Jolla Revives with New Linux-Powered Smartphone Featuring User-Swap Battery

Jolla, the Finnish smartphone maker, has resurfaced with an all-new Jolla Phone, marking a major comeback for the brand. Unlike its 2013 predecessor, this model runs Sailfish OS 5, a complete Linux operating system that does not track user data, phone home, or collect information in the background. The OS can be fully de-Google’d, and Android app support is available through Jolla AppSupport, which users can disable if preferred.

The device was developed through a community-driven process, with users voting on specs, features, and overall philosophy. Production is conditional on reaching at least 2,000 pre-orders by January 4, 2026; currently, the campaign sits at 1,716 units, meaning there is still time to back the project. If the target is not met, all pre-order customers will receive a full refund.

In terms of design, the Jolla Phone sports a 6.36-inch FullHD AMOLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and approximately 390 ppi, protected by Gorilla Glass. It measures around 158 by 74 by 9 millimetres and comes in three colour options: Snow White, Kaamos Black, and The Orange. A standout feature is the physical Privacy Switch, which instantly disables the microphone, camera, Bluetooth, and Android apps with a single flick. The phone also includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and an RGB LED notification light.

Under the hood, the Jolla Phone is powered by an unspecified MediaTek 5G chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB. The software experience is provided by Sailfish OS 5, which Jolla emphasizes is true Linux, not an Android derivative. The company guarantees at least five years of OS updates and support.

For photography, the Jolla Phone carries a dual-camera rear setup with a 50MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens, along with a wide-lens selfie camera whose exact resolution has not been disclosed. Video recording specifications were also not provided.

The phone houses a sizable 5,500 mAh battery that users can replace themselves, though charging speeds were not mentioned, suggesting they may be standard. Connectivity options include dual nano-SIM slots, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC, with global roaming supported.

In Europe, the Jolla Phone is available for pre-order at €499 including VAT, with a €99 refundable deposit. The anticipated retail price ranges from €599 to €699. While the device is unlikely to reach Nepal, should it ever do so, the expected starting price would be no less than NPR 65,999 for the 12GB/256GB variant.