- You can now pre-order a new Jolla phone running the Linux-based Sailfish OS 5 operating system
- Although it does not work on Android, it is still compatible with many Android applications
- Emphasis on privacy, with special physical key and removable battery
Smartphone enthusiasts may be familiar with Jolla, a company that made a name for itself with its Sailfish operating system, a Linux-based operating system first released in 2013 with the first Jolla phone. Since then, the brand has been discreet, but today it returns with a new model, also called the Jolla Phone.
This model runs on Sailfish OS 5, making it one of the few phones that doesn’t run Android or iOS. It offers a refreshing alternative for those looking to break away from the two giants.
Of course, it is not easy to compete with Android and iOS. To ease the transition, Sailfish OS 5 still lets you use many Android apps. However, Google Play is not available, so you have to look for other app stores.
Privacy above all
Why choose Sailfish OS 5 over Android? The main argument is based on privacy. According to Jolla, Android and iOS ensure that third parties can use, store and analyze data, habits and conversations, while Sailfish OS ensures that this data is not misused.
This attention to privacy is also reflected in the hardware of the Jolla Phone: with a physical switch, you can turn off the camera and microphone, so that no eavesdropping or recording takes place. This button can also be set to disable other items such as Bluetooth or Android apps.
The new Jolla phone also has unusual features, such as a removable 5,500 mAh battery that can be easily replaced during use or doubled for extended days without a plug.
On the specifications page, we find a MediaTek chip compatible with 5G, 12 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage, a microSD port, a multi-colored replaceable back, a 6.36-inch Full HD AMOLED screen, a 50 MP main sensor, a 13 MP ultra-wide angle and a fingerprint sensor integrated in the power button.
A series of functions that place the device in the middle class, with the corresponding price: 499 euros in reserve. The final price has not yet been determined, but could be between 100 and 200 euros more.
This smartphone is therefore aimed at a specific target group, but offers a rare combination: a high level of privacy and special features. Unfortunately, it’s currently only available in the UK and some European countries, adding to its secretive nature.
HE Pre-orders are available in these regions.However, the first deliveries are not expected until the first half of 2026.
