Every month we see several new phones in the market. This is no big deal. The main focus of new generation mobile users is on their privacy.
Whatever device you use, you are not always in full control of the apps and hardware. So, geeks and techie peoples always welcomed Linux powered devices where you can gain more control over your smart device.
Librem 5 is another Linux operating system powered smartphone. The company behind the phone is Purism. The CEO is Todd Weaver. He described this phone is focused on user privacy and hardware security. Especially with the included hardware and Linux operating system you can control the flow of information.
The tech specs are as follows:
Display : 5.7″ IPS TFT screen @ 720×1440
Processor : i.MX8M (Quad-Core) max. 1.5GHz
Memory: 3GB
Storage : 32 GB eMMC internal storage
Wireless : 802.11abgn 2.4 GHz / 5Ghz + Bluetooth 4
Baseband : Gemalto PLS8 3G/4G modem w/ single sim on a replaceable M.2 card
GPS: Teseo LIV3F GNSS
Smartcard : Reader with 2FF card slot (SIM card size)
Sound: 1 earpiece speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack
External Storage: microSD storage expansion
Accelerometer : 9-axis IMU (gyro, accel, magnetometer)
Front Camera : 8 MPixel
Back Camera : 13 MPixel w/ LED flash
Vibration motor: included
USB Type C : USB 3.0 data, Charging (Dual-Role Port), Video out
Battery : User-replaceable – 3,500 mAh
The phone will run on a Linux operating system called PureOS. Obviously, it is an opensource OS from the strong Linux community. So, security updates and mods are going to be very interesting.
The hardware itself is optimized for PureOS operating system. 3GB RAM is enough to run the operating system, but I guess the internal memory should be at least 64 GB. Considering the users of Android and iOS, I would love to get more spaces for my pictures and songs.
Also, we have better cameras in android and iOS these days. So, a camera with 13megapixel will not attract the customers much.
Even you are capable of recording 4K video or UHD resolution, if I consider the price then why would be I interested in such an overpriced phone?
Thinking of security and user-controlled source code this is a winner. It separates the cell band from operating systems CPU. The Applications runs on a virtual sandbox that bars them from accessing user data. Yes, you are not getting this on Android or iOS.
Although there are several other operating systems in the Linux distro family, Pure Os seems more organized, secured and user-friendly, but, do you want to make a switch?
