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| MC03: New smartphone with a focus on privacy - and with a subscription model. |
In an era of data mining and hyper-connected lives, the promise of a truly private smartphone feels almost revolutionary. Swiss manufacturer Punkt. is back with its latest attempt to deliver just that: the MC03, a device it bills as a “premium secure smartphone” designed for those who want to step off the data-collection treadmill.
But this privacy comes with a significant catch—an ongoing subscription fee. After the first year, without paying at least €10 per month, the phone’s core functionality grinds to a halt.
A Different Kind of Operating System
At the heart of the MC03 is AphyOS, Punkt’s custom operating system. It’s not a typical Android skin you’d find on a Samsung or Google device. Instead, AphyOS is a privacy-focused derivative built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), stripped of Google services and the background tracking that typically accompanies them. The company promises no user tracking and system-level control over app permissions.
However, this software isn’t free in the long run. Punkt. has adopted a subscription model for AphyOS. Once the included first year expires, users must pay to keep their phone fully operational. According to the manufacturer, an inactive subscription doesn’t just limit extras—it deactivates basic functions, severely hampering the device's usability. The subscription does include a bundled VPN service, adding another layer of privacy.
For a deeper dive into the philosophy and mechanics of this unique system, you can explore AphyOS directly on Punkt’s official product page.
Solid, Modern Hardware with a Nostalgic Twist
The hardware tells a different story—one of modern capability. The MC03 is no stripped-down minimalist brick. It sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a sharp 2436 x 1080 resolution, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and decent brightness. Under the hood, a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor and 8GB of RAM should provide snappy performance for everyday tasks, though it’s not targeting hardcore gamers.
The camera system includes a 64MP main sensor and an ultra-wide-angle lens. Notably, the front-facing camera is a substantial 32MP. In a welcome throwback to a more repairable era, the battery is user-removable. It supports 30W wired and 15W wireless charging. The phone also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and supports both a nano-SIM and an eSIM.
The Verdict: A Niche Proposition
The Punkt. MC03 is currently available for pre-order at €699, with shipments slated for the end of January. It presents a compelling, hardware-competent package for the privacy-conscious. The removable battery and clean software are major pluses.
Yet, the subscription model for core functionality is a substantial hurdle. It transforms the device from a one-time purchase into a continuous expense, which will be a deal-breaker for many. Our experience with its predecessor, the MC02, left us with mixed feelings, and this new model’s success will hinge on whether users deem its privacy promises valuable enough to warrant a monthly fee.
For those seeking an escape from constant digital surveillance, the MC03 is a rare and serious option. For everyone else, the question remains: is digital peace of mind worth a perpetual subscription?