Planet Computers has been making smartphones with physical keyboards, unlocked bootloaders and support for Android or Linux software for a few years. I went hands-on with the Gemini PDA at CES 2018 and the Cosmo Communicator at CES 2019.

Now the company is getting ready to ship its third phone. Planet Computer introduced the Astro Slide in March, 2020 and began taking pre-orders through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign that’s raised nearly $1.7 million so far.

The new model is the first Planet Computers device to feature a 5G modem. And it has a new design that makes it easier to use in portrait or landscape modes rather than just landscape – rather than closing like a notebook so that the primary screen is hidden, the Astro Slide has a keyboard that slides out from behind the screen so you can use it in notebook or phone modes.

But the device that will ship to backers isn’t exactly the same as the one that was promised. And it’s going to ship a few months later than planned.

Since announcing the Astro Slide the world was hit with a global pandemic, which led to some delays. Planet Computers CEO Janko Mrsic-Flogel told me during a Zoom call today that the Astro Slide is now set to ship in June, 2021 rather than March. The delay is largely due to COVID-19 related limitations: normally designing a product like this involves getting teams of people together in the same room for long days of collaborative work, but that was not possible for much of 2020.

The other change has to do with the Astro Slide’s spec sheet. Mrsic-Flogel says the good news is that the phone will now ship with 8GB of RAM rather than the promised 6GB and hat the front-facing camera has been upgraded from 5MP to 13MP.

The bad news is that the phone will ship with a MediaTek Dimensity 800 processor rather than a Dimensity 1000 chip as originally promised. According to Mrsic-Flogel, it wasn’t for lack of trying to get the higher-performance chip from MediaTek:

It was best processor at the time, and I really wanted it, but it was not our decision. Our hands were tied. I’m glad that we managed to get A 5G processor.

Mrsic-Flogel indicates that MediaTek told Planet Computers that it couldn’t license the Dimensity 1000 to a small customer. So Mrsic-Flogel says he’s happy that the company was still able to source a 5G processor for the new phone, even if it’s not the one he originally wanted. That will make the Astro Slide one of the first phones (if not the very first) with a physical keyboard to feature 5G support.

In terms of performance, he expects most users won’t see much of a difference between the MediaTek Dimensity 800 and 1000 processors. But the chip downgrade also means losing two features: WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and BLE audio support.

The Astro Slide will also feature a 3,500 mAh battery, which is less than the originally planned 4,000 mAh battery. But since the Dimensity 800 chip is more energy efficient, Mrsic-Flogel expects the phone will still offer all-day battery life.

Update: In response to feedback, the company has decided to stick with a 4,000 mAh battery. 

Some backers of the original crowfunding campaign have already requested refunds due to the spec change, and Mrsic-Flogel says the company has already issued refunds to some of those individuals. But the company will also be holding an Astro Slide 5G first look event for backers on Jan 19th, and he’s hopeful that a Q&A and prototype demo will alleviate some concerns.

In the meantime, the Astro Slide is still up for pre-order for about $644 through Indiegogo’s InDemand platform.

Here’s a run-down of the revised spec sheet:

Display:6.53 inch, 2340 x 1080 pixel
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 800 (4 x Cortex-A76 + 4 X Cortex-A55)
GPU:ARM Mali-G57 MC4
RAM:8GB LPDDR4x
Storage:128GB
Cameras:48MP rear, 13MP front
Speakers:Stereo
Ports:2 x USB-C, 3.5m audio, microSD card slot
Wireless:5G (global), WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, FM radio, GPS, GLONASS
Battery:4,000 mAh
Charging:10W Wireless + fast charging (wired)
Biometrics:Fingerprint sensor (on side of phone)
Keyboard:Backlit, slide-out, mechanical, with support for 24 language layouts
Dimensions:164mm x 76.6mm x 15mm
Weight:300 grams

Mrsic-Flogel also notes that the plan is to ship the Astro Slide with Android 11 software, but the bootloader will be unlocked or unlockable and when the first prototypes are manufactured in March, some will be sent to members of the mobile Linux development community in the hopes of enabling support for operating systems like Debian and Ubuntu Touch.

Early community build of Ubuntu Touch on a Planet Computer device

There’s no guarantee that GNU/Linux distributions for the Astro Slide will be ready for the general public by the time the phone ships to backers in June. But if they’re not, then Planet Computers hopes to make Linux images available for download at some point in the future as it’s done for the Cosmo Communicator and Gemini PDA.

The company is also updating some of its own Android applications to work better on the new phone. Since previous Planet Computers devices were meant to be used primarily in landscape orientation, the company’s calendar, email, and note-taking apps didn’t need a portrait mode, but they will have one for the new device.

Planet Computers is also introducing a new Planet Backup application that will provide a way for users to backup and restore their data locally or to a remote server without relying on Google or other third-party cloud services. The app will be compatible with the previous-gen Cosmo Communicator as well as the Astro Slide, which could come in handy for users that want to upgrade from one phone to the other.

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21 replies on “Planet Computers Astro Slide 5G smartphone coming in June (following a spec change and pandemic-related delay)”

  1. The image captioned “Early community build of Ubuntu Touch on the Astro Slide 5G” pretty clearly shows it running on Cosmo/Gemini hardware, not Astro. (The hinge looks completely different),

  2. Does anyone know if the keyboard can be thumb typed (while holding in hand) ok or is design more for putting it on a table touch typing?

    1. Yes, can thumb type or use on a desk surface. Designed for both situations.

    2. I think I could probably thumb type with this just fine, although people with very small hands might have trouble reaching some of the keys in the middle of the board.

    3. The physical keyboard can be thumb-typed with two hands, but not with one. The Astro, when closed, will presumably have an on-screen touch keyboard for one-haded thumbing.

  3. small crap kiiboards are asking for carpal tunnel. this is 2121 folks, key travel

  4. I think that is an interesting smart phone / ‘laptop’ combo. It reminds me of the Psion devices. It will be interesting to read more about it.

    1. One reason is that Martin Riddiford, who designed the Psion designed the Gemini, Cosmo, and now the Astro….

      🙂

  5. Planet is great at floating new hardware ideas. Just remember that what you see is what you get, and that’s all you get. If you expect software updates and bug fixes, do yourself a favour and talk to existing Gemini and Cosmo owners first.

    1. OK, ask me…. 🙂

      I had a Gemini and now I have a Cosmo….

      There have been multiple software updates and bug fixes for each device.

      Planet has responded to emails I have sent them regarding questions.

      Mark

    2. True.

      My Cosmo sits in a drawer. A bug that planet introduced in an update prevents the frontscreenfrom keeping the phone unlocked.

      In practical use, any time Icall my voicemail the front screen will not allow me to enter my pin. If you want to switch to speakerphone too bad without opening it.

      Powersave is also very broken.

    3. I got a Gemini when it came out, and I’m pleased with the support from Planet. I still use it every day.

  6. I’m really interested in this 5G model. I’m hoping to see it sold on some kind of traditional online store after crowdfunding.

    1. Planet Computer has their own website and online shop.

      At some point, I assume they will list it there. Similar to what they did after fulfilling most of the Indiegogo backer perks for their Gemini and Cosmo models.

      1. Hmmm maybe you should check the IGG, there are STILL Cosmo backers that have gotten nothing.

        1. I’m very aware of IGG as I backed Cosmo and Gemini….

          From what I can tell, there’s probably on a handful of people that have not received their Cosmo now.

          1. From what I can tell, there’s probably on a handful of people that have not received their Cosmo now.

            And you view that as acceptable with the IGG closed and Planet off to another device?

            That is buyer beware.

        2. If you do the math, PC has sent out over 99% of the Cosmos before ‘running off’….that it’s probably about 0.1 % that are still waiting.

          I do feel sorry for the remaining few people still waiting and PC should refund them or send them a Cosmo. And from what I read they did some people a Cosmo, with a different keyboard than person originally requested.

          You can’t expect PC to have production run of one or two keyboards in an uncommon language at this point nor can you expect any company to not think about and prepare for their next product if they want to have any chance to stay in business long-term.

    2. Looks fantastic! Just the type of phone I want! Perhaps it’s time to jump on this time.

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