After years of silence, Jolla Phone is making headlines again as Jolla officially returns with a brand-new smartphone powered by the latest version of Sailfish OS. However, there’s a small catch – this new device won’t be mass-produced until next year, and shipping is currently expected to start toward the end of the first half of 2026.
Jolla Phone marks a bold comeback after years
Jolla, the company born from the legacy of Nokia’s MeeGo project, has officially announced its return to the smartphone market with a new Jolla Phone. This device acts as the true successor to the original Jolla Phone that was launched back in 2013. This time, the company is coming back stronger, pushing its vision of a European-built mobile ecosystem with a fresh version of Sailfish OS.
In a detailed post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, Jolla emphasised why Europe needs its own independent mobile operating system. The company highlighted the risks of relying only on US-based operating systems like Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. According to Jolla, Sailfish OS 5 is currently the only commercially viable European alternative and is designed to better respect user privacy by avoiding large-scale data collection.
While Jolla didn’t reveal many deep technical details about Sailfish OS 5, the hardware side of the Jolla Phone is not being kept under wraps, as the device is already live for pre-orders.
Display, design, and performance
The pre-order listing reveals that the Jolla Phone will feature a 6.36-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a pixel density of 390ppi and a tall 20:9 aspect ratio. The Jolla will also be protected in its screen by Gorilla Glass for extra durability. From the official product images, the phone clearly shows a wide notch at the top of the display, which houses the front-facing camera.
- A 6.36-inch FHD+ AMOLED display
- with pixel density of 390ppi
- A tall 20:9 aspect ratio
Under the hood, the Jolla Phone will be powered by an unspecified MediaTek processor. What is confirmed is that this will be a 5G-enabled chipset, as the device comes with full 5G network support.
In terms of memory, the phone packs 12GB of RAM combined with 256GB of internal storage. Users who need extra space will be happy to know that storage can be expanded using a microSD card. As of now, Jolla has not mentioned any other RAM or storage variants.
- 12GB of RAM with 256GB of internal storage
Camera and hardware features
The Jolla Phone’s camera setup includes a dual rear camera system. This consists of a 50MP primary sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera for broader landscape and group shots. The wide notch at the front will also house a front camera, though Jolla has not yet shared the exact specifications of that sensor.
- A 50MP primary and a 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera
The spec sheet also confirms that the Jolla Phone will come with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for quick unlocking. It will also include an RGB notification LED, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones but is still highly appreciated by many users.
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
- RGB notification LED
On the connectivity side, the phone supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and dual nano-SIM slots. Powering everything is a large 5,400mAh battery, and interestingly, this battery will be user-replaceable – a feature that has almost disappeared from today’s smartphones.
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.4
- NFC
- Dual nano-SIM slots
- A large 5,400mAh battery
Privacy-focused features make the Jolla Phone different
One of the biggest highlights of the Jolla Phone is its strong focus on user privacy. The device includes a physical privacy switch that can instantly disable microphones, Bluetooth, Android app compatibility, and other sensitive functions when turned on. This makes the phone especially attractive for users who are serious about digital privacy.
In terms of design, the phone will launch in a bold Orange colour as standard. Users will also be able to buy additional back covers in Black and White, allowing them to customise the look of their Jolla Phone without changing the entire device.
Production depends on pre-orders, but targets already achieved
Jolla has made it very clear that this smartphone will only go into full production if it receives at least 2,000 pre-orders by January 4, 2026. The good news is that this target has already been met. At the time of writing, the Jolla Phone has reportedly received 2,056 orders, which means mass production should go ahead as planned.
When it comes to availability, Jolla has confirmed that the phone will be officially released in the UK and across the European Union, including Norway and Switzerland. The company also stated that if there is enough global interest, it may expand availability to other markets, such as the United States, in the future.
Pricing and pre-order details
Anyone interested in reserving the Jolla Phone right now will need to pay a deposit of €99. After that, buyers will be able to purchase the device for €499. The final retail price is not fully locked in yet, as it will depend on the final hardware configuration and the overall bill of materials.
That said, Jolla has shared an estimated final price range, stating that the retail cost is likely to fall somewhere between €599 and €699 once the phone officially launches.
Overall, the return of the Jolla Phone marks a powerful and positive moment for fans of alternative mobile platforms. With its focus on privacy, user control, and European-built software, the Jolla Phone could carve out a special place in a market dominated by Android and iOS. Although buyers will have to wait until the end of H1 2026 for shipping, the interest shown so far proves that the Jolla Phone still has a loyal audience and a real chance to succeed once again.
