New Sailfish OS device: The Jolla Phone (2026)
Today saw the eagerly awaited launch of a new product from European smartphone operating system manufacturer Jolla:
The Jolla Phone. (also known as the J2 or C3)
The Jolla Phone is a very interesting device that was created by the Sailfish OS community through various surveys and consultations with and by Jolla. It is the second smartphone to be distributed directly by Jolla and developed with partners in recent years. The C2 was a less powerful device that came out last year. The new Jolla Phone (J2), on the other hand, is intended to cover the upper mid-range segment.
The device has some very interesting features that are anything but standard today, such as a removable color back cover (currently available in white, black, and orange), a user-replaceable battery, and runs on the Linux operating system “Sailfish OS 5”, and is expected to have a physical privacy switch on the side that can be used to turn off the mobile connection, Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, and cameras with a slider.
These are the technical specifications of the device known so far:
- SoC: High-performance Mediatek 5G platform (not yet described in detail)
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 256GB, expandable via microSD cards
- Mobile communications: 4G and 5G with dual SIM support (nano-SIM) and a modem configuration for worldwide roaming
- Display: 6.36“ FullHD AMOLED with a 20:9 ratio and Gorilla Glass (equivalent to approx. 390 PPI)
- Cameras: 50 megapixel wide-angle lens and 13 megapixel ultra-wide rear cameras and a wide-angle front/selfie camera
- Battery capacity: approx. 5,500 mAh (user-replaceable)
- Connectivity: WiFi 6, BT 5.4, NFC
- Dimensions: approx. 158 mm x 74 mm x 9 mm
- Other features: Fingerprint scanner (on the power button), notification LED (RGB), replaceable back cover and physical privacy switch
Replacement batteries and protective cases for the device will of course also be available from Jolla.
For the time being, the device will be sold in the EU, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, but in the medium term, if there is sufficient demand, it will also be available for other markets, such as the U.S. market, and will work worldwide.
The smartphone is available for the first 2,000 pre-orders for €499, with only approx. €99 payable in advance (which is a kind of voucher that entitles the holder to purchase the smartphone at a preferential price and is credited in full against the purchase price – but is fully refundable if the purchase is not made). When purchased later, the smartphone will cost an additional $400 for people with this voucher (= $499 in total).
After the pre-sale phase, the device will then be available for approximately $600.
Delivery is expected to take place at the end of the first half of 2026 (summer 2026).
I think this sounds like one of, if not the best alternative smartphone devices currently available on the market!
If you would like to learn more, you can find further information here:
Have fun and all the best with this device, Jolla! It sounds really good.
PS: If you’re interested, don’t wait too long. The offer has been available since around 4 p.m. this afternoon, and almost half of the pre-order devices have already been ordered!