Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 2 hrs ago
Sunbeam announces $389 rugged flip phones with Signal messaging
Sunbeam has announced two rugged flip phones, the F1 Pro Poplar and Walnut, for people who want a more limited alternative to a smartphone.
Both models use Sunbeam’s Dewdrop messaging app, which can exchange messages with people using Signal on conventional smartphones.
Neither phone has a web browser, app store or social media apps, and they do not support RCS messaging, so existing RCS group chats may need another platform or MMS.
The phones also offer email attachments, GPS navigation and video recording, with clips limited to two minutes.
The Walnut can share its mobile internet connection, while the Poplar cannot; both lack a Wi-Fi hotspot feature in the usual sense of internet sharing over Wi-Fi.
Sunbeam expects both models to arrive in November 2026 for $389 each, but has not given an exact release date.
Sunbeam Wireless has announced the F1 Pro Poplar and F1 Pro Walnut, rugged flip phones priced at $389.
Both models can message Signal users through Sunbeam’s Dewdrop app and are expected to arrive in November 2026.
The phones have no web browser, social media apps or app store.
They also support email attachments, GPS navigation and video clips of up to two minutes.
The Poplar lacks a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the Walnut can share its mobile internet connection.
- Who
- Sunbeam Wireless announced the phones.
- What
- The F1 Pro Poplar and F1 Pro Walnut are rugged flip phones that support messaging with Signal users through Dewdrop.
- When
- Announced on October 22, 2026; expected to arrive in November 2026.
- Where
- They are designed primarily for North and South American mobile networks.
- Why
- They offer modern communication features in a deliberately limited software experience.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sunbeam Wireless announced the F1 Pro Poplar and F1 Pro Walnut.
The phones are expected to arrive, though Sunbeam has not announced an exact release date.
- Price
- $389
- Models
- F1 Pro Poplar and F1 Pro Walnut
- Messaging
- Dewdrop supports messages with Signal users
- Expected arrival
- November 2026
- Video recording
- Clips of up to 2 minutes
- Network focus
- Primarily North and South America