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Start for freeThe Arrival of PinePhone: A Fresh Perspective in the Smartphone Market
When the Librem Phone 5 emerged, it sparked debates and comparisons, with many questioning its viability and eagerly anticipating the review of its counterpart, the Pine64 PinePhone. The PinePhone, branded as a beacon for privacy and open-source enthusiasts, has been on the radar of many since its announcement. Its journey to a workable state has been long, but with the introduction of the Community Edition, there's a lot to unpack.
Unboxing the PinePhone Community Edition
The PinePhone arrives in a rather unassuming package labeled Pine64 Mobian Edition. Inside, you find the essentials:
- PinePhone
- User manual and quick start guide
- USB-C power cable
- A surprisingly included USB-C dock
The inclusion of a USB-C dock hints at the PinePhone's capability to offer a desktop Linux experience, showcasing its versatility beyond just a mobile device.
First Impressions and Setup Hurdles
The PinePhone, with its removable battery and additional slots for micro and nano SIM adapters, immediately sets itself apart from most modern smartphones. It's less chunky compared to the Librem and boasts a decent slimness. However, setting up the device presented its own set of challenges, from a firmware hiccup to navigating the installation of operating systems without a pre-installed setup.
Hardware and Software: A Deep Dive
The PinePhone sports hardware switches accessible by removing the back cover, allowing users to physically disable various components like the camera, modem, and microphone for enhanced privacy. The device is powered by an Allwinner A64 quad-core SOC and MALI-400MP2 GPU, paired with 2 gigs of LPDDR3 memory. While not the most powerful specs, they reflect the device's affordable $200 price point and its focus on privacy and customization over performance.
Experimenting with Different Operating Systems
One of the PinePhone's unique selling points is its ability to run various Linux-based operating systems, providing a playground for enthusiasts to experiment with. From Mobian to Manjaro Plasma, Ubuntu Touch, and Sailfish OS, each OS offers a distinct experience, with varying degrees of success in terms of usability and performance. Ubuntu Touch emerged as a relatively smoother option, showcasing the potential of Linux on mobile when paired with the right software.
The PinePhone's Place in the Market
The PinePhone stands as a testament to the flexibility and openness that Linux offers, packaged into a mobile device. It's not intended to replace mainstream smartphones for the average consumer but rather to offer an alternative for those deeply invested in the Linux ecosystem or those seeking a device that champions privacy and customization. The inclusion of a USB-C dock, removable battery, and the ability to physically control hardware components underscore its appeal to a niche audience.
Final Thoughts
The PinePhone, while not perfect, is a significant step forward from its predecessors like the Librem Phone. It offers a glimpse into what a privacy-focused, customizable mobile device can look like, even if it's not ready to compete with the likes of Android and iOS for the general public. For Linux enthusiasts and privacy advocates, however, the PinePhone provides a unique and exciting platform to explore.
For a closer look at the PinePhone and its capabilities, check out the original video here.
