TL;DR
Jolla’s crowdfunded handset, running Sailfish OS 5, has cleared initial pre-order targets and will ship in batches to backers, with wider production planned if demand continues. The device pairs familiar smartphone hardware — 5G, AMOLED display and 12GB RAM — with Sailfish’s distinct, local-first Linux experience and a suite of privacy-focused controls.
What happened
Jolla’s recent crowdfunding effort for a new phone met and exceeded its initial target within two weeks, prompting multiple production batches and more than 5,000 orders at the time of reporting. The company set staged pricing: the first run of 2,700 units was offered at £499, a second batch at €549 sold out, and a third batch of 5,200 units is available at €579; after the first 10,000 units the price will rise to between €599 and €699. The handset’s spec list, gathered through a company survey, includes 5G, a 6.36-inch AMOLED screen, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage with microSDXC expansion, a user-replaceable 5,500 mAh battery and a software privacy switch to disable microphones, Bluetooth or Android apps. The phone will ship to backers and is planned for availability in mid-2026, initially in the EU plus the UK, Norway and Switzerland.
Why it matters
- Offers an independent alternative to Apple and Google ecosystems with a distinct UI and desktop-Linux lineage.
- Emphasizes local-first data handling and hardware privacy controls, appealing to users concerned about cloud-first mobile models.
- Crowdsourced specifications and crowdfunding show ongoing community interest in non-mainstream mobile platforms.
- User-replaceable battery and microSD expansion support device longevity and repairability compared with many modern smartphones.
Key facts
- Crowdfunding target was 2,000 €99 pre-order deposits; that goal was reached in under two weeks.
- More than 5,000 orders were placed at time of reporting; Jolla will accept up to 10,000 pre-orders before January 31, 2026.
- Batch pricing: first batch (2,700 units) £499; batch 2 €549 (sold out); batch 3 (5,200 units) €579; post-10,000 price expected to be €599–€699.
- Hardware highlights include 5G, a 6.36-inch AMOLED display, indicator LED, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, and expandable microSDXC.
- The phone has a user-replaceable 5,500 mAh battery and a software privacy switch to disable mic, Bluetooth or Android apps.
- There is no headphone socket on the new device, according to the review.
- Sailfish OS traces its roots to Maemo/Meego/Mer; version 1.0 launched in 2014 and Sailfish OS 5.0 'Tampella' was released earlier in the year.
- Sailfish 5 runs on Jolla devices and officially supports over a dozen Sony Xperia models, with community ports also available.
- The OS can run Android apps via the AppSupport compatibility layer and installs apps through multiple stores (Jolla Store, StoreMan/OpenRepos, Chum RPM).
- Maps and some cloud-driven services showed problems in testing: Google Maps and Here failed to render, Mapy.com ran but could not detect location.
What to watch next
- Whether total sales reach 10,000 units, which would trigger a promised return of the "Other Half" smart back covers (including previous keyboard designs).
- How Sailfish 5’s app ecosystem and compatibility layer evolve to address mapping and cloud-service gaps observed in testing.
- Expansion beyond initial sales countries (EU, UK, Norway, Switzerland) and wider retail availability: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Sailfish OS: A Linux-based mobile operating system descended from Maemo and Meego, designed as an independent alternative to mainstream mobile platforms.
- Crowdfunding: A method of raising money for a project by collecting small contributions from many people, often in exchange for early access or rewards.
- AppSupport (compatibility layer): A software layer that allows apps built for one platform (here, Android) to run on a different operating system.
- AMOLED: A display technology (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) known for deep blacks and high contrast on smartphone screens.
- microSDXC: A removable flash memory card format that provides expandable storage for devices such as smartphones and cameras.
Reader FAQ
When will the new Jolla phone ship?
The handset is planned to ship in mid-2026; individual batch ship-windows are described as weeks after order, but exact dates vary.
How much does the phone cost?
Early batches were priced at £499 and €549; a later pre-order batch is €579. After the first 10,000 units the company expects to raise the price to €599–€699.
Can it run Android apps?
Yes — Sailfish includes an AppSupport compatibility layer and the reviewer was able to install Android apps using tools like F-Droid and the Aurora store.
Is the phone available worldwide?
Sales are initially limited to the EU, the UK, Norway and Switzerland; the device should technically work elsewhere, but broader retail availability is not confirmed in the source.
Does it have a headphone jack?
No — the review notes the absence of a headphone socket.
PERSONAL TECH 73 New Jolla phone and Sailfish 5 offer a break from iOS-Android monotony Powered by the original mobile Linux OS with crowdsourced specs Liam Proven Mon 15 Dec 2025 // 19:04 UTC…
Sources
- New Jolla phone and Sailfish 5 offer a break from iOS-Android monotony
- New Jolla, Sailfish 5, offer break from iOS-Android monopoly
- Jolla Phone with Sailfish OS: A smartphone with Nokia roots
- Forget Android vs iOS – this new privacy-focused Linux …
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