A woman scrolling through what looked like a crystal-clear smartphone stopped millions of people in their tracks this week. The TikTok video hit over 50 million views as viewers wondered if they were getting a glimpse of the future.
Online buzz quickly suggested this was a breakthrough Nokia device with a whopping €35,000 ($39,070) price tag. “Nokia Plex,” some called it. Others dubbed it the “Nokia Clear Phone.” The excitement was real – but the phone wasn’t.
The mysterious device is actually a piece of clear acrylic shaped like an iPhone, created to make a point about our relationship with phones. Its creator named it the “methaphone,” and it can’t make calls, show messages, or connect to the internet.
“My friend invented these to test something,” explained the woman in the viral video. “If we’re all so glued to our phones, could having something that just feels like one in your pocket help break that habit?”
The question hits home at a time when most people spend nearly 7 hours each day staring at screens. Phone makers know this is a growing concern. That’s why newer phones come with built-in features to track and limit screen time.
Real transparent screens do exist – LG is already taking orders for see-through TVs. But a truly clear smartphone isn’t possible yet. Modern phones need space for batteries, chips, and other parts that can’t simply vanish. That’s why companies like Nokia focus on practical features instead, like adding 4G and better battery life to updated versions of classic phones like the Nokia 3210.
Dr. Marianne Trent, a clinical psychologist, points out why this matters. She’s particularly worried about young people using phones while their brains are still developing. The University of Oxford is currently studying how increased phone use might be connected to more young people needing mental health support.
The methaphone started as an experiment but turned into something bigger. Its viral moment got millions talking about an important question: How do we handle our growing attachment to the devices we carry everywhere?
While this clear piece of plastic won’t solve our digital challenges overnight, it’s sparked real conversations about finding balance in our connected world. Sometimes the simplest objects can raise the biggest questions.
