The emporia TOUCHsmart.3 is not a flagship smartphone, nor is it a basic “talk and text” feature phone. It carves out a unique and necessary niche: a clamshell (flip) phone that combines the simplicity and tactile feel of a physical keyboard with the modern connectivity required today, primarily instant messaging and flip phones are back with a bang and this one looks nice and is well built only the front display could have had some use but not this time.
It is clearly targeted at the senior market or those seeking a “dumbphone” experience who still need essential smart features like WhatsApp which is like other massaging apps more commonly used now and a growing trend with senior users of smartphones.
The TOUCHsmart.3 is built around a “best-of-both-worlds” design philosophy, blending hardware and software elements for maximum accessibility.
The most distinguishing factor is the flip design coupled with dual input:
- Physical Keypad: Features large, clearly labeled keys that are easy to press, making dialing and basic texting straightforward.
- Touchscreen: The internal 3.47-inch display is a full touchscreen, allowing users to navigate apps like WhatsApp and maps just like a small smartphone, you would be forgiven to forget it is actually a touch screen which I forgot several times but its cool and you should avail of it.
This combination addresses the common frustration of needing a full keyboard for dialing but a touchscreen for modern app interaction. Flipping open the phone also automatically answers a call like the good oul days with flip phones.
Unlike many basic feature phones, the TOUCHsmart.3 supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0. Crucially, it runs on a simplified Android OS, giving it the power to run essential modern communication apps.
Emporia highlights the dedicated shortcut key for messaging (WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram), recognizing that staying in touch often means more than just SMS and voice calls.
Yays
- Ease of Use: The large buttons and the charging cradle are highly praised by the target audience (seniors).
- SOS Function: The dedicated emergency button offers peace of mind by contacting up to five designated contacts instantly which is a key USP with emporia devices all round
- Build Quality: It has an IP44 rating and generally feels sturdy and well-built.
- Accessibility: Hearing aid compatibility (M4/T4) is a thoughtful inclusion.
Nays
- Performance: The hardware (2GB RAM, MediaTek P35) can lead to some lagging especially when using complex apps or trying to multitask but this device is not targetted at such a user but tested anyway.
- Battery Life: The 1,400 mAh battery capacity is relatively small for an Android-based device, possibly needing to charge it daily, particularly if using messaging apps frequently.
- Limited Customization: Being an adapted Android device, it can be restrictive in accessing deeper settings or using alternative launchers.
- Internal Storage: The 16GB internal memory is limited, although it is expandable up to 64GB via MicroSD.
- Camera Quality: The 8 MP main camera is functional but delivers only basic photo quality, which is typical for a device in this segment but perfoms well in daytime scenarios.
The emporia TOUCHsmart.3 is an excellent choice for a very specific user: someone who values the tangible simplicity of a flip phone and physical buttons but cannot live without a key messaging app like WhatsApp to stay connected with family.
It’s the ultimate compromise phone—less complex than a full smartphone, but far more connected than a standard feature phone.
If your priority is simplicity, ease of calling/texting, safety, and a dedicated WhatsApp button, the TOUCHsmart.3 is a highly recommendable device.
However, if you require a phone for heavy internet browsing, demanding apps, long-lasting battery life without daily charging, or taking high-quality photos, you might find the performance and battery limitations frustrating but previous flip phone users of old will feel comfortable as they where the same before and again aimed at a targt demographic.
Image and Video samples day and night front and rear cameras
Features
- Simple and Convenient: With pre-installed WhatsApp, you can easily chat with family and friends, share photos or send voice messages – without any complicated settings. Stay in touch with your loved ones with ease.
- Your Everyday Smart Companion: Large physical keys, a bright color touchscreen, and intuitive navigation make it extremely easy to use – perfect for those looking for a hassle-free mobile experience.
- One-Touch Security: The built-in emergency button allows up to five contacts to be alerted with a single press – for quick and efficient assistance when needed.
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Extra-loud ringtone, loud speakers, and hearing aid compatibility ensure you won’t miss a call and hear every conversation clearly.
- Convenient Charging – No More Bulky Cables: The included charging dock makes charging a breeze – just put the phone on its stand, and it charges automatically. No more fiddling with cables.
