I used a minimalist ‘sidephone’ to fix my screen time, but it’s a luxury most can’t afford

Over the last week or so, I’ve been using the Mudita Kompakt as a “sidephone,” or secondary phone.

I’ve settled into a routine where my Kompakt lives in my office and bedroom, while my Google Pixel phone lives downstairs.

This has multiple advantages, from reducing the amount of distractions at my desk to not being limited by the Kompakt’s features when out of the house.

However, the Kompakt was provided to me free of charge by Mudita. While this is standard practice for journalists, most of the time we cover devices that are hotly anticipated (like the new Samsung Galaxy S26).

Mudita isn’t a well-known brand, and unlike Galaxy phones, I’ve never actually seen one in the wild.

That’s not to say it’s a bad phone; I think the Kompakt is brilliant in all aspects.

But it has an inherent problem that made me realize, no matter how good it is, I would never buy one of these phones myself.

A new smartphone can be a significant expense

I tend to replace my daily driver (usually a Google Pixel phone) every two years or so. This is a compromise between staying up to date on the latest Android hardware and buying a new phone every year.

Yes, I take advantage of trade-in deals and offers, but I still struggle to afford a brand-new Android flagship each time they roll around.

There are multiple factors at play here, from the cost of living to the rising prices of smartphones, but the fact of the matter is that I can’t afford much beyond the core Android devices I need.

The times when I splurge are when I discover something truly exciting, as was the case when I bought Pebble’s new smart ring and smartwatch after viewing them at CES 2026.

These wearables didn’t replace my existing devices (I haven’t worn my Pixel Watch for over a year, and I’ve never owned a smart ring), and were from a brand whose mission I fully support.

But while I was happy to spend money on these Pebble devices, I would not have bought a Mudita Kompakt. Here’s why.

Mudita’s devices aren’t cheap, even though they’re worth it

It’s a high price just to build a healthier digital life

I want to preface this section by wholeheartedly recommending the Mudita Kompakt. It’s a stunning achievement, blending minimalist design with practical features.

However, the major catch is that it can’t replace your smartphone in today’s world.

When I tried it out at CES 2026, I was told by Aliaksandr Karovin, Mudita’s Head of Mobile & Software Project Management, that the device was never designed to replace your smartphone.

This makes sense because a sad fact of today’s life is that a smartphone is almost necessary to get by. However, not everyone can afford a sidephone.

The Mudita Kompakt costs $400. That’s as much as one of the best mid-range Android phones, which are frequently on sale.

However, when I have to calculate my monthly spending to stay up to date on taxes, bills, and rent, I know that I couldn’t afford to spend this money on another phone.

The Mudita Kompakt has helped me improve my relationship with my devices, but I couldn’t afford it.

This is the biggest problem with the Kompakt: it’s beautiful, effective, and I’m in love with it. But it’s a luxury device that most people won’t pick up because of the price.

Everything but your smartphone is unnecessary

Most accessories and wearables are luxury items

I think that the only portable device you need in your life is last year’s smartphone.

Yes, there are fitness and health benefits to smartwatches, but unlike our phones, they aren’t required for everyday interactions.

Organizations now assume everyone is carrying a smartphone, and even actions like viewing menus at some restaurants are impossible without one.

Thus, I categorize smartwatches, smart rings, and other similar devices as luxury items.

Here’s the thing, though. I believe buying a Mudita Kompakt would benefit you more than buying the latest Apple Watch.

But unlike Apple, Mudita cannot rely on the same brand image to help customers overcome the roadblocks to buying a Kompakt.

Despite its chunky, retro appearance, the Kompakt is a luxury device. But it doesn’t have luxury appeal.

Carrying the latest iPhone is a clear social signal that you can afford it; it’s a significant driver towards sales.

But carrying a Kompakt signals nothing, as few people are aware of the brand, let alone the phone.

I want Mudita to succeed in its mission, but it’s got a long way to go

I adore my Kompakt. It’s an awesome device, but it’s so hard to talk about.

While people will engage with conversations about digital health and screen time on a superficial level, turning these talks into reality is a colossal effort.

The most obvious barrier to picking up a device like the Kompakt is cost, which is where most discussions with my friends broke down.

I want to see Mudita expand its reach and ride the rising wave of digital detoxing to greater success, but I can’t see this happening when its flagship device costs $400.

But hey, if you have that money to spare, and you waste hours doomscrolling on your phone, I wholeheartedly recommend picking one up. It’s the coolest minimalist smartphone you can find.

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