Almost 10 years after the release of the last Windows Phone, there’s hope for those who loved Microsoft’s mobile operating system. A new device called NexPhone is set to launch later this year, running a combination of Android 16, Linux, and Windows 11.
The NexPhone is designed to work as your everyday smartphone, but it also works like a computer when plugged into a monitor. It’s a midrange device designed to switch between all three operating systems for both mobile and desktop use.
The best bit for some is that the Windows 11 mobile version can use an interface that emulates the grid-style design of Windows Phone. “For web apps, you can install your favorite sites as small, focused apps right from your browser,” says NexDock, the brand behind NexPhone. “They launch fast, feel lightweight, and stop running when you close them.”
Android (left), Linux, and Windows 11 on the NexPhone (Credit: NexPhone)
To access Windows on the device, you’ll need to reboot the phone. The device can switch between Android and Linux without needing to reset, and both OSs can also be used for desktop features. NexDock wants to offer as many options as possible for various work and personal life scenarios.
Windows 11 on the NexPhone when plugged in (Credit: NexPhone)
The NexPhone is set to launch with a Qualcomm QCM6490 for power. That’s normally focused on corporate use, but we saw the Fairphone 5 use it as a phone chipset, and now NexPhone is set to do the same. It will mean long-term support from Qualcomm, enabling consistent updates from NexDock.
It’s paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, plus there’s microSD support for up to 512GB of extra space.
The phone features a 6.58-inch LCD with a refresh rate up to 120Hz, a 5,000mAh battery, wireless charging, 18W fast charging, and 5G connectivity. The cameras feature a 64MP wide-angle using Sony’s IMX787 sensor, paired with a 13MP ultrawide, while selfies are captured with a 10MP sensor.
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The phone comes in one color: Dark Gray. It has a rubberized design and is durability-focused, with an IP69 rating. You’re buying this phone for its functionality rather than how it looks.
Remarkably, the phone is priced at only $549. The brand says you can lock in that price by reserving now for $199, suggesting the price may increase later. It says the NexPhone will come out later this year, but we’ve yet to get an official release date.
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