TL;DR
- A US-based agency has launched a Linux-powered smartphone.
- The so-called Liberty Cellphone retails for a ridiculous $2,199.
- Quite a few clients have complained that they haven’t obtained the agency’s earlier cellphone.
Android and iOS dominate the smartphone area, however what in order for you a cellphone with another working system? Fortuitously, there are just a few gadgets on the market, however we implore you to completely keep away from the Liberty Cellphone by US-based firm Purism.
The corporate has not too long ago introduced the Liberty Cellphone (h/t: Liliputing), coming in at an eye-watering $2,199 price ticket. However you solely want to check out the {hardware} specs to know that you simply’re getting ripped off in an enormous approach (should you get the cellphone, that’s).
2014 known as, it desires its specs again
The specs sheet reads like a sketchy mid-range cellphone from a decade in the past, consisting of an NXP quad-core processor (Cortex-A53, Vivante graphics), 4GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, and a 5.7-inch 720P IPS display.
Different notable specs embody a 4,500mAh user-replaceable battery with 18W charging, a 3.5mm port, a 13MP rear digital camera, and an 8MP selfie digital camera.
Oddly sufficient, one spec sheet lists Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, whereas the acquisition web page lists Bluetooth 4 and Wi-Fi 4. We’re guessing it’s the latter primarily based on the obscure, out of date chipset. You do miss out on loads of different options too, resembling NFC, wi-fi charging, and 5G. However who am I to evaluate, the cellphone solely prices $2,200 in any case.
Would you purchase the Liberty Cellphone?
54 votes
The corporate can also be touting a {hardware} kill change for connectivity, together with a number of different software program options to enhance privateness and safety (resembling disabling trackers by default). Moreover, Purism claims that the cellphone is assembled within the US.
In any other case, the Liberty Cellphone ships with the PureOS platform, which is predicated on Debian. This enables for a desktop mode with a correct OS when linked to a show.
Will you even get the cellphone?
You’ll be spending a reasonably penny to get the Liberty Cellphone, coming in at a loopy $2,199. For sure, those that desire a Linux-powered cellphone for tinkering ought to avoid wasting money and purchase the $200 PinePhone or $400 PinePhone Professional. The latter mannequin particularly brings comparable specs whereas upping the ante by way of connectivity and horsepower.
It’s additionally price noting that loads of Purism customers have reported that they haven’t obtained the corporate’s earlier Librem 5 cellphone, a number of years after ordering it. That cellphone first began delivery in 2020, whereas customers report that Purism isn’t honoring refunds for these delayed orders or that the corporate is dragging its toes on this regard. So if it seems to be fishy and smells fishy, nicely, it have to be a fish.
In different phrases, please keep distant from this cellphone and purchase a PinePhone machine as an alternative in order for you a Linux-powered handset. The truth is, you may even strive putting in Ubuntu Contact on a number of older mainstream telephones should you actually need to strive another platform. No matter you do, simply don’t purchase the Liberty Cellphone.
