No Android, No iOS: This $1,749 Smartphone Takes a Completely Different Approach
Brief By Abplive.com / 12:33 PM on 11 Aug 2026
Smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life, with most users relying on devices powered by either Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android. These two operating systems dominate the global smartphone market to such an extent that alternatives rarely come into the conversation. However, some companies are trying to break away from this established model with devices built around privacy and user control.
One such smartphone is the Liberty Phone from Purism. Unlike most smartphones, it does not run on Android or iOS. Instead, it uses PureOS, an open-source operating system based on Linux. The platform has been designed with a strong focus on privacy, transparency and giving users greater control over their devices.
One of the phone’s standout features is its hardware kill switches. These switches allow users to physically disable components such as the camera, microphone and certain connectivity features when they are not needed. This approach gives users an additional layer of control that goes beyond software settings.
In terms of specifications, however, the Liberty Phone does not look like a conventional flagship smartphone. It features a 5.7-inch IPS TFT display, along with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Rather than competing with premium Android and iOS smartphones on specifications, Purism has focused on privacy, security and user freedom.
The smartphone is associated with Purism, a San Francisco-based company, and is assembled in the United States. However, this does not mean every component is manufactured domestically. Like other advanced electronic devices, the Liberty Phone relies on a global supply chain, with several components sourced internationally.
The Liberty Phone was launched in 2023 at $1,999 and is currently being offered for $1,749. That price makes it significantly more expensive than many mainstream smartphones with much more powerful hardware.
The phone may not be suitable for everyone, especially users who depend heavily on popular apps, gaming and social media. However, privacy-conscious users looking for an alternative to the Android and iOS ecosystem may find it an interesting option.