retail price should be $499 USDBut the real date is more important: both GadgetMatch and Notebookcheck list end of 2025 (November/December) as a framework for the first shipments, at Notebookcheck even December 2025 “first.” As always with crowdfunding: until the courier rings, the functions are promises.
Who is MindOne suitable for?
For minimalists who are tired of “shovels”. For travelers who value global vSIM solutions more than 5G speed records. For creators and video callers who want selfies with the main camera. And for audiophiles who are tired of dongles and want says DAC on the phone.
Specifications in brief:
- Housing: 86 × 72 × 8.9 mm; approximately the size of a credit card.
- Display: 4.02″ AMOLED, ~square; 60 Hz; FHD‑class; DC Dimming (reportedly).
- OS: dual — Android 15 (with GMS) + iKKO AI OS; button/shortcut switching; promise of 3 major upgrades + 5 years of security.
- Camera: 50 MP Sony 1/1.56″, f/1.88, OIS; 180° rotatable module.
- Chip/RAM/Storage: MediaTek MT8781 (Helio G99 family), 8 GB, 256 GB.
- Connectivity: 4G+ LTE; NovaLink (free AI data in 60+ regions), vSIM (full internet in 140+ countries), nano-SIM.
- Battery: 2200 mAh in the phone + 500 mAh in the keyboard case.
- Supplement: QWERTY + Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC + 3.5 mm output; MagSafe/Qi2 compatibility.
Conclusion: iKKO MindOne
MindOne is rare, a fresh idea in the world of large tiles. It does not compete with the “speci” of the best, but with a concept: a radically compact phone, main-as-selfie camera, focused AI environment and an additional case that meaningfully returns the buttons and wire. If iKKO delivers on build quality, updates and roaming, this could be the most interesting “small big” phone of the year — but until then, we remain healthy skeptics.
