Nitrokey may have earned a repute for selling encrypted USB sticks, but the company has ventured into smartphones now. According to the company’s promotional material, it believes that the NitroPhone 1 combines security, privacy, and a simple user experience along with modern hardware.
While this may be true, the NitroPhone 1 appears to be a little less exciting than we hoped it to at first glance.
The NitroPhone 1 is essentially the Google Pixel 4a with the GrapheneOS installed, formerly known as the CopperheadOS. In short, GrapheneOS is an Android fork without Google Mobile Services(GMS), although you can install them as per your preference.
Google will continue to extend support for the Pixel 4a for two years, so the NitroPhone 1 will not have the longest shelf life.
GrapheneOS is essentially a free OS to install, so it is really hard to arrive at what the unique selling point of the NitroPhone 1 is as it is not cheap! The device retails at 630 Euros or 54,648 INR. In contrast, the Pixel 4a costs $349 or 25,475 INR.
Nitrokey will remove the device’s microphone for an additional layer of security, but that does not cover the 200 Euros between the NitroPhone 1 and the Pixel 4a.
If you are interested to purchase the NitroPhone 1, you can do so via NitroKey’s official site. The company accepts SEPA bank transfers, PayPal, Bitcoin, and credit cards, for reference.
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