In a bold move that’s reigniting the flames of open-source innovation, Finnish tech pioneer Jolla has officially unveiled the Jolla Phone, a groundbreaking Linux smartphone designed for the privacy-conscious user of 2025. After more than a decade since its iconic 2013 debut, this “independent European Do It Together (DIT) Linux phone” promises to challenge the Android and iOS duopoly with Sailfish OS 5, a user-replaceable 5,500mAh battery, and a physical privacy switch that puts control back in your hands. Pre-orders are live now, but with production hinging on community support, this could be the Linux phone we’ve all been waiting for.
If you’re tired of data-hungry ecosystems and crave a privacy-focused smartphone built on genuine Linux foundations, the Jolla Phone 2025 edition is turning heads across Europe and beyond. Let’s dive into what makes this revival so exciting – from its Scandinavian-inspired design to its robust specs and commitment to long-term support.
A Legacy Reborn: From MeeGo Ashes to Sailfish OS 5 Glory
Jolla’s story is one of resilience. Born in 2013 from the remnants of Nokia’s abandoned MeeGo project, the original Jolla Phone was a gesture-driven marvel that shipped after a wildly successful crowdfunding campaign. Fast-forward to today, and the company – now a beacon for European tech independence – is doubling down on its roots with Sailfish OS 5. This latest iteration of their Linux-based mobile OS is touted as “the only commercially viable European mobile OS,” free from trackers, hidden analytics, and mandatory Google services.
What sets Sailfish OS apart? It’s bloatware-free, gesture-based for seamless multitasking, and engineered for efficiency – meaning longer battery life and lower network traffic compared to Android counterparts. Plus, thanks to Jolla’s AppSupport, you can run Android apps without Android at its core. Want to de-Google completely? Just disable the components with a toggle. No compromises, just choice.
In an era where privacy scandals dominate headlines, Jolla’s emphasis on “no calling home” resonates deeply. As one tech enthusiast on X put it: “We need to vote with our wallet” for alternatives like this. And with Europe pushing for digital sovereignty, the timing couldn’t be better.
Hardware That Honors Repairability and Performance: Key Jolla Phone Specs
The Jolla Phone isn’t just software magic; it’s packed with modern hardware that nods to sustainability and power. Community-voted specs ensure it’s shaped by users, for users, blending high-end performance with eco-friendly features like a removable back cover and user-replaceable battery – rarities in 2025’s sealed-device world.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the standout Jolla Phone features and specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.36-inch Full HD AMOLED (~390 ppi, 20:9 aspect ratio, Gorilla Glass protection) |
| Processor | High-performance MediaTek 5G SoC (exact model TBD during manufacturing) |
| Memory & Storage | 12GB RAM; 256GB internal (expandable up to 2TB via microSDXC) |
| Battery | 5,500mAh user-replaceable with wireless charging support |
| Cameras | Rear: 50MP wide + 13MP ultrawide; Front: Wide-angle selfie (resolution TBD) |
| Connectivity | 5G/4G dual nano-SIM, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, global roaming modem |
| Security & Extras | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, RGB notification LED, physical privacy switch (disables mic, camera, Bluetooth, etc.) |
| Design & Durability | Rounded Scandinavian styling; Colors: Snow White, Kaamos Black, The Orange; IP-rated water/dust resistance (TBD) |
| OS Support | Minimum 5 years of updates; Android app compatibility via AppSupport |
This lineup screams versatility – whether you’re streaming 5G videos on that vibrant AMOLED screen, capturing landscapes with the dual-camera setup, or extending your day with the swappable battery. And for tinkerers, the modular design means spare parts like batteries and covers will be readily available, aligning with the right-to-repair movement.
Pre-Order Details: Secure Your Jolla Phone Before It’s Too Late
Excitement is building fast. Pre-orders for the Jolla Phone kicked off on December 5, 2025, via the official Jolla Store, starting with a refundable €99 deposit. The full pre-order price is €499, with regular pricing expected between €599 and €699 once production ramps up. But here’s the catch: Jolla needs at least 2,000 confirmed units by January 4, 2026, to greenlight manufacturing – a community-driven threshold that’s already been smashed, with over 2,500 backers as of today.
Deliveries are slated for mid-2026, initially targeting the EU, UK, Norway, and Switzerland, with global expansion on the horizon based on demand. Early birds also snag a special edition back cover as a thank-you. Head to Jolla’s pre-order page to join the revolution – and keep an eye on minor spec tweaks as final manufacturing confirms details.
Why the Jolla Phone Could Redefine Linux Smartphones in 2025
As Android and iOS tighten their grip, devices like the Jolla Phone remind us that innovation thrives in open ecosystems. Its privacy-first ethos – amplified by that hardware kill switch – appeals to journalists, activists, and anyone wary of Big Tech surveillance. Add in robust 5G performance, expandable storage for power users, and a five-year update promise, and you’ve got a phone that’s future-proof without the e-waste guilt.
Social buzz is electric, with Linux fans on X hailing it as “the Linux phone we’ve been waiting for.” Critics note it’s not for everyone – app ecosystem limitations persist, even with Android bridging – but for those prioritizing ethics over ubiquity, it’s a game-changer.
Will the Jolla Phone sail past its crowdfunding goal and conquer markets? With pre-orders surging and Sailfish OS 5’s privacy prowess, it just might. Stay tuned for hands-on reviews as prototypes emerge. In the meantime, what’s your take – ready to ditch the data miners for a true Linux alternative? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
