We have been waiting for a full-fledged Linux phone for close to a decade now but nothing interesting enough has happened yet since the Meizu Pro 5 Ubuntu Phone got unboxed and Purism put a smile on the faces of many users. At least not until this week – because the community-driven PinePhone is here. Hopefully, it is here to stay as well.
The PinePhone is a Quad-Core ARM Cortex A53 64-bit SOC-powered open-source smartphone capable of running any Linux and BSD Mobile operating system – especially Linux.
Recommended Read: 6 Best Mobile Linux Distros & Interfaces for PinePhone
PinePhone is created to not only provide end-users with an excellently functioning Linux phone but to also create a market for Linux devices as well as to complement the existing support for Linux-on-Phone projects worldwide. It supports all major Linux Phone-centric projects together with other free and open-source operating systems to boost collaboration among developers.
The PinePhone features include 2GB RAM, 5.95″ LCD 1440×720 hardened glass screen with an aspect ratio of 18:9, USB Type C for power, data, and video out, Bluetooth 4.0, a headphone jack, and a matte black-finished plastic casing, among others.
Specifications in PinePhone
- Rear Camera: Single OV6540, 5MP, 1/4″, LED Flash
- Front Camera: Single GC2035, 2MP, f/2.8, 1/5″
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB Storage
- USB Type C
- Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP
- Acceleration, proximity, barometer, compass, ambient light, and gyro sensors
- 3000mAh battery
- 3 buttons for volume and power
- WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n, single-band, hotspot capable
- 1 micro SD slot
- 1 Headphone Jack
You can read more about the PinePhone’s specifications on its official website.
The PinePhone has an edition that you can grab now and it goes by the name of “Brave Heart” and it is available for pre-order at $149.99 from Pine64’s website with an expected delivery date between December 2019 and January 2020.
Do keep in mind, however, that this edition is aimed at Linux-savvy users who will like to test beta OS builds and polish things up during the final stages of their development process.
If you’re interested in the edition of PinePhone aimed at general users then hold your horses until March 2020.
How do you feel about the new PinePhone? How much of an effect do you suspect it will bring to the Linux community and can you make any guesses about how the world will receive the project? Your comments and suggestions are always welcome in the discussion box below.
Sine it is a phone, what bands does it support? Sim size?
It supports all worldwide, global LTE bands and uses a Micro-SIM
Thanks for update
How do I feel about it?
Insanely ecstatic would be an understatement.
I will be one of the very first to purchase this device (two, if they’ll let me), and hope that it sends a SERIOUS message to all the rest of the manufacturers of “smartphones”.
Oh, and by the way–very good article; the only kind you know to write.
Warmest regards…