New Jolla phone and Sailfish 5 offer a break from iOS-Android monotony

hands on After successful crowdfunding, the latest release of the original handheld Linux distro will power a new handset coming in mid-2026.

The initial crowdfunding drive for the new Jolla Phone seems to have gone well: at the time of writing, the new device has comfortably passed double the number of orders needed to go into production. Finnish vendor Jolla set a goal of 2,000 €99 pre-order deposits by January 4th, but passed the goal in less than two weeks. The first batch of 2,700 units were £499. Batch 2 will ship two to four weeks later, and cost €549, but that's now sold out too. Currently, well over 5,000 orders have been placed. With 20 days to go, the pre-order page says:

We take a maximum of 10,000 pre-orders until January 31st, 2026. Reserve your spot and lock your special total price of 579 ...