NexPhone comes with Android, Windows and Linux

The NexPhone is a smartphone that combines Android, Linux and a fully-fledged Windows 11. The robust device relies on an unusual multi-boot concept and wants to finally make the dream of having a PC in your pocket come true.

One smartphone, three operating systems

While Apple is working on the iPhone 18 and the release of Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is imminent in a few weeks, an unusual smartphone is now causing a stir. Because the so-called NexPhone will appear with three different operating systems at once. In addition to Android 16, a Linux distribution and Windows 11 should also run on the cell phone.

Windows 11 in pocket size

The manufacturer Nex Computer explains the technical implementation of the complex multi-boot system in detail on the website to the upcoming smartphone. A Google-free Android 16 called “NexOS” serves as the primary system. A Debian-based Linux environment runs as an application within Android and shares the kernel and the file system.

However, switching to Windows 11 requires a complete restart because the Microsoft operating system is installed on a separate partition. To enable operation on the small touchscreen, the manufacturer has developed its own user interface, which has large tiles that are visually reminiscent of the discontinued Windows Mobile. If the smartphone is connected to a monitor or a so-called lap dock from the company via USB-C, the usual desktop environment of the respective operating system is available.

Technical details

Nex Computer is no stranger to the scene and started the NexPhone project 14 years ago. The concept brings back memories of past attempts by the industry, such as Microsoft’s Continuum in 2015 or Canonical’s never-released “Ubuntu for Android” project from 2012. While the mobile phone’s computing power is likely to be sufficient for office applications and web browsing, clear limits are to be expected for computationally intensive tasks or emulations under Windows 11 on the ARM architecture.

Technically, the mobile phone is positioned in the middle class. The Qualcomm QCM6490 processor is used. This is a special IoT variant of the well-known Snapdragon 778G, for which Qualcomm promises extended support until 2036. The chipset is supported by 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. The 6.58-inch LCD panel has a resolution of 2403 x 1080 pixels and offers a refresh rate of 120 Hertz. However, with a thickness of a good 1.3 centimeters and a weight of around 256 grams, the device with its 5000 mAh battery is comparatively massive.

Price and market launch

The NexPhone is scheduled to ship in the third quarter of 2026. The list price is $549 (approximately 470 euros), although interested parties must pay a deposit of $199 (approximately 170 euros) to pre-order. A USB-C hub is included in the delivery, which provides interfaces such as HDMI and USB-A.