Jolla phone – a full-stack European alternative (commerce.jolla.com)

Article summary

Jolla has announced a new phone using its Sailfish OS, providing a full-stack European alternative to the Android/Apple duopoly. The phone features a 5G dual nano-SIM, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage, with a user-replaceable back cover and battery. The phone is available for pre-order, with estimated delivery in September 2026. The company emphasizes the phone's focus on privacy and security, with no tracking, no calling home, and no hidden analytics.

Main themes

• European alternative to Android/Apple
• Privacy and security
• Android app compatibility
• Phone specs and price
• Open-source and mainline kernel support
• Cellular chipset vendors and European manufacturing

What commenters say

• The Jolla phone's inability to run all Android apps is a major limitation, making it less useful for daily use.
• The phone's reliance on Android drivers undermines its claim of being a full-stack alternative.
• The use of FIDO2 for secure login is not sufficient for non-tech-savvy people, as it may not provide clear information about transactions.
• The phone's high price is not justified by its specs, which are comparable to much cheaper phones.
• The lack of European cellular chipset vendors makes it difficult for companies like Jolla to create a truly European phone.
• Some commenters argue that the phone's focus on privacy and security is more important than its specs or price.
• The phone's ability to run Android apps, albeit with some limitations, is a major advantage for users who need access to specific apps.
• The concept of a full-stack alternative is misleading, as it may not necessarily imply a completely European or open-source solution.