I've been observing the trend of minimalist phones with a keen interest. The goal? To offer a less addictive smartphone experience while keeping you connected. At CES 2026, I encountered the Mudita Kompakt, and honestly, it's the first of its kind that has genuinely piqued my interest.

The Mudita Kompakt, as you'd expect, is a simple device. It boasts a 4.3-inch e-ink touchscreen, a headphone jack (yes, they still exist!), IP54 dust/water resistance, 32GB of storage (expandable), and a battery that promises up to six days of life. It made a solid first impression! The plastic casing feels both comfortable and robust, and the screen size is perfect for one-handed use.

What really caught my attention was the physical switch on the side. Flip it, and it cuts off the phone's GSM and microphones at a hardware level. Plus, it disables Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the cameras. Mudita calls this "Offline+ Mode," and I think it's a brilliant feature for a phone like this. It gives you real control over your connectivity.

Software and Sideloading

The software is also impressive. The Mudita Kompakt runs MuditaOS, a custom operating system based on a de-Googled version of Android. This means you get a clean experience without the constant data tracking.

The main screen is simple and straightforward, showing you the time, date, and shortcuts to essential apps like phone, texts, alarm, calculator, calendar, e-reader, music player, and maps. While the pre-installed apps are useful, the real kicker is the ability to sideload other Android apps.

During my brief hands-on, the Kompakt had WhatsApp and Spotify sideloaded. Spotify ran a little slow due to the e-ink display, but it worked without major issues. I could navigate, scroll, and play music. I think that's a fair compromise!

I like that you can't just install anything you want. You need to connect the phone to a computer and use Mudita's desktop app to sideload apps. That extra step is a welcome barrier against impulsive app installations, forcing you to think about what you really need.

After just 20 minutes with the Mudita Kompakt, I'm convinced it's the first minimalist phone I could genuinely use. It feels great, the e-ink display is pleasant, the software is clean, and the sideloading functionality seals the deal.

The Mudita Kompakt is available now for $439, offered in black, white, and gray.