If you like to think outside the box, the PinePhone Pro is worth your attention. The second Linux-based model is official after the 2019 experiment. Pine64, the group behind the device, is back with a Pro version that keeps the basics of the predecessor, but improves the performance. We are far from the most famous models based on Android and the PinePhone Pro is not even cheap: in the United States, the pre-order was announced at $399.
As Android Police points out, Pine64 worked directly with SoC manufacturer Rockchip to design a special version of its RK3399 processor: the RK3399S (2 Cortex-A72 cores and 4 A53 cores). This chip is optimized for power efficiency and also supports display output via the USB-C port of the PinePhone Pro. The RK3399S is also paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage this time around. expandable up to 2TB via a MicroSD card reader.
Linux in your pocket
For the rest, we especially find the privacy switches with which you can manually switch off the cameras, the microphone, the Wi-Fi, the Bluetooth, the mobile network or the headphone jack. It can even be repaired with the Philips screws.
For the rest, the PinePhone Pro offers a 6-inch 720p IPS display, a 13 Megapixel rear photo sensor (Sony IMX256) and a 5 Megapixel front module (OmniVision OV5640). The device is powered by a 3000mAh 15W rechargeable battery and does not offer 5G compatibility. The dimensions are 161 x 76.6 x 11.1 mm for 215 grams.
PinePhone Pro can take advantage of Anbox or Waydroid for Android applications, but it is intended for developers. Pine64 explains that a eligibility questionnaire is required to pre-order the smartphone and that mass production will start next month. The first shipments should take place in December.