• bruhbeans@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    14
    ·
    1 month ago

    Rather than a cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 chip, the NexPhone is going with a rather odd choice of Qualcomm SoC: the QCM6490. This chip is primarily designed for IoT purposes, and it’s not exactly new, either — we saw the Fairphone 5 running it back in 2023, and it was noticeably sluggish, even then.

    Doesn’t say how the various OS’es get installed, they talk about some kind of multi-boot in the OS, that sounds bad for long-term maintenance. Give me an x86_64 CPU and UEFI, maybe I’m interested. This ain’t it.

    • Bluegrass_Addict@lemmy.ca
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      12
      ·
      1 month ago

      it for sure does say how the other OS’s get installed… as apps on Android.

      it’ll probably run Android most of the time while on the go, but can launch Debian as an app for quickly pivoting to a new OS.

      it’s just an android fork and not a true Linux install. nothing but corporate lies in my book

  • Zachariah@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    9
    ·
    1 month ago

    TL;DR

    • For smartphone users looking for a desktop replacement, the NexPhone wants to offer a choice of three popular operating systems.
    • In addition to desktop support for Android, Linux Debian, and Windows 11, there’s full mobile compatibility, including a custom Windows UI.
    • Shipments are expected to get started in Q3 2026, with the hardware going for a reasonably affordable $549.
  • poVoq@slrpnk.netM
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    7
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 month ago

    Not sure why one would want to get this over a Fairphone 5 though. Same SoC, similar functionality, similar price.

    • Pika@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 month ago

      Does the Fairphone 56 run Linux and Windows? I was under the understanding that the Fairphone was more focused to be a repairable Android device.

      This device is marketing as a middleman device that runs Windows(Native), Linux(through an app), and Android(native). I think its intent is to give more lower technical people(the people who only really need a phone + access to low power programs like documents or spreadsheets) the ability to have a work computer without actually needing to carry both a phone and a computer around.

      edit: replaced 5 with 6 as 5 is discontinued and not sold first party anymore

      • poVoq@slrpnk.netM
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 month ago

        Huh? I was not aware they stopped selling the FP5 on their main shop. But it is still easily available with other online retailers. The FP6 is sadly a bit of a down-grade as it lacks some important features like display out and USB3.

        The FP5 can run Ubuntu Touch and PostmarketOS quite well, yes.

        My impression is that this NexPhone just uses Android16’s built in virtualization features to run Linux and Windows. The FP5 will also be able to do that once the Android16 update becomes available for it in the near future.

        • Pika@sh.itjust.works
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          1 month ago

          I think it might for Linux but they mention a boot menu and requiring a reboot for windows, so I don’t think windows is via a virtualization layer.

          Also disappointing to hear the downgraded stuff for the 6. I was looking into them at once point but due to the infancy of the phone I decided against it, looks like it was a good call.