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Imagine carrying your phone and your desktop in the same pocket. NexPhone aims to do exactly that: a midrange Android handset that can also boot Debian Linux and an Arm build of Windows 11, offering a true desktop replacement experience when you need it.
A smartphone designed to be your only computer
Nex Computer has been experimenting with phone-powered productivity devices for years, and the NexPhone is their boldest effort yet. Running Android 16 at its core, the device uses a custom NexOS that lets you launch Linux as an app inside the Android environment or completely switch into an Arm-based Windows 11 build. That flexibility means you can use familiar Android apps on the move, drop into a full Linux desktop for development work, or boot Windows 11 for legacy apps and a tile-based interface that feels nostalgic to former Windows Phone users.
Desktop connections and real-world workflows
Connect the NexPhone to an external monitor over USB-C and you get a genuine desktop experience. Choose Android Desktop Mode, Debian Linux, or Windows 11 and work with a keyboard and mouse just like on a laptop. It’s an appealing setup for people who travel light or want a single device for both mobile and desktop computing.
Why this matters
Phones are getting more powerful, and software like NexOS blurs the line between mobile and desktop. For students, digital nomads, and developers who don’t want to carry multiple devices, a multi-boot phone could simplify life and reduce costs. It also surfaces interesting questions about app compatibility, peripheral support, and whether a single pocket computer can truly replace a laptop for everyone.
Hardware that keeps up
Under the hood, NexPhone uses Qualcomm’s QCM6490 chipset — the same SoC inside the Fairphone 5 — paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage, expandable via microSD. The 6.58-inch IPS LCD offers FHD+ resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate and is protected by Gorilla Glass 3.
- Battery: 5,000 mAh with 18W wired charging and wireless charging support
- Durability: IP69 rating for water and dust resistance
- Cameras: 64MP main (IMX787), 13MP ultrawide (ISOCELL 3L6), 10.5MP selfie (Samsung 3J1)
Price, reservations and timeline
NexPhone will retail for $549, and interested buyers can reserve a unit with a $199 deposit. Official shipments are expected in Q3 2026. That price puts it squarely in the midrange market but with a unique selling point: true multi-OS support and desktop docking capability.
Who should care?
If you travel frequently, work between different operating systems, or simply love the idea of consolidating devices, the NexPhone is worth watching. It won’t replace every laptop yet — heavyweight computing tasks and broad software compatibility still favor traditional PCs — but it represents a meaningful step toward a more flexible, portable computing future.
Expect further details on software compatibility, peripheral support, and real-world performance as Nex Computer moves toward shipping. For now, the NexPhone is one of the clearest examples of where mobile hardware could lead: a phone that doesn't just connect to your desktop, it can become the desktop.
Source: nexphone
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