Just5
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Mobile phones |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Riga , Latvia |
Area served | Worldwide (33 countries as of 2010) |
| Products | Mobile phones, smartphones |
| Parent | Orbit Telecom |
Just5 is a global mobile phone designer and manufacturer based in Riga, Latvia. The brand's development commenced in 2008, with the trademark officially registered on October 5, 2009. Since 2018, Just5 has remained inactive.
History
The creation of Just5 phones involved collaboration with the design firm Newplan, located in Beijing and Shenzhen, which led to the establishment of the joint venture Just5-Newplan in 2009. Production was delegated to original design manufacturers (ODMs) in Taiwan, utilizing platforms from Infineon and MediaTek.
Initial sales began across Europe in early 2009, followed by expansion into Russia and the United States by the third quarter of that year. By September 2010, Just5 products were available in 33 countries, including 11 markets where local operators rebranded the devices.
The brand received the grand-prix award for "New Name" at BEST BRAND/EFFIE RUSSIA 2009, while its Just5 CP10 model secured the prestigious iF Product Design Gold Award in 2010.
In October 2014, Just5 introduced the Spacer smartphone, succeeded by an enhanced Spacer 2s model. Shortly after, in February 2015, the Blaster smartphone was launched featuring a MediaTek MT6732 64-bit quad-core processor running Android 4.4.4 KitKat.
From late 2018 onward, Just5 halted new product launches and ceased activity on social media platforms. By December 2021, its parent company Orbit Telecom was reported to have an outstanding tax liability of €3,465.84. Subsequently, on September 2, 2022, Orbit Telecom was deregistered from Latvia’s tax records.
Logo
The emblem of Just5 consists of an inkblot composed of five interconnected circles, displayed in bright orange internationally and silver within the US market. These five elements represent the brand’s fundamental attributes: distinctive design, oversized buttons, a simplified user interface, superior build quality, and dependable performance.
Just5 CP
In October 2010, Just5 unveiled two user-friendly mobile phones aimed at seniors: the CP09 and CP10 models. Both prioritized straightforward operation despite differing technical features.
The CP11 was launched in December 2010, showcasing a 2.4" pop-up display that remained partially visible when folded. It was offered with metallic cases in white or black finishes featuring either glossy or soft-touch textures and included a charging dock accessory.
March 2013 saw the release of the CP10S as an updated variant of the CP10, introducing multiple color options beyond the original black and white palette. Additionally, a limited "BestInSpace" edition was developed in partnership with sound designers from BestInSpace.
Just5 Brick
Debuted in July 2013, the Just5 Brick continued emphasizing simplicity through a robust and chunky form factor reminiscent of a brick. It featured a 1.77" LCD screen, large tactile buttons, and came in various colors including Brick Red.
Just5 Surf
The Just5 Surf showcased a sleek design, available in vibrant black or lime-colored cases. It emphasized straightforward functionality while incorporating design adjustments aimed at cost reduction to ensure affordability.
Just5 Spacer
Debuting in November 2013, the Spacer represented Just5’s initial venture into the smartphone arena, featuring a 5-inch touchscreen, an 8MP rear camera alongside a 2MP front-facing camera, all offered at a competitive price point. Despite its appeal, the device received criticism for subpar GPS accuracy and inconsistent Wi-Fi MAC address behavior.
The Spacer 2 was released in October 2014, offering enhancements such as an upgraded display and resolved GPS issues, while maintaining its budget-friendly positioning. However, evaluations noted concerns regarding touch responsiveness and battery endurance.
In December 2014, the company launched the Spacer 2s as the subsequent model in this series.
More Recent Models
From February 2015 through October 2017, Just5 introduced ten different models spanning the Blaster, Freedom, and Cosmo phone lines.