# Elementary Assembly Cellphones The Extru Low Cost Phone is Pure Function with No Frills By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-11-11 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/extru-low-cost-phone References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2011/11/10/the-low-cost-phone/) & [coroflot](http://www.coroflot.com/csudhanwa/Extru-a-low-cost-phone) If it seems unfair to you that the latest model of any given smartphone nearly rivals the price of a shiny new laptop than the Extru Low Cost Phone will certainly appeal to you. The interface steps back to the familiar form of the [mobile phone of five years ago](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phone-3a), but with it comes the satisfaction that you're paying for the handset's functions and not its overkill appearance. Sudhanwa Chavan's proposal centers on two primary parts for the device which comprise a [sleek aluminum face](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-nothing-phone-3) and a colorful base unit. From the metal front cover of the Extru Low Cost Phone, the shape of the screen and the outlines of the numbers are punched out, enabling the extrusion of touch-sensitive digits from the surface below. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Low-cost Phones:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop affordable smartphones with minimalist features and functional design. - **Retro Mobile Phones:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Reintroduce mobile phones with a familiar form factor and simplified interface. - **Minimalist Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design sleek and functional electronic devices that prioritize functionality over aesthetics. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create cost-effective smartphones for price-conscious consumers. - **Telecommunications:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop retro mobile phones with basic features to target specific market segments. - **Product Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate minimalist design principles into electronic devices to enhance user experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Simplistic Distraction-Free Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lofone.md) - [Budget Transparent Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phone-3a-lite.md) - [Keyboard-Intact E-Ink Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-minimalist-phone.md) - [Swappable Keypad Cellphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sidephone-sp01.md) - [Artful Aluminum Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phone-1.md) - [Visible Component Smartphone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-phone-1.md) - [Frill-Free Cellphone Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hmd-cellphones.md) - [Simplistic Folding Clamshell Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/01-phone.md) - [Reduced Connectivity Mobile Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimal-phone.md)