The demand for privacy-focused smartphones is increasing, and there’s a German-based smartphone company that wants a piece of it. Because more individuals are concerned about their privacy, phone manufacturers have increased the options available to consumers to manage what is shared. Google, for example, enables users to disable rights for specific applications. Users can also choose whether an app can access their exact or predicted location using Android 12.
People who want more control can opt for smartphones that come with more privacy-focused features. A good example is the Benco V8s, which doesn’t have a camera or GPS. You can also choose a different operating system that has more features, like GrapheneOS, which is an Android-based operating system that focuses on privacy and is open source. The OS works with some Pixel phones.
Volla Phone 22 is German-Based Hallo Welt Systeme UG’s the third phone that focuses on privacy and runs either Ubuntu Touch from UBPorts, Volla OS Android fork without Google Play services or apps (YouTube, Gmail, etc…). Due to the phone’s simple but stylish appearance, it will easily stand out from the competitors.
Volla Phone 22 is German-Based Hallo Welt Systeme UG‘s the third phone that focuses on privacy and runs either Ubuntu Touch from UBPorts, Volla OS Android fork without Google Play services or apps (YouTube, Gmail, etc…). Due to the phone’s simple but stylish appearance, it will easily stand out from the competitors.
The back cameras are flush with the glass back cover, which is detachable. According to the product’s Kickstarter page, it will be offered in two colors: White and Elegant Black, all of which feature a piano finish. As with several other privacy-conscious smartphones, the Volla Phone 22 runs an unmodified version of Android that excludes Google apps and services. There’s an app locker, parental controls, encrypted device storage, and a firewall to blacklist or whitelist IP addresses built into the modified operating system with a simple look.
An interesting addition, asides from being privacy-focused, is its ability to dual-boot. Users will be able to install a second operating system such as Ubuntu Touch on the device in addition to the AOSP-based Volla OS. When the phone is turned on, the multi-boot menu allows users to choose between the two operating systems. As of now, the second OS can only be installed on a MicroSD card, but a feature upgrade will allow it to be put on internal memory. The smartphone maker also revealed plans to add Sailfish OS, Manjaro, and Droidian to the device.
The Volla Phone 22’s specifications place it squarely in the mid-range category. It features a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display with a notch for the 16MP selfie camera on the front. The phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 CPU, which is a 4G processor.
It will be available in a single version with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for Kickstarter backers. For those in need of additional storage, a MicroSD card slot (supporting cards up to 512GB) has been incorporated. On the back, there are two cameras: a 48MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultrawide angle camera with macro capabilities. On top of that, there’s support for two SIM cards (nano only) as well as a fingerprint scanner positioned on the back.
The smartphone comes with a detachable 4500mAh battery. The manufacturer claims it support rapid charging, but does not provide a specific charging speed rating. Nonetheless, purchasers will receive a power adapter in the box. The bottom of the device features a USB-C port alongside a 3.5mm audio jack for wired charging.
Although the phone’s back cover can be removed, it still supports Qi wireless charging, which is surprising but amazing. The smartphone is being crowdfunded on Kickstarter and has already surpassed its funding goal four times. Early bird discounts bring the cost down from the official retail price of €398 (around $430).
