Nex Computer has just announced a new smartphone that feels like a love letter to a bygone era. Called the NexPhone, this device is unabashedly nostalgic, designed to look like a classic Nokia Lumia while promising the “phone-as-a-PC” dream that Microsoft tried to sell years ago.
Three operating systems in one
The biggest selling point here is flexibility. Unlike standard phones that lock you into Android or iOS, the NexPhone claims it can boot into three different operating systems: Android 16, Debian Linux, and full Windows 11.
To make Windows usable on a small screen, the phone uses a custom interface that mimics the old Windows 10 Mobile tiles. The idea is to pair the phone with a monitor or a “NexDock” lapdock. This effectively turns the handset into a portable computer, reviving the “Continuum” concept where your phone powers your desktop experience.
A chunky, retro design
Design-wise, the NexPhone isn’t trying to be slim or modern. It is a direct homage to the Nokia Lumia 1020, complete with a polycarbonate (plastic) body and a massive, round “Oreo-style” camera bump on the back.
It is a substantial piece of hardware. The phone is 13.1mm thick and weighs 256g, making it significantly bulkier than today’s sleek glass slabs. It features a 6.58-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring scrolling looks smooth regardless of which OS you are running.
Industrial specs
Under the hood, things get interesting. The phone runs on a Qualcomm QCM6490 chipset. This isn’t your typical consumer chip; it is an industrial-grade processor often used in IoT devices. It was likely chosen because it offers better long-term driver support for different operating systems.
You get 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. The battery is a standard 5,000mAh unit with 18W wired charging.
Market Impact & Context
The NexPhone is clearly built for a specific niche of enthusiasts who miss the utility of Windows Phone and the durability of old Nokias. While mainstream manufacturers like Samsung offer desktop modes (DeX), they don’t let you run actual desktop operating systems like Windows or Linux natively. By using an industrial chip to bypass standard software locks, Nex Computer is offering a rare “hacker-friendly” device in a market that is usually very locked down.
The phone is priced at €549 (around $600) and is expected to ship in the third quarter of this year.
