The device is now available for pre-order for $150

Apr 2, 2020 23:49 GMT  ·  By

If you’re in the market looking for a new phone and the iPhone is too mainstream for you, here’s something that’s totally worth the $150 price tag.

The so-called PinePhone “Community Edition” is a custom version of the PinePhone Linux phone that comes with Ubuntu Touch pre-installed, so you can now enjoy a full Linux package – the original version of the device shipped without an operating system.

“The PinePhone UBports 'Community Edition' is the culmination of all our work over the past 18 months, from the first laggy Unity8 [now Lomiri] demos on the 'Anakin' development unit, to fighting with the modem on the "Don't be Evil" prototype (turns out the SIM slot wasn't wired correctly), through to our work to make the 'Braveheart' units suitable for use by early adopters and enthusiasts,” the official announcement reads.

In addition to Ubuntu Touch, the new version of the PinePhone also features a new motherboard revision and a custom backplate that sports the Ubports name and logo.

Device already available for preorder

But what’s more important is that despite coming with Ubuntu Touch, the operating system itself isn’t really ready to become your daily driver and replace the smartphone that you use for taking photos and everything.

This is because some features aren’t yet ready and additional optimizations are required regarding the camera support, battery life, and USB support. But core features like calls and messaging will still be there, the developing team promises.

The 5.95-inch phone powered by a quad-core Allwinner A64 System-On-Chip is supposed to start shipping in late May. The device also features 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, and a 5-megapixel main camera on the back paired with a 2-megapixel unit on the front for selfies and video calls.

You can preorder the PinePhone “Community Edition” from this page.