When shopping for a smartphone, you’ve two actual decisions. You possibly can go for an iPhone, which runs iOS, or one of many many Android handsets accessible from the likes of Google, Samsung, Huawei, OnePlus and Sony.
In case you worth your privateness, then you may want a cellphone that really does too. Volla Cellphone 22, from German agency Hallo Welt Systeme UG, is a handsome gadget that’s targeted on preserving you secure and safe. It runs a selection of working techniques — Volla OS, Ubuntu Contact, and the not too long ago added Sailfish OS — that may be chosen on start-up. Help for extra cellular working techniques is coming quickly.
The Volla Cellphone 22 is a stable mid-range gadget that first got here to market through crowdfunding campaigns on Kickstarter and Indiegogo. It’s accessible in White and Elegant Black and contains a 6.3-inch FHD+ show. It’s powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 4G processor and comes with a 4500mAh battery (which helps Qi wi-fi charging). This may be eliminated and changed just by taking the again off the cellphone, which is one thing you don’t see a lot of lately.
On this age of selection, the Volla Cellphone 22 is uncommon because it solely is available in one model with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of inner storage. The capability may be expanded by including a MicroSD card of as much as 512GB, and this can be utilized for putting in further working techniques. There’s help for 2 nano-SIMs too.
On the again of the cellphone are two cameras — a 48MP major shooter and an 8MP ultrawide angle digicam with macro capabilities. There’s additionally a fingerprint scanner. The entrance has a 16MP selfie digicam tucked away in a small notch. On the underside there’s a USB-C port, speaker and a 3.5mm audio jack.
A Alternative of Working Methods
By default, the cellphone runs Volla OS, which relies on the open supply Google-free Android Working System (AOSP). Being Google-free means there’s no Gmail, no Google Maps, no YouTube, and so forth. Which you may view as refreshing or terrifying.
The cellphone’s help for multi-boot means you can even set up and use Ubuntu Contact or Sailfish OS as your working system, if you happen to’d choose. These may be put in by Settings and you’ll change between them or Volla OS on boot up.
In Volla OS there are three screens you may swipe between. The primary is the Springboard. From right here you may search the online by typing what you’re on the lookout for, or if you happen to add the @image when typing you may be proven matching contacts and might name or message them. You too can use Springboard to create notes or add occasions to your calendar.
There’s a purple dot within the backside proper nook and tapping this may open up a menu for options like Dialer, Digicam, Gallery, Agenda, and Current Notes. You possibly can change the shortcuts on provide right here in Settings.
The following display screen is Apps. By default, the app icons are monochrome, and I just like the look. They embrace Browser, Calendar, Digicam, Dialer. F-Droid, Information, Gallery, Maps (smAND), Messaging, Music, Settings and VPN (HideMe). There are six different ‘overflow’ apps like Clock, Contacts, Okay-9 Mail, Radio, Retailer and Sync.
Including further apps may be performed by Retailer or F-Droid. ‘Retailer’ within the apps listing is definitely Aurora Retailer and this allows you to obtain your favourite apps from Google Play. You are able to do so by both logging into your Google Account or taking the nameless route — within the latter case, there are safe and insecure strategies for doing so. F-Droid is dwelling to open supply options to in style apps, and may swimsuit you higher if you happen to’re actually frightened about your privateness.
The ultimate display screen, Settings, provides you entry to the next choices:
- Visible Mode (select between Darkish, Gentle and Translucent)
- Safety Mode (off by default). This allows you to briefly block chosen apps from operating and in addition block chosen web addresses.
- Information Channels (NZZ, Chip On-line, The Guardian by default)
- Shortcuts
- Search Engines (DuckDuckGo, Startpage or MetaGer)
- Show and menus
- Background blur
Within the month I spent utilizing it I’ve come to actually just like the Volla Cellphone 22. I like its dedication to simplicity, safety and privateness, and it really works effectively. Volla OS does take a bit getting used to, however when you’ve bought the whole lot arrange the way you need it, it’s nice.
The Volla Cellphone 22 is priced at €452.00 and may be bought here.
