Jolla Phone (October 2026) Release and Specifications

Jolla Phone (October 2026) Release and Specifications

Jolla Phone (October 2026) Overview

Jolla is releasing the Jolla Phone (October 2026), an independent European "Do It Together" (DIT) Linux smartphone designed as a modern successor to the original 2013 Jolla device. The phone is positioned as a privacy-centric alternative to mainstream "Big Tech" operating systems, emphasizing user control and European privacy standards.

Key Hardware Specifications

The Jolla Phone (October 2026) is assembled in Finland and features a design that honors the original form factor with modern internals:

  • Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 7100 5G platform
  • Memory & Storage: Two configurations available: 8GB RAM / 128GB storage and 12GB RAM / 256GB storage
  • Expandable Storage: microSDXC slot supporting up to 2TB
  • Display: 6.36’’ FullHD AMOLED (approximately 390ppi) with a 20:9 aspect ratio and Gorilla Glass
  • Cameras: Sony hardware featuring a 50MP wide and 13MP ultrawide main camera, with a 32MP wide-lens selfie camera
  • Battery: 5450mAh, user-replaceable
  • Connectivity: 5G (dual nano-SIM), WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC
  • Physical Features: Power key fingerprint reader, RGB indication LED, and a user-changeable back cover

Privacy and Software Features

The device runs Sailfish OS 5, which is marketed as being private by design with no hidden analytics or data harvesting.

  • Physical Privacy Switch: A user-configurable hardware switch allows users to disable the microphone, Bluetooth, and Android applications.
  • Android App Support: The phone supports Android apps via "Jolla AppSupport," allowing users to run native Sailfish apps or Android apps, with the option to go fully "de-Googled" by shutting down the Android layer.
  • Longevity Guarantee: Jolla guarantees a minimum of five years of OS support to prevent forced obsolescence.

Pricing and Availability

The Jolla Phone is priced at –—649.00—— and is sold in limited production batches to manage component procurement and price volatility.

  • Shipping: The October 2026 batch is scheduled for delivery in October 2026.
  • Markets: Initial sales are limited to the EU, UK, Norway, and Switzerland.
  • Payment Model: A 99—— down payment is required to lock in a delivery slot, with the final payment collected later.

Ecosystem and Accessories

Jolla is reviving "The Other Half," an open innovation platform for smart covers. Additionally, several official accessories are available:

  • Replaceable Back Covers: Available in The Orange, Snow White, and Kaamos Black (30.00——).
  • Screen Protectors: Available in Normal (clear) and Privacy (filter) versions (20.00——).
  • Protective Covers: Slim TPU material available in transparent and the three primary device colors (30.00——).

Community Perspectives and Critiques

While the device appeals to privacy advocates, community discussions on Hacker News reveal several points of contention regarding Jolla's history and the technical nature of the device.

Software Openness and Trust

Some users have questioned the actual "openness" of Sailfish OS, noting that significant portions of the UI remain closed-source.

"Wanted to mention that Sailfish has a lot of closed-source components, especially UI-related, despite the overall marketing/'vibe' making it look very open."

Others expressed skepticism based on previous experiences with early Jolla devices, citing poor support and unfinished software.

Practicality as a Daily Driver

Critics highlighted the difficulty of using a non-mainstream OS for essential modern services, such as banking apps and two-factor authentication (2FA).

"I think the biggest problem for a lot of adoption is the compatibility with things like banking apps, 2fa etc. It makes it quite an impossible daily driver thanks to some strange rules."

Hardware Design and Value

Some users felt the price point was too high for the hardware provided, specifically criticizing the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack and the design of the camera bump.

Sources