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Swiss maker Punkt has returned with the MC03, a mid-range handset that flips the usual smartphone model: high-end privacy features are bundled into a subscription-based operating system called AphyOS. The hardware looks promising, but it’s the software strategy that will spark debate.
Hardware that punches above Punkt’s usual weight
Unlike Punkt’s earlier minimalist devices, the MC03 packs competitive specs. The phone sports a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate driven by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset and 8GB of RAM. Photography is handled by a 64MP main camera plus an 8MP ultrawide sensor. Other practical features include IP68 dust and water resistance, an under-display fingerprint sensor, and a microSD slot for expandable storage.
Battery life looks solid thanks to a removable 5200mAh battery — a rare convenience these days — and support for 30W wired and 15W wireless charging. For buyers who want reliable endurance and repairability, that removable cell is a notable plus.
AphyOS: privacy first — and behind a paywall
The MC03’s key differentiator is its operating system, AphyOS, built in Switzerland on top of AOSP with foundations in Android 15. Punkt positions AphyOS as a privacy-centered alternative to mainstream mobile platforms, emphasizing that it does not track user behavior or monetize data. Instead of Google Play and the usual Google services, the phone ships with privacy-oriented apps such as Proton Mail and Threema, plus 5GB of dedicated cloud storage.
Here’s the controversial part: AphyOS is a subscription product. Punkt says the first year is free, after which users must pay €9.99 per month to retain the OS’s full security features and privacy services. If you stop your subscription, the device won’t brick — but it will lose its special security features and fall back to a stripped-down AOSP build without the proprietary privacy services.
Why a subscription? Punkt’s argument
Punkt argues that charging directly for the OS creates a transparent business model that doesn’t rely on ads or data harvesting. The company leans on the familiar line: if you’re not paying for the product, you might be the product. For privacy-minded buyers willing to pay for ongoing protection, that trade-off may make sense. For others, the idea of paying monthly for an operating system could be a hard sell.
Price, launch windows and what’s next
The MC03 is priced at $699. Punkt plans a European rollout starting in late January 2026, with a U.S. launch targeted for spring 2026. The company will reveal more details at CES 2026, where attendees can expect a closer look at how AphyOS works in practice.
Whether the MC03 becomes a hit will depend on how strongly buyers value built-in privacy and whether they accept ongoing subscription costs for an OS. For people who prioritize data protection and prefer repairable hardware, Punkt’s new approach could be exactly what they’re looking for.
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