Tag: Liberux NEXX

  • Liberux NEXX: Linux Smartphone with Kill Switches & 32GB RAM

    Liberux NEXX: Linux Smartphone with Kill Switches & 32GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Liberux NEXX smartphone is currently in crowdfunding on Indiegogo, with a backing price of around €1,300 ($1480) and an uncertain funding goal achievement.
    2. It runs on LiberuxOS, a Linux-based operating system derived from Debian 13, offering stability, user-friendliness, and compatibility with Android apps.
    3. The smartphone features impressive specifications, including a Rockchip RK3588S SoC, 32 GB of RAM, 512 GB of expandable storage, and built-in 5G connectivity.
    4. The device has a 6.34-inch OLED display and allows users to easily disable the camera and microphone with dedicated hardware buttons.
    5. Potential backers should be aware of the risks associated with crowdfunding, as the success of the project depends on community support and contributions.


    We’ve shared news before regarding the Liberux NEXX, and now the smartphone is in a crowdfunding phase. People who back the project can get a smartphone for about €1,300 (around $1480), but they should be aware of the usual risks that come with crowdfunding efforts. So far, only a small part of the funding goal has been met, and it’s uncertain if they will actually reach the desired amount. The expected delivery date is set for July 2026.

    Unique Operating System

    What makes this smartphone stand out is its operating system, LiberuxOS, which is a Linux-based system derived from Debian 13. This OS is known for its stability, user-friendliness, long-term support, and a wide array of software packages that can meet diverse user requirements. While Android is also a Linux distribution, it has a strong reliance on Google. However, users can still expect Android apps to work on the Liberux NEXX without issues.

    Impressive Specifications

    The device comes loaded with a Rockchip RK3588S SoC, featuring four Cortex A76 and four Cortex A55 processors, along with a substantial 32 GB of LPDDR4x RAM. Additionally, it offers 512 GB of eMMC storage that is not only removable but can be further expanded using a microSD card. A built-in 5G modem, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0 are all included, as well as two USB-C ports.

    Liberux has fitted a 6.34-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080. Users can turn off the camera and microphone, among other functions, using dedicated hardware buttons. An LTE variant featuring 16 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage is set to launch on Monday for just under €900 (about $1025).

    Crowdfunding Insights

    Indiegogo is the platform where this campaign is taking place, offering supporters a chance to own a piece of innovative tech. Given the nature of crowdfunding, potential backers should carefully consider the risks and rewards before participating. The success of the Liberux NEXX relies heavily on community support and contributions.

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  • Checkmag: Flagship Smartphone Without Android or iOS Faces Struggles

    Checkmag: Flagship Smartphone Without Android or iOS Faces Struggles

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Hobby: Installing Linux on smartphones is a niche activity, especially as many devices focus on reducing screen time and user tracking.

    2. Liberux NEXX Campaign: Liberux has launched an Indiegogo campaign to fund the development of their NEXX smartphone, which promotes user ownership of both hardware and software.

    3. User Control and Longevity: The Liberux vision includes features like removable batteries, 5 years of software updates, and support for Android, aiming to reduce planned obsolescence.

    4. Impressive Specs, High Price: The NEXX offers strong specifications but comes at a steep price of $1480, raising concerns about its accessibility and market viability.

    5. Investment Risks: While the vision is commendable, the lack of a working prototype and high cost pose significant risks for potential backers of the project.


    Installing Linux on a smartphone is quite a unique hobby, even with the increase in smartphones aimed at cutting down screen time and distancing from large companies that are often criticized for tracking users closely.

    Options Available

    Yet, there are numerous choices available, including brands like Volla and Fairphone, plus Ubuntu Touch can be set up on many older models.

    We talked about the Liberux NEXX back in January when it was first revealed, and Liberux has now started an Indiegogo campaign to gather funds for the development of the phone.

    The Liberux Vision

    The vision of Liberux is indeed praiseworthy, offering a way to escape tracking and planned obsolescence, with both hardware and software owned by the user. The features include removable batteries and a promise of 5 years of software updates, aiming to keep devices from ending up in landfills. They also plan to support Android via a Waydroid setup, and the full operating system could transform the device into a highly portable computer with the addition of a dock.

    Specifications and Price

    The specs are quite impressive too, with the NEXX flaunting 32 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, a 256 GB eMMC storage, and a Rockchip RK3588S 8-core processor. It even includes hardware switches to manage all of your device’s radios and USB ports.

    Even if this niche product had a broader audience, the main issue is its price. Liberux is asking for $1480 to secure one device, which is set to ship around July 2026. That comes with a 21% discount off the anticipated retail price of $1878. There are development boards and a proof of concept, but no working prototype exists, and Indiegogo has this campaign listed as still in the concept phase.

    Conclusion

    That’s quite a hefty sum for an open-source phone, especially when you can get a first-generation Pixel Fold from Amazon and install LineageOS on it for significantly less. It’s also a risky investment, since there’s a chance this product may never arrive at your door.

    The Liberux NEXX showcases an admirable and deserving vision, aiming for user control over hardware and software, free from the influence of large corporations. However, the cost of this freedom could hinder the realization of their aspirations.

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  • Liberux Nexx: 32GB RAM, 2TB Storage Linux Smartphone with 5G

    Liberux Nexx: 32GB RAM, 2TB Storage Linux Smartphone with 5G

    Smartphones running on Linux can be seen as both uncommon and quite usual, depending on your perspective. Android, which is the leading smartphone OS, is derived from open source software, yet most devices come loaded with proprietary applications and Google services. The Liberux NEXX is a new device that operates on LiberuxOS, which is based on Debian 13. This OS is claimed to provide enhanced options concerning security and privacy. Additionally, it features a desktop mode that allows the phone to connect wirelessly to monitors along with a mouse and keyboard.

    Powerful Hardware

    In terms of hardware, the Liberux NEXX is powered by an RK3588s SoC, the same chip found in various single-board computers. It boasts an impressive 32 GB of LPDDR4X RAM, which is substantial for a smartphone. The internal eMMC storage is reported to be 256 GB and can be expanded further with a microSD card. The device comes with a 6.34-inch OLED screen that has a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080, features a fingerprint sensor, and is safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass.

    Connectivity and Features

    The smartphone includes a Snapdragon X62 modem that facilitates 5G connectivity. Interestingly, it features a supposedly removable and replaceable 5,300 mAh battery. The main camera is reported to be 32 MP, while the front camera has a 13 MP resolution. There are also dedicated kill switches at the top for the microphone, WiFi, and Bluetooth functions.

    Crowdfunding and Alternatives

    The Liberux NEXX will be funded through a crowdfunding campaign, so details on pricing are not yet available. For those seeking alternatives, smartphones from Purism are an option, but it’s worth noting that their latest model, the Librem 5, was created in 2019, which could mean it is somewhat outdated in terms of technology.

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