A phone that runs Android apps - without Android. Meet Jolla

If you’ve been bored of the Android–iOS duopoly, here’s a curveball. Jolla the Finnish company you may remember from 2013 is back with a new phone that doesn’t run Android or iOS… but still runs Android apps.

Yep, this one’s built on Sailfish OS 5, Jolla’s own Linux-based platform that’s spent over a decade quietly surviving in the background. And the pitch is simple: privacy first, zero Google tracking, and a clean experience without data-mining baked into the OS.

A phone built around privacy

Jolla says Sailfish OS has *no trackers, no hidden data collection, and no Google Play Services quietly doing their thing in the background*. If you’re someone who’s tired of Google’s tentacles everywhere, this phone is meant to feel like a reset button.


There’s even a physical privacy switch. Flip it, and the phone literally cuts off the mic, camera, Bluetooth and sensors — something you don’t see on mainstream phones today.

But what about apps?

Jolla knows an OS doesn’t stand a chance without apps, so the phone can run Android apps using something called Jolla AppSupport. If you want, you can also turn off all Android components for a fully isolated setup. So you get privacy without sacrificing basic usability.

Design and hardware

The new Jolla Phone has a very Nordic vibe clean lines, boxy edges, and comes in black, white, or orange. The back panel is removable, and yes, you can swap batteries. That’s practically extinct in 2025.

Specs are surprisingly modern:

- 6.36-inch AMOLED display
- 12GB RAM
- 256GB storage (expandable up to 2TB via microSD)
- Dual cameras: 50MP main + 13MP ultrawide
- 5,500mAh battery
- 5G ready

The only thing Jolla isn’t talking about yet? The processor.

Preorders and pricing

Jolla needed 2,000 preorders to start production — they’ve already crossed that and hit 2,552. Early supporters get the device for €499 (about ₹52,000). The final retail price will land somewhere between €599–€699 (₹63,000–₹73,000).

Should you care?

If you want a phone that breaks free from mainstream OSes, respects your privacy, and still runs Android apps when you need them this might be the most interesting niche smartphone of the year.

Jolla is betting big on users who want digital independence, and honestly, it’s refreshing to see someone try.