2019-10-06 00:00:00

Technology/e/|Android|e.OS|linux|phone|privacy|PureOS|Purism|security

A phone for hardcore Linux fans: Purism Librem 5

Many people who understand the importance of digital security and privacy have been longing for mobile devices that don't leak their data to large corporations and advertisers. As it happens, during the second half of 2019, two very different privacy-focused mobile phone products have become available: Purism Librem 5 phone that is powered by Debian-originated Linux and phones from /e/ Foundation that are powered by a modified Android software.

Before the Librem smartphone was created Purism manufactured and marketed laptops for people who want strict security and privacy for their computers. The laptops are powered by Linux operating system PureOS that is derived from Debian.

Purism LIbrem 5 linux smartphone
Purism Librem 5

So we can assume that the developers of the Librem 5 phone knew what they were doing when they decided to put the same PureOS operating system into a mobile phone and design a product around it. Purism wanted to be sure that no hardware module or software component does anything suspicious, and required all components to be open software. It is not a minor requirement when mobile hardware and software is in question. It is a more complex and demanding task to create a commercial phone than a laptop.

The phone runs Gnome and KDE desktop that provide the graphical user interface for the device. You can attach a keyboard and mouse to the phone, and since it is full-blown Linux, apt-get and systemctl all you want.

Purism made it. The Librem 5 phone may not be as sleek as the top-of-the line Samsung or Huawei phones, but it is available. And you can be sure it doesn't spy on you. The launch price is USD 700. The specifications are available at the Purism online shop page.

Here is a video where a Purism manager introduces the Librem 5 phone:

Comparison of Purism Librem 5 and /e/ Foundation phones

Recently, another team of Linux experts, the /e/ Foundation, introduced their first product, the /e/OS operating system for mobile devices. The objective of the /e/ is exactly the same as Purism: protect phone users privacy and increase their digital security. The strategies, however, couldn't be more different between the two open software teams.

samsung galaxy 7 running /e/ software
Samsung Galaxy running on /e/ operating system.

/e/ Foundation took the core open source Android software as its starting point. It replaced Google components and apps with open source software that doesn't continuously send sensitive data to commercial databases.

The beta version of the e/OS operating system is available for download and it is also pre-installed on phones that can be purchased from the foundation's web shop.

The key reasons why the foundation decided to use Android were two-fold. Android is, after all, Linux at its core - although modified for mobile devices. The second reason is crucial for the mass market: applications developed for Android run on the phones powered by e/OS software.

If and when both Purism and e/ succeed in their objective to protect privacy and increase security for mobile users, the key factor that differentiates the privacy advocates is the availability of third party apps for their products. Also, the variety of phones in different price ranges is an important factor in the mass market.

But there are three fortresses on the other side of border.

2025-07-08 16:06:04

But there are three fortresses on the other side of border.


Border town safety net.

2025-07-07 18:24:59

arihak

Border town safety net.


News

2025-07-07 16:16:00

Instead of fumbling with plastic chips, you download a mobile profile directly onto the secure micro-chip already soldered inside most recent phones (think iPhone XR and newer, Google Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20 series and up). #phone #travelhttps://klaava.com/esim-the-tiny-tech-that-makes-big-adventures-stress-free/


News

2025-07-01 16:15:00

Canyon road is a magnet for cyclists and motorists.#photography #travelphotography #europeflic.kr/p/2rdW4Mfhttps://flic.kr/p/2rdW4Mf


The historic center of Krakow in Poland features castles, churches, palaces ... and tourists.

2025-06-23 13:31:04

The historic center of Krakow in Poland features castles, churches, palaces ... and tourists.


A man with his donkey.

2025-06-19 15:54:21

arihak

A man with his donkey.


News

2025-06-19 15:11:00

An eye-catching place for a painting.#streetphotographyhttps://wordpress.org/photos/photo/9536554ee4/


News

2025-06-15 15:33:00

There are many ways to classify the best countries for road trips, and that is why we are going to take a look at a few different types of ways to select the best here. #roadtrip #Europehttps://klaava.com/which-countries-in-europe-are-the-best-for-road-trips/


News

2025-06-11 16:24:00

Let's go.#streetphotographyflic.kr/p/2r3EuJNhttps://flic.kr/p/2r3EuJN


News

2025-06-04 18:08:00

A #photographer has been using sunglasses with a camera and loudspeakers for 8 months: "I quite enjoy them, and they’ve quickly become my daily wear as far as sunglasses are concerned."https://fstoppers.com/artificial-intelligence/ray-ban-meta-glasses-photographers-perspective-701899


News

2025-06-02 14:42:00

Today, digital nomads recognize the benefits but also risks of their lifestyle. An extensive study among traveling workers reveals the highs and lows of the nomad life. #remotework #digitalnomadhttps://klaava.com/digital-nomads-feel-powered-by-their-lifestyle-but-recognise-inevitable-downsides-as-well/


Aland archipelago

2025-05-30 16:59:41

Aland archipelago


Highway across a swamp.

2025-05-30 11:14:51

arihak

Highway across a swamp.


News

2025-05-26 16:29:00

Flower market, but she is selling fruit trees.#streetphotographyhttps://unsplash.com/photos/TfQ6uYmI9QQ


News

2025-05-22 14:19:00

In Spain, the Balearic government asked influencers to help ease pressure on overcrowded hotspots by promoting less-visited areas. Instead, influencers have unintentionally drawn large crowds of tourists to remote, ecologically sensitive locations. #photography #selfiehttps://petapixel.com/2025/05/21/spanish-islands-ban-influencers-after-4000-tourists-flock-to-tiny-beach-for-selfies/


News

2025-05-18 18:23:00

Most travelers already knew that south Europe is the warm and sunny zone of #Europe, and this ranking confirms it. Spain and Italy have most cities in the top 30, followed by France and Portugal. #travelhttps://klaava.com/sunniest-cities-in-europe/


Popular sight in Sevilla

2025-05-16 17:51:34

Popular sight in Sevilla


News

2025-05-14 16:03:00

Bordeaux is ready for hot summer days.#streetphotographyhttps://pixelfed.social/p/arihak/827854641319295061


Cooling zone.

2025-05-13 12:38:47

arihak

Cooling zone.


Hochosterwitz castle

2025-05-10 15:23:05

Hochosterwitz castle