Jolla, a Finnish company known for its unique approach to mobile technology, is making a much-anticipated return with a new device simply called the “Jolla Phone.” This isn’t just another smartphone; it’s being positioned as an “independent European Do It Together Linux phone,” emphasizing its community-driven funding, privacy features, and use of a genuine Linux operating system. This article dives into everything we know about this intriguing new phone, including its design, performance, and potential (though unlikely) market presence in regions like Nepal.
The Vision Behind a Privacy-First Phone
This new Jolla Phone represents the company’s commitment to user privacy and control. It runs on Sailfish OS 5, an operating system explicitly designed not to track users, collect data, or “phone home” with personal information. For those deeply concerned about digital privacy, Sailfish OS offers the option to completely “de-Google” the device. While it does support Android applications through “Jolla AppSupport,” users have the freedom to disable this feature entirely if they prefer a pure Linux experience.
What truly sets this phone apart is its collaborative development process. From its specifications to its core philosophy, the Jolla Phone was shaped by community voting. However, this unique approach comes with a condition: the phone will only go into production if at least 2,000 units are pre-ordered by January 4, 2026. With over 1,700 pre-orders already secured, the project is nearing its goal, and supporters are assured a full refund if the target isn’t met.
Design and Display Details
The Jolla Phone boasts a 6.36-inch Full HD AMOLED display, offering crisp visuals with a 20:9 aspect ratio and approximately 390 pixels per inch. For durability, the screen is protected by Gorilla Glass. While the refresh rate hasn’t been officially confirmed, it’s expected to feature at least a 90Hz refresh rate, aligning with modern smartphone standards for smoother scrolling and visuals.
Measuring roughly 158 x 74 x 9 mm, the phone will be available in three distinct colors: Snow White, Kaamos Black, and The Orange. A standout design feature is its user-replaceable back cover, with early backers even receiving a special edition cover. Security is handled by a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and an RGB LED notification light keeps users informed. Perhaps the most innovative hardware feature is the physical Privacy Switch, which instantly disables the microphone, camera, Bluetooth, and all Android applications, providing an unparalleled level of immediate control over personal data.
Performance and a Truly Open Operating System
Under the hood, the Jolla Phone houses an unspecified MediaTek 5G chipset, described by the company as “high-performance.” This is paired with a generous 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which can be expanded significantly up to 2TB using a microSDXC card.
The core of the user experience is Sailfish OS 5. Jolla emphasizes that this is a genuine Linux operating system, not an Android fork, reinforcing its independence from Google’s ecosystem. The OS is built on the principle of user control, promising no data harvesting and empowering individuals to decide how their device operates. Even with optional Android app support, the primary focus remains on offering an alternative to the dominant mobile platforms. Jolla is also committing to at least five years of guaranteed operating system support, ensuring long-term usability and security.
Camera Capabilities and Power Management
For photography, the Jolla Phone includes a dual-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor alongside a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens. The front-facing camera is a wide-lens selfie shooter, though its exact resolution has not been disclosed, nor have specific details about video recording capabilities.
Powering the device is a substantial 5,500 mAh battery, another highlight for user control, as it is user-replaceable. While charging speeds remain unspecified, it suggests the phone may utilize standard charging rather than advanced rapid charging technology. Connectivity options are robust, including dual nano-SIM slots, 5G network support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC, all designed to offer seamless global roaming capabilities.
Jolla Phone Key Specifications
- Dimensions: Approximately 158 x 74 x 9 mm
- Build: Features a user-replaceable back cover and battery
- Display: 6.36-inch Full HD AMOLED with a 20:9 aspect ratio, ~390 ppi, and Gorilla Glass protection
- Processor: Unspecified MediaTek 5G platform
- Memory: 12GB RAM, 256GB storage (expandable up to 2TB via microSDXC)
- Software: Sailfish OS 5 (with a guaranteed 5 years of support)
- Rear Camera: 50MP wide lens + 13MP ultrawide lens
- Front Camera: Wide-lens selfie camera (resolution not detailed)
- Security: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, physical Privacy Switch for hardware kill
- Connectivity: Dual nano-SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC
- Battery: Approximately 5,500 mAh, user-replaceable
Pricing and Availability
The Jolla Phone is currently available for pre-order at a price of €499 (including VAT), which includes a €99 refundable down payment. For those who purchase after the crowdfunding period, the standard retail price is expected to fall between €599 and €699. As a reminder, the production hinges on reaching 2,000 pre-orders by January 4, 2026.
Given its unique, community-funded model and focus on a niche operating system, widespread global availability might be limited. If, by chance, the Jolla Phone were to make its way to markets like Nepal, its expected starting price would likely be around NPR 65,999.
| Jolla Phone (12/256GB) | Price in Europe (Official) | Price in Nepal (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| 12GB/256GB | €499 | NPR 65,999 |
Conclusion
The new Jolla Phone is more than just a device; it’s a statement. By prioritizing user privacy, fostering community involvement, and championing a truly open Linux-based operating system, it offers a compelling alternative in a market dominated by a few major players. Its commitment to user repairability and the innovative physical privacy switch further solidify its appeal to those seeking greater control over their digital lives. While its journey to mainstream adoption remains uncertain, the Jolla Phone stands out as a beacon for independent, ethical smartphone design.