We take a detailed look at the PinePhone Mobian Edition and give you a perspective on the features, prices, and comparisons.
Pine64 the company behind the open-source Linux-based smartphone, PinePhone, announces the launch of PinePhone Mobian Community Edition (CE). The smartphone runs on the Mobian operating system which is based on Debian Linux.
If you are not aware, the Mobian project brings the popular Debian operating system to the smartphone markets. The project is already undergoing launches via various smartphone manufactures as a pre-installed phone operating system. We covered the launch of the Mobian project a while back. And its good to see one of the front line Linux-based smartphone maker considers the Mobian OS for their one of the device line-up.
Table of Contents
PinePhone Mobian Edition Review
Disclaimer: This device is only intended for early adopters or developers at the moment. The pre-installed Mobian OS is Alpha build. And this device is not yet consumer-ready as of writing this review.
PinePhone – Mobian Community Edition – Features
Probably the most sought after feature of this Phone (or any Linux phones) is privacy. There is no tracker, no ads in apps and you are in full control of your phone and personal information. You have complete freedom while using the device and check what software it runs and what it is doing as it is fully open source.
The PinePhone Mobian Community Edition (CE) comes with GNOME-based mobile shell Phosh which provides UI functionalities and features. All the standard smartphone UI features are available such as launchers, switching between applications, quick access, notifications, lock/unlock features, etc.
And, you have access to thousands of Debian packages via Debian repository.
The device comes with two variants. A 2GB RAM + 16GM eMMC ($149) and a 3GB RAM + 32GB eMMC with Convergence package ($199). This version also comes with additional USB-C dock in the package.
With the convergence package with a USB-C dock (which has an HDMI port also), you can make your Mobian phone into a complete desktop computer with a display. And you have a full desktop at your disposal!
Detailed Specification
The phone is armed with high efficiency 64-bit Quad-core 1.2 GHz ARM processor Cortex-A53. It is assisted by Allwinner A64 chipset with MALI 400MP2 GPU. It supports all international 4G LTE bands with GSM and CDMA fallback support.
A removable Li-Po 2750-3000 mAh battery is included with quick charge support via USB Type-C port. Sim card type supported is Micro-SIM.
A quick summary of the features with comparison of both the models.
| Category | PINEPHONE – “Community Edition: Mobian” | PINEPHONE – “Community Edition: Mobian with Convergence Package” |
| Current Retail Price | $149 | $199 |
| Body | Dimensions: 160.5mm x 76.6mm x 9.2mm Weight: 185 grams Build: Plastic with Mobian logo Colour: Black SIM: Micro-SIM | Dimensions: 160.5mm x 76.6mm x 9.2mm Weight: 185 grams Build: Plastic with Mobian logo Colour: Black SIM: Micro-SIM |
| Display | Type: HD IPS capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors Size: 5.95 inches Resolution: 1440×720 pixels, 18:9 ratio | Type: HD IPS capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors Size: 5.95 inches Resolution: 1440×720 pixels, 18:9 ratio |
| Platform | OS: Mobian OS build Chipset: Allwinner A64 CPU: 64-bit Quad-core 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex A-53 GPU: MALI-400MP2 | OS: Mobian OS build Chipset: Allwinner A64 CPU: 64-bit Quad-core 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex A-53 GPU: MALI-400MP2 |
| Memory | Internal Flash Memory: 16GB eMMC System Memory: 2GB LPDDR3 SDRAM Expansion: micro SD Card support SDHC and SDXC, up to 2TB | Internal Flash Memory: 32GB eMMC System Memory: 3GB LPDDR3 SDRAM Expansion: micro SD Card support SDHC and SDXC, up to 2TB |
| Camera | Main Camera: Single 5MP, 1/4″, LED Flash Selfie Camera: Single 2MP, f/2.8, 1/5″ | Main Camera: Single 5MP, 1/4″, LED Flash Selfie Camera: Single 2MP, f/2.8, 1/5″ |
| Sound | Loudspeaker: Yes, mono 3.5mm jack with mic: Yes, stereo | Loudspeaker: Yes, mono 3.5mm jack with mic: Yes, stereo |
| Communication | Worldwide, Global LTE bands LTE-FDD: B1/ B2/ B3/ B4/ B5/ B7/ B8/ B12/ B13/ B18/ B19/ B20/ B25/ B26/ B28 LTE-TDD: B38/ B39/ B40/ B41 WCDMA: B1/ B2/ B4/ B5/ B6/ B8/ B19 GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, single-band, hotspot Bluetooth: 4.0, A2DP GPS: Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS | Worldwide, Global LTE bands LTE-FDD: B1/ B2/ B3/ B4/ B5/ B7/ B8/ B12/ B13/ B18/ B19/ B20/ B25/ B26/ B28 LTE-TDD: B38/ B39/ B40/ B41 WCDMA: B1/ B2/ B4/ B5/ B6/ B8/ B19 GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, single-band, hotspot Bluetooth: 4.0, A2DP GPS: Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Features | USB: type C, USB Host, DisplayPort Alternate Mode output Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, ambient light, magnetometer(compass) Actuator: Vibrator Privacy Switches: LTE (include GPS), Wifi/BT, Mic, and Camera | USB: type C, USB Host, DisplayPort Alternate Mode output Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, ambient light, magnetometer(compass) Actuator: Vibrator Privacy Switches: LTE (include GPS), Wifi/BT, Mic, and Camera |
| Battery | Removable Li-Po 2750-3000 mAh battery Charging: USB type-C, 15W – 5V 3A Quick Charge, follows USB PD specification | Removable Li-Po 2750-3000 mAh battery Charging: USB type-C, 15W – 5V 3A Quick Charge, follows USB PD specification |
| Package Contents | PinePhone USB-A to USB-C charging cable | PinePhone USB-A to USB-C charging cable USB-C Docking Bar – 2x USB Type-A host ports, digital video port, and 10/100Mbps Ethernet port |
Price
The PinePhone Mobian edition price is available with below prices.
- PINEPHONE – “Community Edition: Mobian” Limited Edition Linux SmartPhone
$149 – 2GB RAM + 16GB eMMC
- PINEPHONE – “Community Edition: Mobian with Convergence Package” Limited Edition Linux SmartPhone
$199 – 3GB RAM + 32GB eMMC Convergence Package with an included USB-C dock
Buy
You can pre-order the phones from the below official link right now.
Closing Notes
Although, at this price, you may think that – there are many Android phones with far greater features in the device. You might get more value for your money. But with this phone, you get more freedom and privacy in your SmartPhone while compromising certain features. In my opinion, smartphone innovation is saturated completely at this time. The manufactures are increasing prices with features such as multi-camera, camera under display, etc which is completely useless from the usability standpoint.
In those terms, if you are an early adopter, developer and want to experience how a Debian Linux based smartphone looks like, you may want to try with $200. It will help the open-source community and everyone.
