Meadow offers a smaller phone for trips away from your smartphone

Meadow is a compact Android phone designed to let people leave their main smartphone at home while keeping access to selected apps and basic tools. TechCrunch reporter Amanda Silberling tested it at a concert.

The device supports apps including Maps, Strava, Uber, Apple Music and Spotify. Its built-in tools include a camera, voice memos, notes, texting, calling, location sharing and ticket scanning. It supports Bluetooth, and wired 3.5mm headphones can be connected with a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter.

Meadow requires a separate subscription plan and phone number; users cannot make calls or send texts through their usual number. Photos taken with its camera can only be viewed later through the Meadow app on a main smartphone. The device has a small mirror beside the rear camera instead of a front-facing camera.

Silberling reported that the ticket barcode worked at the venue and that the screen and battery were not a problem during her outing. The camera worked well in daylight, but its concert photos were poor. She also encountered an Uber ride status glitch; founder Shreyas Narlanka said it had since been fixed.

The company has shipped its first bulk batch to pre-order customers. Narlanka said Meadow is intended to supplement an existing phone, helping users unplug without being entirely unreachable. The article says Meadow raised funding in December 2024, led by Alana Goyal of basecase capital, with several angel investors also participating.