It has been almost two years since Purism ended its Librem 5 crowdfunder, raising $2.1 million. Now the company has unveiled the final specifications for the device as well as an approximate launch date of Q3 2019. If you’re unfamiliar with the device, the Librem 5 runs PureOS, a fully free and open source operating system that is not based on Android or iOS.
The final specifications, which have just been confirmed today, are as follows:
- Display: 5.7” IPS TFT screen @ 720x1440
- Processor: i.MX8M (Quad Core) max. 1.5GHz
- Memory: 3GB RAM
- Storage: 32GB eMMC internal storage, expandable with microSD
- Battery: 3,500mAh, replaceable
- USB: USB Type-C port
- Front camera: 8MP
- Back camera: 13MP
- Sensors: Gyro, compass, ambient light and proximity sensor, haptic motor
- Wireless: 802.11abgn 2.4GHz / 5GHz + Bluetooth 4
Back in 2017 when we reported on this device, the shipment date was slated for January 2019. It’s the company’s first foray into the smartphone market so it’s acceptable that the deadline has slipped back a bit, and it’ll be interesting to see whether it does manage to ship the Librem 5 in the third quarter or not.
We also pointed out at the time that the specifications would be dated by now and this is largely true, especially for the $649 (soon to be $699) price tag. With all that said, it is running a different operating system so the specifications may turn out to be sufficient, only time will tell. The Librem 5’s biggest challenge will be trying to appeal to a broad audience. Much bigger companies including Mozilla and Canonical have tried their hands in the phone space, with both ultimately failing in their pursuit; it’ll be interesting to see what happens regardless, and hopefully, Purism will give users one more way to escape the Google-Apple duopoly.
If you"d like to learn more about the device or pre-order it, you can do so by heading over to Purism"s website.