Linux phones remain a niche in a market dominated by Android and iOS, yet for users seeking greater independence from major tech companies, several options are available. Here is one of them.
FuriLabs has opened pre-orders for its FLX1s Linux smartphone, priced at $550. As you would expect, the leading selling point here is the operating system. The device ships with FuriOS, a Debian-based operating system that supports multi-boot, Android app compatibility, and even virtualization through KVM.
The hardware is built around the MediaTek Dimensity 900 chip with Mali-G68 graphics, paired with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of UFS storage. For those needing more space, it supports microSD cards up to 1 TB. The phone also includes dual-SIM 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and USB-C connectivity.
One of the device’s more notable features is the inclusion of three physical kill switches for the microphone, cameras, and modem. These give users the ability to cut power to sensitive components directly, which has been a common ask among privacy-focused communities.
On the display side, the FLX1s comes with a 6.7-inch panel at 1600×720 resolution with a 90 Hz refresh rate, protected by Asahi Dragontrail glass. The back cover is glass, the mid-frame is polycarbonate, and the buttons are metal. Connectivity is broad, covering 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G ENDC.
Cameras include a 20 MP rear shooter with an f/1.8 lens, a 2 MP macro at f/2.4, and a 13 MP front camera at f/2.0. Power comes from a 5000 mAh Li-Po battery with standard USB-C 2.0 wired charging, which should provide enough runtime for heavy daily use.
Software flexibility is another highlight. While the Debian-based FuriOS is the default, the phone supports multi-boot setups, Android app compatibility, and can even run alternative operating systems such as Ubuntu Touch. Virtualization via KVM is also part of the package, opening the door for running different environments in parallel.
FuriLabs is handling the rollout in batches. The first run has already sold out, with pre-orders now open for the second. Shipments are expected later this year.
For more information, visit the manufacturer’s website.
