RED Hydrogen One Unboxing! (Houdini Edition)

The video presents Marques Brownlee's hands-on look at the RED Hydrogen One Houdini Edition, delivered as part of a limited beta testing program for pre-order participants. He begins by recapping the long delay since the original reveal and explains how the Houdini program works: selected backers receive an early unit to identify bugs and provide feedback as RED iterates the software and hardware. The unboxing follows, revealing the unmarked black box, a small red and black microSD card for expandable storage, and a metallic RED medallion that serves as a desk keepsake. Inside the labeled box, he shows the phone itself in its protective packaging, the quick start guide, safety/warranty literature, and the red branded 5V 3A power brick with a USB-C cable, hinting at potential quick charging. He then describes the device’s design cues, including its large, rugged build, side fingerprint reader, and the distinctive back pins and camera module, noting that it looks more like a tool or camera accessory than a typical smartphone. After booting, the phone runs an Android-based system with a holographic display demo that is not easily perceptible on camera but looks striking in person, and he shares early impressions about the user interface, app ecosystem, and the unique holographic content approach. Throughout, Marques discusses expectations around camera performance, software progress, and the challenges of delivering a compelling holographic experience while balancing Android usability and RED’s launcher options. He closes by inviting feedback on what viewers want to see in a full review, and teases sharing sample photos and further hands-on exploration in future uploads.

Topics · technology · smartphones · unboxing · camera · hardware