Ion Mobile Introduces “MIVE KESMA” Smartphone from South Korean ALT
Ion Mobile, a low-cost communication service provided by AEON Retail Co., Ltd., announced the launch of the “MIVE KESMA” smartphone. This device, developed by ALT Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of South Korean mobile device manufacturer ALT, will be available starting Friday, March 6, 2026. Sales will commence at the Ion Mobile official online shop and the AEON Kasai store.
The MIVE KESMA is a smartphone designed in a traditional flip-phone style, offering both the convenience of a smartphone and the operational familiarity of a conventional mobile phone. It features an approximately 4.3-inch touch-enabled main display, allowing intuitive operation of smartphone apps such as LINE, SNS, map applications, and video streaming services. Additionally, it incorporates physical keys for familiar button operations, making it accessible even for first-time smartphone users.
Product Features
1. Smartphone-Style Operation with Both Touch and Buttons
-
The approximately 4.3-inch main display supports touch operations, enabling intuitive use of smartphone-specific applications like map and video streaming apps.
-
Familiar button operations can be used for calls, SMS, and messaging apps.
-
Dedicated shortcut keys are included for initiating and ending calls, accessing the camera, and contacts. The device also features a sub-display to check notifications when closed, and a mode to disable touch input for button-only operation, offering a user experience akin to a feature phone.
2. Safety Features for Users and Families
-
Settings allow users to restrict incoming calls to contacts only or block specific phone numbers.
-
If no operations (such as opening/closing the device or pressing physical keys) are detected for a certain period, an alert message including location information can be sent to pre-registered contacts.
-
Pressing and holding the SOS button for 5 seconds or longer will send an SMS with location information to pre-registered contacts.
3. Convenient Functions for Home and On-the-Go
-
The device boasts IPX4/IP5X water and dust resistance and is equipped with an approximately 8-megapixel camera.
-
A 2,100mAh battery provides ample power for a full day of use without worrying about recharging.
-
An integrated FM radio tuner allows users to enjoy FM radio by simply connecting wired earphones and launching the pre-installed “FM Radio” app.
For more details on the product, please visit the Ion Mobile official online shop:
Sales Overview
-
Launch Date: Friday, March 6, 2026
-
Sales Locations:
-
Ion Mobile Official Online Shop
-
AEON Kasai Store (Edogawa-ku)
-
-
Price: 30,800 JPY (33,880 JPY including tax)
About ALT
ALT (All Life Technology) is a South Korean ICT company established in 2017. With the corporate philosophy of “All Life Technology” (technology that enriches everyone’s lives), ALT provides a diverse range of devices and solutions. In 2026, the company began its full-scale expansion into the Japanese market, primarily focusing on mobile products such as smartphones.
About Ion Mobile
As a pioneer of “affordable smartphones,” Ion Mobile began selling “AEON Smartphone” in April 2014. In February 2016, AEON Retail Co., Ltd. became an MVNO itself, launching the low-cost communication service “Ion Mobile.”
2026 marks Ion Mobile’s 10th anniversary. Beyond offering low communication costs, the company has consistently provided services with “no minimum contract period” and “no cancellation fees” to ensure customers can use smartphones with peace of mind. To address concerns about low-cost SIM communication and smartphone operation, Ion Mobile offers a “free trial service” for SIM cards and smartphones before contract.
In 2022, to ensure continued peace of mind after contracting, Ion Mobile launched “AEON’s Smartphone Maintenance”, a free support service where staff review pricing plans based on usage and propose smartphone status checks and improvements. Ion Mobile continues to expand its services to address various customer challenges related to communication and smartphones, supporting a comfortable and enjoyable smart life.
This service is provided at Ion Mobile stores in Honshu and Shikoku, excluding corporate-specific plans.
Key Features of Ion Mobile Communication Services
-
Flexible Pricing Structure: Ion Mobile’s pricing allows customers to choose data volumes in 1GB increments from 1GB to 10GB (110 JPY including tax per GB) and in 10GB increments from 10GB to 200GB (550 JPY including tax per 10GB). This ensures customers only pay for what they need, helping to save on monthly communication costs.
-
One of the Most Affordable Family Plans in Japan: The “Share Plan” allows up to 8 people to share a single contract’s monthly data capacity. This helps families save even more on individual communication costs, whether they are heavy or light data users.
-
Flexible Plan Changes: Ion Mobile allows customers to change their monthly data plan as many times as needed after contracting. If a larger data plan is chosen and data remains, customers can select a smaller plan the following month and combine it with the remaining data from the previous month, ensuring peace of mind with sufficient data capacity.
-
Use Existing Smartphones and Phone Numbers Nationwide: Ion Mobile provides SIM cards compatible with NTT Docomo and au networks, allowing most smartphones sold in Japan to be used as is. The communication area and signal strength are comparable to NTT Docomo and au networks. (Note: While coverage and signal strength are similar, communication speeds may differ.)
-
Nationwide Contract & Extensive Support at AEON Stores: Customers can sign up for Ion Mobile at AEON stores nationwide. Before contracting, they can even try out actual SIM cards and smartphones. From initial SIM card setup to post-contract support, dedicated staff provide a range of comprehensive support services. (Note: Services offered may vary by region and store; please confirm with your local store.)
