I usually test flagship phones, like the Nubia Z70 Ultra, which push boundaries with the latest technology. That’s why I was excited to test the minimalist Mudita Kompakt, which does the opposite and offers basic features to reduce users’ screen time. I think of it as an anti-smartphone device for people wanting to break away from their screens and upgrade their privacy. It achieves this with a smooth Kindle-like E Ink display, basic features, like calls and SMS messages, and a handful of pre-installed apps.

The Kompakt runs on a custom operating system with no connection to Google or other corporations seeking to track our activities or collect our data. There is no internet browser or app store, and even the maps function offline. It’s also the only phone I’ve come across that features a hardware-level switch to disable connectivity and ensure privacy. I used the Mudita Kompakt for two weeks, and here’s what I think about it.

Brand

Mudita

SoC

Quad-core MediaTek MT6761V/WBA

Display

4.3-inch

RAM

3GB

The Mudita Kompakt is a privacy-focused phone that helps you focus by eliminating distractions.

Pros & Cons

• Unrivalled privacy
• Outstanding battery life
• Quality design

• Polarizing features
• Pricey

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Price, availability, and specs

Unusual features

The Mudita Kompact features a clean, all-white body with rounded edges that mimics the simplicity of the software. Its 4.3-inch E Ink display offers 800×480 resolution and is surrounded by a thick black bezel that breaks up the color and includes the navigation keys.

Most modern phones have distinctive camera arrays, but the Kompakt maintains its clean design with a single 8MP camera embedded into the body. It’s accompanied by dual flash LEDs that also serve as a flashlight, offering warm or cool lighting. The Kompact’s plastic body is thicker than most smartphones at 0.5 inches and has a solid feel with no signs of flex. The controls will be familiar to most users, with the power and volume controls on the right. On the left is the SIM card tray and the privacy switch, which I’ll get to later.

The Kompact’s SD card reader and 3.5mm audio port are a rare combination these days. I think the SD card reader is a must-have on a privacy-focused phone for users to upgrade their storage without relying on the cloud. They can then remove sensitive data at their discretion and restore it later, if needed. The 3.5mm audio port is handy for music lovers who’d rather stick to their favorite wired headphones, or connect external speakers.

Mudita takes privacy seriously, and the privacy switch is one of the Kompakt’s signature features. It slides up and down with a satisfactory click and disables the GSM signal, microphones, camera, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. When activated, the phone is effectively off the grid and a blessing for security-conscious users who want to keep their lives private from prying ears and eyes.

Under the hood is a Quad-core MediaTek MT6761V/WBA processor, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage space. This might not sound impressive on paper, but it delivers smooth performance when running the custom OS. Mudita OS K consists of a handful of apps compared to its Android-based counterparts and requires less power. That’s the whole point of the phone, and Mudita makes a point of advertising the Kompact as “de-googled” so you are assured that you aren’t being tracked and none of your data is being collected. Everything is powered by a 3300 mAh lithium-polymer battery, which offers an incredible six days of standby time and supports both USB-C and wireless charging.

I loved the interface’s simplicity and lack of clutter. The home screen displays the date, battery level, and other essential information, along with shortcuts to the phone, SMS, and apps. Instead of having numerous windows, the single-page app menu features 12 apps, including Calculator, Maps, and Music Player, in a grid format. The settings are easily accessible via a dropdown menu, which includes shortcuts to the torch, brightness, and audio settings.

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What I like about the Mudita Kompact

A breath of fresh air

Until I started using the Kompact, I didn’t realize how much I was tethered to my phone. It sits beside my desk while I’m working, and I’m constantly checking my emails or typing articles in Google Docs when I’m on the move. I use my phone to listen to podcasts and music while driving, and can’t do without my workout and entertainment apps in my free time. My plan to unhook myself from my phone involved using my laptop for work and personal apps, and using the Kompact while on the road or away from my desk.

The first day or two were challenging because I kept reaching for my phone instinctively and felt disappointed when I couldn’t access YouTube or Spotify. Things got easier after that, and I soon began to appreciate my newfound freedom. My life changed because there were now clear boundaries between my work and private life. Not having distracting apps on my phone opened up free time, which I didn’t think I had. It slowed the pace of my life, and I began reading books and taking daily walks with my daughter. Overall, I appreciate that the Kompakt works as advertised and offers a viable alternative for users seeking to disconnect from their screens and enhance their privacy.

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What I don’t like about the Mudita Kompact

Not for everyone

I think the Kompact’s all-or-nothing philosophy is polarizing and can be either an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on how you look at it. I enjoyed my freedom away from notifications because I could always access my PC. On the other hand, I’m unsure if I could permanently manage without email, the internet, and other features if it were my only device or if I was away on a long trip.

The Kompakt costs over $400, and I couldn’t help but think of the features I’d get from a similarly priced Samsung or Motorola. Yes, it has top-notch build quality, and the custom OS probably costs more to develop, but I still feel that its basic functionality would be more appealing at around half the price. That said, time is money, and the Kompakt could be worth the investment if it helps you disconnect from your screen and focus on other things that matter.

Should you buy the Mudita Kompact?

If you want to reduce screen time

This is a difficult question to answer because the Kompact is a unique phone for a niche audience. Mainstream buyers will likely prefer a regular smartphone, but the Kompact is ideal for individuals who prefer simplicity and fewer distractions in their lives. Privacy is a huge selling point of the Kompact, and it’s worth it for those who don’t want to be tracked or have their data harvested. After a rocky start, the Kompakt grew on me, and I’ll be happy to use it going forward because of the peace it brings me.

Brand

Mudita

SoC

Quad-core MediaTek MT6761V/WBA

Display

4.3-inch

RAM

3GB

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