Phone-like devices that deliberately avoid the addictive qualities of modern smartphones are becoming surprisingly common. From the reMarkable Paper Pro Move to various E Ink readers shaped like phones, manufacturers are recognizing that many people want the connectivity of a smartphone without the constant dopamine hits from social media notifications and bright, attention-grabbing screens.
The Bigme Hibreak Pro Color joins this movement with a twist that sets it apart from most alternatives. While devices like the reMarkable focus on note-taking and reading, the Hibreak Pro Color runs full Android 14 with Google Play support, making it a legitimate smartphone that just happens to use an eye-friendly E Ink display instead of the usual LCD or OLED screen.
Designer: Bigme
The standout feature is the new Kaleido 3 color E Ink screen, which adds a limited but useful color palette to what was previously a black-and-white display. The colors aren’t as vibrant or crisp as you’d see on a traditional phone screen, but they’re perfectly adequate for app icons, simple graphics, and reading materials. The trade-off comes with reduced sharpness compared to monochrome E Ink, but the eye comfort benefits remain intact.
Bigme kept most specifications nearly identical to the original black-and-white Hibreak Pro, with the main upgrade being Bluetooth 5.3 for better connectivity. The 4G and 5G network support means you can use this as your primary phone, complete with calling, texting, and data access. This distinguishes it from WiFi-only devices that require you to carry a separate phone for cellular connectivity.
The screen aspect ratio feels much more phone-like compared to the tall, narrow display of the reMarkable Paper Pro Move. This makes the Hibreak Pro Color easier to use one-handed and more familiar for anyone switching from a traditional smartphone. However, unlike the reMarkable, there’s no stylus support, positioning this device firmly in the smartphone category rather than the digital notebook space.
Competition in this niche is heating up, with BOOX teasing its own color and cellular upgrade to the popular Palma 2, though details remain unconfirmed. The reMarkable Paper Pro Move takes a different approach entirely, focusing on handwriting and annotation rather than general smartphone functionality. Each device serves different needs within the broader movement toward more mindful technology use.
The Hibreak Pro Color makes the most sense for people who want to reduce eye strain and digital distractions without giving up smartphone convenience. It handles reading, messaging, and light productivity tasks well, though you’ll need to adjust expectations for media consumption and gaming. The E Ink refresh rates simply can’t match traditional displays for video or fast-moving content.
These devices represent a growing recognition that our relationship with technology needs rebalancing. The Hibreak Pro Color offers a middle ground between complete digital detox and the overwhelming stimulation of modern smartphones, suggesting that sometimes the best innovation comes from deliberately doing less.
The post Bigme Hibreak Pro Color Challenges Distraction-Heavy Smartphones with E Ink Innovation first appeared on Yanko Design.