Check out the Jolla-Devices STORE.
Our beta shop. It's a sort of archive where to buy Sailfish OS-ready devices.
The Gemini is a particular device: with a full physical keyboard, and a 5.99” screen, it’s a sort of mini-PC in smartphone format.
The post-MWC2019 situation.
The Gemini PDA was announced in the original post on Jolla Blog (June 26, 2018). After a beta phase during fall/winter,
we are now finally in the last stage.
The Gemini and Jolla staff meet physically at Barcellona, and some good news where announced about the Gemini PDA.
Yesterday we had an early start to #MWC19 with #SailfishOS Community Meet-up, co-organized with @planetcom2017! Thank you to all the attendees! pic.twitter.com/47jfGEg3ep
— Jolla (@JollaHQ) February 25, 2019
The good news
Dr Janko Mrsic-Flogel, CEO of Planet Computers and Sami Pienimäki (you know CEO of Jolla), announce the official release of Sailfish X for Gemini PDA. The software is finally out of beta testing!
This is the official document published online and linked on twitter (PDF file)
Also, you can buy Sailfish X from the Jolla shop: the Gemini PDA item now appear on the webpage. Refresh the cache if you can’t see it.
The bad news…
But… there is some but ?. The Sailfish X license do not include the new Android 8.1 “emulation layer”, and even the old Android 4.4 one. As you see checking the table, is no longer called ‘beta’, and seem do not list even the very good Jolla’s Predictive text engine.
It’s a pure experience, on this physical keyboarded device. Yes, this phablet is not for the mainstream user, but it’s for an audience which use command line and Linux tool, but once you pay 29.90€, why not a backup Android 4.4 to cover some particular app? and predictive?
Also, following some source there was some little ‘surprise’ at the delivered devices, respect the claimed specs: we remember the original Indiegogo crowdfounded campaign.
The initial plan provided that Gemini PDA should integrate a MediaTek Helio X25 deca-core processor but, during the initiative, the manufacturer updated the Indiegogo page by replacing this chip with a slightly faster MediaTek Helio X27. So, what happened? The first units delivered have a MediaTek Helio X25, but the company has ensured that, starting from the next lots, Gemini PDA will have the SoC that everyone expects. Unlucky users are not entitled to a replacement or a refund, partly because the fee paid for the unit with Helio X25 was lower than that with Helio X27.
(from notebookitalia.it – Article GEMINI PDA: CONSEGNE CON SORPRESA E PROVE DI SAILFISH OS)
In addition, the battery promised by 8000 mAh, became 4220 mAh and the dual boot with Android and Linux pre-installed turned out to be an Android-only onboard. But there is good news: the 5.7-inch display (2880 x 1440 pixels) replaced from a 5.99-inch screen (2160 x 1080 pixels) slightly wider, always compared to specs announced.
The review is a Video review.
We didn’t bought it, mainly because focused the budget on Xperia XA2 family and Aigo Tablets but also because we didn’t love this form factor. Also, the high price stopped us.
Hopefully, the tech Youtuber Leszek Lesner has bought it, tested and recently review it.
Note that this video is talking about the new Sailfish X license for Gemini PDA, and is not from 2018.
Lesner know that it’s content curated here ?.
Looking at the thumbnail it could seem a complete no go, but the review is more multi-faceted: this device has its plus and it’s a sort of unicum. A mobile mini PC in phablet size, foldable and with a physical keyboard.
The Device
Let’s see in detail the characteristics of this Gemini PDA. Following the Planet’s manufacturer’s website:
- Gemini is an integrated keyboard mobile device that fits in your pocket
- It features an ultra-thin metal clamshell design with a fully integrated QWERTY keyboard
- Designed for Android, it also features a dual boot Linux option (minor issue: first items are shipped as android only)
- 4G & WiFi and WiFi only models are available – enabling both data communications and mobile phone calls
- The large ultra-wide touchscreen and double-sized battery provide optimal usability and portability
- Two weeks of stand-by time / 12 hours of talk time (to be verified with the 4220 mAh battery instead of 8000 mAh)
- Fully tactile keyboard – recognised as the smallest keyboard for finger touch typing
- Measure: 17.1 cm x 8.0 cm x 1.35 cm
- 5.99-inch screen, 2160 x 1080 pixels (Higher that 5.7 initially stated.)
- Wifi & WiFi+4G mobile options
- Weight: 400 g
- Dual side mounted speakers
- Dual USB-C connectors to connect to keyboards, external screens, mice, charging cables as needed and many more.
- Integrated Voice Assist button
- SD card slot (covered)
Where to buy
There are 2 models available. the best source is the Planet official website.
Gemini PDA – WiFi Only
Gemini PDA – 4G+WiFi
In alternative, you can look on ebay for used models or discounts.
Buy Gemini PDA from ebay
Gallery
Technical Specifications
| Network | |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| GSM | 850/900/1800/1900MHz |
| CDMA | 850/1900 MHz BC0 BC1+ EVDO |
| WCDMA | 900/2100MHz |
| LTE | 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/17/20/41 |
| VoLTE | Compatible |
| Display | |
| Type | 5.99 FHD+ (18:9) |
| Size | 5.99 inch |
| Resolution | 2160×1080, 403 ppi |
| Multi Touch | Yes |
| Protection | Scratch-Resistant Glass |
| Platform | |
| OS | Android OS, Linux OS (dual-boot) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6797X Helio X27 (Deca Core) |
| CPU | 2x Cortex A72 @ 2.6 GHz 4x Cortex A53 @ 2.0 GHz 4x Cortex A53 @ 1.6 GHz |
| GPU | Quad Core ARM Mali T880 MP4 @ 875MHz |
| Memory | |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Card Slot | microSD |
| Internal | 64GB |
| Sound | |
| Speakers | Stereo Speakers |
| Microphone | Integrated Ambient Microphone |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes |
| Comms | |
| Bluetooth | v 4.1 |
| GPS | Yes, with AGPS |
| USB | 2x USB Type-C, OTG support |
| SIM | SIM slot + eSIM (ready) |
| Body | |
| Form Factor | Wide Clam Shell |
| Dimensions (mm) | 171.4w x 79.25d x 15.1h |
| Weight | 308g |
| Battery | 4,220mAh |
| Camera | 5MP Front Camera(External 5MP camera additional accessory module also available) |
| Features | |
| Keyboard | Mechanical full keyboard |
| Keyboard Layouts | Arabic, Brazilian, Chinese, Czech, Croatian, Dvorak, Finnish, French, German/Austrian, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian/Danish, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss, Thai, UK English, US English. |
| Voice Input | Dedicated voice assistance button |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, light sensor, gyroscope, magnetic-sensor |
| LED Lights | 5 programmable LEDs |
If you need other infos, see on Planet’s website: https://www.planetcom.co.uk/
Sources
Go to the original post about Gemini, on Jolla Blog (by Vesa-Matti Hartikainen)
See the Gemini PDA productors website at https://www.planetcom.co.uk
Buy a Gemini PDA from the Store: https://store.planetcom.co.uk/collections/gemini-pda