Seriously considering returning my Kompakt

Other
1

After two full days with my Kompakt I’m seriously considering returning it.

After so many great reviews I think it would be fair to add a mixed one (which is honest and comes from someone who really wanted this to work).

Let’s see how it goes :slight_smile:

On the bright side the device itself looks great, reminds me of early small Samsungs like the Galaxy mini, all plastic but with a nice feeling to it, the screen also seems sturdy, and it’s eink, which is perfect for my needs. Also the size of the screen is perfect. You can use it with one hand which is a plus. Having said that, it’s a little bulky. I come from an 2016 iPhone SE (currently using an iPhone 13 mini) and this feels huge. I know for most people used to modern smartphones it’s not the case for me it really feels big and bulky.

The battery it’s awesome. It arrived on Monday at 77%, today is Thursday and even after an update and using it as hotspot it’s still over 20%. It’s one of the major selling points of the device and understandably so. The Offline+ switch it’s also great tbh, better than silent or airplane mode and just a small gesture away. Having an SD Card slot and 3.5 jack I think is a nice touch too.

Now on the downside, the screen although is great it is eink it’s not a very good one. I have an average 10 year old e-reader and the screen it’s noticeably better. The screen resolution should have been 300 dpi. I’m not even thinking about using it for reading actually (I was thinking about using it for study cards) but even if I would the poor quality of the screen would prevent me from doing so. I honestly don’t think this quality for eink it’s justified today, specially at this price point.

Now… The sound. I honestly don’t understand people saying it sounds great. It simply doesn’t. And this is a big deal for a phone that only wants to do the basics. I tried it in different ways: volte, non-volte, calling via messaging app, with and without loudspeakers, with recorded calls and with music only and to me it’s clear: call quality in the Kompakt is OK at best, and loudspeakers quality sub-par. Again, not justified at this price point imho.

In the other hand, the UX in general I find it lacking. Although the OS runs snappy which I appreciate the implementation of the different apps is not very good. I don’t even know where to start: you don’t have a proper gallery app. As it is now you can do nothing with your pictures except erase them. Not that I wanted to do anything with them but I know if the time comes to send someone a receipt or something for example I wouldn’t be able to do so. I don’t think I can access files natively. The reader also is not working for me, I can only see the pre-installed meditation cards and can do anything other than open them and read them, no option at all whatsoever. Same goes for the Music app: you can see the songs in your SD card in alphabetical order and that’s about it, you cannot move, order or alter anything there. You don’t even have the music sorted by album or folder. I don’t consider this minimalist app features but rather apps lacking in basic features.

The Mudita Center is not working for me (already reported). It seems it’s a problem with Apple compatibility. And I’m sure Apple is not helping but is no excuse not have this not sorted out somehow before start shipping the phones. It tells me there has been limited research on this kind of issues. Bottom line the Mudita Center is almost useless as of now and that is concerning, specially looking back at Pure and realizing that project was abandoned altoguether. I don’t feel very confident what’s gonna happen with MuditaOS K in the future. Right now needs a lot of polishing to say the least, and after 4 years it might as well be abandoned. So, as I said, it doesn’t give much confidence.

So I don’t know honestly. Overall I have mixed feelings about the Kompakt. I wanted it to work, I love the battery life and I like how it feels in the hand (if a bit big), but the poor user experience, the quality of the screen and specially the sub-par sound quality are bugging me honestly.

Hope this review help others make their choices based on their needs :slight_smile:

6 Likes
2

You can go to a conversation in the messages app and hit the picture icon in the left bottom corner to send the picture as MMS

4 Likes
3

Hi There,

You can send pictures through your sms app or whichever messaging app, so i guess that kind of solves the thing you said about sending receipts?

Im having the same feeling about speaker, both when talking with someone and for music, it is less than sub-par, it is worst that i’ve heard in last 15 years.

Screen quality seems good, even though it is 150 ppi (approximately, cant remember exact number now) it looks ok although trying to see anything on the pictures send by my friends is a pain and 50/50 im able to see what they mean when they say “look at this” and thats not because its e-ink, its because of very low resolution, about year 2010 quality.

And the size is very big, i was hoping for a small phone but it is bigger than my iPhone SE 2020 which i was using and i cannot do anything on kompakt with one hand, i need both hands especially for writing…

I dont use mudita connect as i do not see a point in app on my laptop that i would use once, i can just drop the files from explorer like in any other phone ever.

System wise, yeah it is not ready for release. I dont know if any testing was done altogether…
Notifications are totally random regardless of settings, most of settings dont work like keyboard vibration and sounds, GPS doesnt work tested in city and in the middle of the forest, today my alarm didnt ring so i was half hour late for work, unlocking is a pain, checking the time is a pain, putting the phone down needs to be learn how to be done as if i move my finger over the fingerprint scanner it goes back to pin screen… also i no longer see the lockscreen with notifications at all, it dissapeared. Its either locked with logo, stuck at pin screen or unlocked.
Apps being totally basic is an issue aswell, right now there is no point in using those.

Only alternative is minimal phone which is higher cost but im considering the same thing as you…

Also what bothers me alot, they deleted record of me buying this phone from my account on the website so to return it i have to ask them for details first but i already sent them an email 2 days ago and no response which also sounds weird…

I did like it at first but every day i like it less, im considering sending it back aswell.

2 Likes
4

Imo, the screen is fine, I got used to it so fast, I don’t even mind that the edges of the letters are a bit rough.
Have you tried loading an ebook on the Kompakt? The meditation cards are different. When you have an ebook, the text is sharper compared to the cards and you have the option to jump to a location in the book and change the font size. Though still lacking some functions.

I completely agree with the music app part and the Mudita Center, they are missing some basic functions.

1 Like
5

I have an iPhone SE 2022 and the Kompakt lying right next to each other. The iPhone is only slimmer, but in all other ways the Kompakt is smaller.

Another phone alternative can be the BigMe HighBreak Pro (although it is huuuuge, the Minimal Phone too.)

1 Like
6

Kompakt is smaller only in height, it is like 2.5 of iPhone se lying on top of eachother, when phones are lying next to eachother and it is wider especially in a etui… that is an issue for me as when i saw 4.3 inch screen i was hoping for atleast same size as the iPhone SE 4.7 inch screen with big bezels on top and bottom.

Multimedia
Multimedia800×600 46.8 KB

Thats how i used the iPhone, without any etui, and thats how i intend to use Kompakt, with etui.

1 Like
7

I submitted a ticket to return yesterday. I agree with most of what you said.

Good points:

  • European! I have a Boox device to read and browse the internet without hurting my eyes, but wouldn’t want to have my email or messages on it, for various reasons: privacy, not sure if it will be fixed properly if something gets broken, …
  • No big company following my every move.
  • Size: one of the smallest devices on the market that runs a modern operating system. Although I agree it could have been thinner.
  • Battery.
  • Being able to see the screen in daylight.

Things I don’t really care about:

  • I personally made phone calls and listened to voice-only podcasts on speaker and bluetooth earphones and found the sound to be not great but certainly acceptable. I don’t listen to music.
  • I didn’t plan on using any of the built-in apps apart from the phone, text messaging, and camera, so I was not disappointed by missing features.

Acceptable disappointments which may be fixed in future releases:

Acceptable disappointments which cannot be fixed by software updates:

  • As you say, screen resolution could have been better.
  • I like the idea that the offline switch is a hardware feature, but this makes it less customizable. For instance, I would have liked to set it up so that I would get no notifications except phone calls. There is nothing so important that my family should not be able to reach me in emergencies.
  • I would have liked a better camera.

Deal breakers for me at the moment:

Now, both these points breakers can be fixed. And I appreciate that things must be extremely busy at the moment! But that does mean, unfortunately, that within the two weeks I have to evaluate the device and cancel the purchase, it won’t become clear how things pan out. Then I prefer to return it now, and possibly come back in half a year to see how things stand. Because, and I cannot stress this enough, there are so many good points that are so hard to find in other devices: small size, e-ink, privacy-minded, European. As you say, I really want this to work, and I feel like it’s almost there…

3 Likes
8

I don’t mind the screen just because the official set of applications would probably not make much better use of a better screen.
I don’t experience much problem with call quality but I do believe the recorder app is struggling.
Haven’t tested alarm with other alarms to check for time accuracy, that sounds odd. What else I don’t like is when USB tethering shuts down every time you unlock a screen.
The OS and base app set definitely needs improvements quickly. It’s not as bad as modern dumbphone level of undercook, but still.
I don’t know yet if I’m going to return it, it’s easier for me to have it rather than purchasing Minimal or BigMe and trying to get rid of all of the things I don’t want to be able to have…

If you ever get to MK Mk II, consider smaller front frame, same or smaller form-factor (if front frame thinner), higher dpi screen.

1 Like
9

I am sorry to hear, then I feel like this phone might not fit your needs.
It is also a hard comparison, as the iPhone SE 2020 is one of the slimmest phones on the market (shows in batterylife).

2 Likes
10

Well, i do love this device altogether and most of the things (except screen and loudspeaker) can be fixed as they are software issues only but i’ve noticed most those things at first day after couple hours of testing, i dont believe the system was tested altogether…

Also i dont know why but i have double exclamation marks all the time when i have no wifi or mobile data enabled next to the coverage meter in left top corner.

Even though i expected the device to be smaller i could live with this size if the software was not having such issues, i didnt had problems like that ever on any smart or dumb phone to be honest…

Also i bought iPhone Se 2020 only because it was smallest phone available in my price range (i didnt want to pay for iPhone 12 mini as it was about 4 times more expensive).
Hence why comparison is with this phone as i used it for the last 3 years.
And what i miss in the phones is their small size…

1 Like
11

@nirvana

Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review. It’s clear that you really wanted Mudita Kompakt to work for you, and we genuinely appreciate how thoroughly you’ve laid out both the positives and the areas where things fell short.

We’re really glad to hear the battery life, Offline+ mode, and form factor were a good fit in some ways. That kind of feedback tells us we’re moving in the right direction with some of our core values. At the same time, you’ve raised valid concerns about areas that need improvement, especially regarding the user experience and expectations around what the device should do out of the box.

Regarding the software side:

  • About the Gallary- I’ve passed on this feedback to the team & I am waiting to hear back.
  • A native Files app is also on the way. For now, you can manage files via Mudita Center (on Windows/Linux) or by directly connecting the device to your computer (PC) and using explorer. I know that this has been tricky for you as a MacOS user, however, like I mentioned a few times- Apple sometimes does not like to play well with others, so we are limited in this sense.
  • As for the Reader, what you’re describing makes sense. It’s not broken, but, yes, it’s definitely not yet living up to its full potential. Our devs are aware of this & we’re taking in all feedback from early adopters like you as we continue to work on improving the user experience.
  • The Music app is another area where more features are coming. Right now, yes, it’s very limited by design, but we hear you, basic playback controls like sorting by album or folder should be there, even for a minimalist device.

We also understand your concerns about the sound quality and screen resolution. I’ve passed this on to the team.

Lastly, we hear your hesitation around long-term support, especially in light of previous projects. I want to be transparent and say that MuditaOS K is very much alive and active. The team is listening, responding, and continuously iterating based on feedback like yours.

Whatever you decide, thank you again for giving Mudita Kompakt a real try. If you do keep it, we’d love for you to be part of the journey as it evolves. And if not, we completely respect your choice, it’s important to use tools that truly align with your needs.

10 Likes
12

I must confess that I haven’t opened the box yet. After reading all the feedback, I’ve decided I cannot keep the device.

According to a few pieces of feedback in this forum, I can conclude that some basic features seem not to be appropriately tested, and other basic features are missing in the calendar, music player, contacts, and some issues with the keyboard. Plus, there are issues with Mac compatibility. I believe the Apple ecosystem should not be an excuse for everything, as I’ve never had problems with other apps and devices, such as Garmin.

The logistics and workarounds required, such as sideloading apps to complement the lack of the native apps basic features, do not align with the Mudita philosophy, in my opinion, and certainly do not help with the stress of dealing with these issues, expecting updates without knowing when they will be launched and what they cover. I want to avoid the ghost of the Pure, whose updates were extremely short, and all the users got an early, obsolete device in their hands.

I will return both devices and continue to follow the discussions and future developments until the device looks stable and has natively implemented basic features.

7 Likes
Giving a try to Kompakt
13

Out of curiosity, what issue are you having? I have been using Mudita Center on my MacBook for the last 2+ years (with my Harmony and now Kompakt) with no issues aside from some connection issues early on (in 2023) with the Harmony. My Kompakt connected first time and I was able to transfer my contacts, a photo (just to test it) and an ebook. All worked quickly and seamlessly.

14

@roberto Thank you for sharing your thoughts. your honesty is appreciated, and we completely respect your decision, although I am sorry that you won’t even open the box to give it a try to see if you like it :frowning:

I know that it has more to do with the fact that you’ve been following the feedback closely and care deeply about the philosophy behind Mudita, which makes your disappointment all the more meaningful to us.
You’re right that some basic features aren’t yet where they need to be, and it’s fair to expect more polish, especially when we’re aiming to offer a simpler, less stressful tech experience.

The Mac compatibility issues, in particular, have been a challenge, as you know we hear this consistently & I have been passing the info on to the team.

We’re committed to building something long-term here, a device that reflects the values of privacy, minimalism, and digital well-being. However, we also know that trust is earned not through ideals, but through consistent improvements and transparency. Your concerns about Mudita Pure are absolutely valid, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure that Mudita Kompakt’s path forward is different.

That said, I would love for you to give Mudita Kompakt a try. We are planning to gather feedback from all the early users to get their take on how we can make Mudita Kompakt better. It’s clear that you really were excited for this phone, so maybe it’s worth giving a try.

14 Likes
15

I have to say, that the box of the mudita kompakt lied for a week at our dinner/working table and I did not hesitate but needed the “right moment” to get in touch with the device. ← that is me, I just tick that way :wink:

I am not branded by the mishap of the pure. I did not own that phone nor would it be of an interest of mine. I know that the kompakt is surely not for everyone. My wife is not so happy about me leaving WhatsApp and general many apps that are considered “standard”. I also sometimes think…this makes many things “harder” for me and often just impossible. They way we are used to our phones is clearly showing in the use of the kompakt. It often feels very “wrong”. A little contradicting, I know.

BUT, I will stay with the device, because I want to be a part of that journey, a part of a community that simply tries to cave a way that is also acceptable not for us but for many to follow. Alternatives are always good!

As I am a teacher, many students had asked me about the “strange” device that I have there. They wanted to interact with it, see how it functions. Clearly a sign of curiosity with in them and with in every person on earth.
It depends on yourself if different is good for you and your personal life.
I am willing to go that path with Mudita as a company and I will be cheering each update and improvement that they will bring.

So my advice is simple:
try it out, and see for yourself. You are the only one that makes the final decision.

8 Likes
16

Thanks for the review, has me a bit concerned because I had a horrible experience with the Pure, it is nice to get reviews that are a bit more critical of the device because the vast majority I have seen online are positive so its nice to get a more balanced review

3 Likes
17

I get it , and i understand your frustration. I went through this frustration with the Pure and trust me I was angry lol, but I do believe Mudita works hard with what they have, yes its not perfect, but I would suggest at least opening the box and trying it for yourself. I read the feedback on here as well but I am not making decisions on this phone based on others experiences because I am not them. I would suggest trying it out for yourself.

Also when we back a project like this I think we all need to understand (myself included) that there will be hiccups and things not working out of the box but I am confident that this team will continue improving the device.

But I totally get why people would not give them another chance after the Pure, that is justified in my opinion because they severely dropped the ball on the launch of that phone and its aftermath

3 Likes
18

Hello,

I was wondering if comment my thoughts or not about Mudita Kompakt, but looking this post, I think makes sense, my opinions:

I like the device and the philosophy of it. I used a little bit, and in general I love it. But:

  1. I agree with the creator of this thread the Screen quality doesn’t match the e-ink of my Kindle that has more than 12 years. better resolution and more grey scale, at least is what you see testing a little bit. This is not an stopping point for me
  2. I don’t live inside of the phone, I’m usually all day in front of the computer, and my phones tend to be more a forced extension than anything else. Today seems that almost nobody uses the computer to do normal stuff, and this means that: My vacuum cleaner, only has smartphone app, My 3 banks, 2 of them require the smartphone app to sign, (there is more cases, but this two are the most important). This means that for a lot of things I need to be able to install this stuff (yeah, this two examples right now I can live as I’ve got a company phone)
  3. Since I do home-office, and in general I was always an insolated person than a person with a lot of people, killing all this modern (and shitty, I agree on that) tools to comunicate, will mean, no connection to anybody. I already disconnected from Facebook a long long time ago. And I saw that with the kompakt the apps (whatsapp, signal, telegram) doesn’t get the notifications. Or at least not allways.
  4. Some case that I’ve found in the past, since I’ve got an electric car, there are some chargers that can only be activated throught the phone, with a QRCode that send to a webpage (Which also is super insecure, I try to avoid them, but one cannot do it allways). And having the huge lack of multi-tasking will hit me in the face a lot. I already had some “issues” when I was using my previous SailfishOS phone (in that case was not the lack of multi-tasking but other issues)
  5. The Music App, It’s nice to get a music app, but… A MUSIC APP THAT YOU CANNOT FILTER BY ALBUM OR ARTIST? c’mon for that don’t deliver it and say it’s on the roadmap. In fact, the moment I really decided to return it was the same moment I saw that I won’t be able to use the default app for music.
  6. Doesn’t have catalan. I know it’s an small language from a region of a country that tries to eliminate it, but one more reason to ask for it.

I wish to add some good points, I tried to call via signal, and the sound quality was good, also for the music, I think it sound good. (Not tested a lot). I like the meditation cards and also to have the meditation app, yesterday I tried to meditate it a little but, but you know what will be amaizing

As you can see, my main problems with the device it’s not the device itself, in general I love the device, and tbh, with a good music application, maybe can be also a good music player. I learn one thing with the Mudita Kompakt, next time I buy a phone, I will try to buy an e-ink phone.

Jaume.

19

This is a great way to look at it. I remember back when we started talking about launching the phone, everyone had an ideo of what ‘THEY WANTED’ in a phone. But just because someone NEEDS or WANTS something, doesn’t mean that it applies to you.
I remember people asking about BANKING APPS & how they couldn’t live without being able to pay with their phones. I’m late GEN X- so it just seemed like such a foreign concept to me. It’s hard to believe, but I have never, in my life, paid with a phone, for anything. NEVER. I don’t even know how to set something like that up. I don’t have GooglePay or ApplePay or any other type of PAY. No Venmo, no CASHapp. I also never had a banking app on my phone. I always use cards or cash & I do my banking on my laptop at home.

That said, I do use WhatsApp, because as a user in Germany pointed out, texting IS EXPENSIVE. I have family in BOTH US & CANADA, in-laws in Australia & I live in Poland. I would go broke trying to pay for all those calls and text messages.

So, in the end, we should be guided by what WE NEED in the phone and not how others experience it.

8 Likes
20

Yeah well said Urszula, we won’t be able to make everyone happy with the phone, so the 14 day window is great try the phone out if it does not work return it. I am Gen X too! Yeah honestly living basically 4 years smartphone free I have realized we honestly can live this way, I am out and about all the time and yes I can’t always look things up on the go but if I need to say a movie time I just go to the library and log in, is it a pain? No its not, I like how this lifestyle has SLOWED me down and made me realize what is important, I don’t want the word at my finger tips, I think future generations will look back on on when we are long gone and think why did they put all this power in a single device and carry it around all the time?

2 Likes