‘apollo’, a solar-powered android smartphone by umeox

with a hardware prototype on display at mobile world congress 2011, phone manufacturing company umeox has announced ‘apollo’, the first solar-powered android smartphone.

with few features but an expected price point below 100 USD, the phone is designed primarily for developing markets. the 3.2" touch screen is backed with android 2.2, and uses dutch energy developer intivation‘s efficient sunboost technology for its solar panel.

solar powered smartphone ‘apollo’ on display at mobile world congress 2011 image courtesy of unwired view

one hour of full sunlight provides sixteen minutes of talk time, and the company estimates that approximately 2.5 hours of light exposure is sufficient for daily use. although natural sunlight is most efficient, the phone can also charge on ambient artificial light.

‘apollo’ also includes a 3-megapixel rear photo and video camera, along with SD memory card slot.

unwired view editors preview the model at mobile world congress 2011