Read this article in Deutsch, Español.
If you want to buy a new smartphone, chances are high that you end up with manufacturers like Apple, Google or Samsung. But there are so many exciting alternatives to discover.
At Vivaldi browser, we always want to give you options. Because it’s all about discovering what your browser can do and customizing it to your liking. And even beyond your browser, we are convinced that it’s important to have a choice. That’s why we like to introduce you to companies that are different. Different from Big Tech companies. Different because they’re sustainable, because they use different operating systems, or because they’re particularly committed to privacy.
Last week we asked you if you know of and use alternatives to Apple, Google and Samsung. Since many of you answered no to this question, we would like to introduce you to a few exciting alternatives.
Data protection
As you know, privacy is very important to us. That’s why we not only offer you our Ad and Tracker Blocker, but also the promise that we will not track you. There are also phone manufacturers who care for your data privacy that you should know about. After all, who hasn’t heard about some of the creepy tracking attempts of the Big Tech companies? It’s better to reach for an alternative.
Volla Phone, for example, offers you a Google-free Android experience and a minimalistic design. It is based on a free Android without Google Apps and Play services and without depending on a cloud. It replaces basic apps like phone calls and address books with curated apps that are also open source, as well as protecting the system with a pre-installed (optional) log-free VPN. With its minimalistic design, Volla OS allows you to easily navigate through your phone. After unlocking, just start writing and Volla Phone will recognize what you want to do. Simple as that.
Nitrokey also doesn’t integrate cloud or Google Play services to give you full privacy. If you can’t live without Google Play, you can install the original services in a sandbox without special privileges. The NitroPhone even offers you the option of expanding microphones, sensors and cameras, to make eavesdropping impossible. Phone calls can then be made only with an optional headset.
Even more options
Options are always a great idea! For instance, how about a physical keyboard? Just like Vivaldi, Astro Slide 5G from Planet Computers enables you to multitask between work, entertainment, and web browsing all day. Its backlit keyboard lets you type to your heart’s content while on the move. The Astro Slide 5G works both in the familiar slab style and as a mini-laptop. And, by the way, it also accepts Linux operating systems in multiboot mode with Android. And you don’t have to look far for our Vivaldi browser, since it’s already preinstalled.
If you are looking for a phone that can run alternative operating systems, you should take a closer look at PinePhone. This is an open source smartphone that supports all Linux operating systems. And, don’t forget that Vivaldi is now the default browser of the Cinnamon edition of the Arch-based Linux distribution Manjaro. More and more Linux users welcome the comprehensive philosophy and the customization possibilities of Vivaldi browser. Give it a try!
Sustainability
Repairing your smartphone yourself is a smart way to save resources. With its modular smartphones, Shiftphones differ fundamentally from nearly all other well-known smartphone manufacturers. In order to produce sustainable smartphones, Shift pays attention to fair wages and prohibits child labor. Shiftphone manufacturers are mindful of the environment and raw materials while providing an extremely powerful smartphone. By the way, ShiftOS is also available in a Google-free version.
Do you use an alternative phone? If so, which one? And, if not, what’s stopping you? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
