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| The NexPhone is said to be particularly drop-resistant. |
The wait for a smartphone that runs full Windows 11 just got longer, but Nex Computer promises it'll be worth it.
If you've been dreaming of a single device that handles your Android apps, your Linux workflows, and your Windows desktop needs, you're going to have to wait a little longer. Nex Computer has announced that its ambitious NexPhone—originally slated for a Q3 2026 release—won't ship until March 2027.
But for those who've been following this project since its early concept days, the delay comes with a silver lining: more time to polish the software experience that makes this device truly unique.
One Phone, Three Operating Systems
The NexPhone isn't just another Android handset. According to the official NexPhone website, this device runs no fewer than three operating systems that users can switch between on reboot:
- Android 17 for everyday smartphone use
- Debian Linux for desktop-class productivity
- Windows 11 on Arm for full PC compatibility
This multi-boot capability is powered by the Qualcomm QCM6490 chipset, which Microsoft has officially listed as supported for Windows 11. Perhaps even more impressive, Qualcomm is backing the platform with security updates and OS support through 2036—giving this phone a remarkably long potential lifespan.
A Blast From the Past: Windows Phone UI Returns
One of the most intriguing aspects of the NexPhone is its custom mobile interface for Windows 11. Nex Computer has developed a "Mobile UI" inspired by the beloved Windows Phone live tile design—a thoughtful touch for anyone who misses that distinctive grid-style interface.
For those who want to dive deeper into the philosophy behind the device, the company's founder Emre Kosmaz penned an extensive blog post detailing the 14-year journey from concept video to near-production reality. It's a fascinating read for anyone interested in the "phone as PC" dream that companies like Microsoft and Samsung have flirted with but never fully delivered on.
Desktop Mode: From Pocket to Productivity
Connect the NexPhone to any monitor via the included USB-C hub (which features HDMI, USB-A, and charging passthrough), and you've got a full desktop workstation. Add a keyboard and mouse, and you're running Windows 11 or Linux with hardware acceleration—no laptop required.
For those who want a more traditional laptop form factor, Nex Computer also offers the optional NexDock, a 14.1-inch lapdock with a backlit keyboard and precision touchpad. Since 2016, the company has shipped six generations of these lapdocks, so they know a thing or two about turning phones into laptops.
Hardware That's Built to Last
While the specs may not compete with flagship smartphones, the NexPhone focuses on durability and practical functionality:
- 6.58-inch 1080p+ IPS display with 120Hz refresh rate
- 12GB RAM and 256GB storage (expandable via microSD)
- 5,000 mAh battery with wireless charging
- 64MP main camera (Sony IMX787) plus 13MP ultrawide
- MIL-STD-810H certification with IP68 and IP69K ratings
That last point is significant. The NexPhone is designed to survive drops, shocks, dust, water immersion, and extreme temperatures—no case needed. For a device meant to be your everything-computer, that ruggedness makes practical sense.
Pricing and Availability
The NexPhone is priced at $599, with a $199 refundable reservation deposit required to lock in your order. According to the Notebookcheck report, customers who reserved at the earlier $549 price point will have that price protected.
The device ships with a free 5-port USB-C hub, and the bootloader is unlockable for those who want to install custom ROMs or de-Googled versions of Android.
The Verdict: A Niche Device With Big Ambitions
The NexPhone won't replace your flagship iPhone or Galaxy Ultra for everyone. But for a specific type of user—the developer who wants Linux in their pocket, the IT professional who needs Windows on the go, or the tech enthusiast who's been waiting since 2012 for the "phone as PC" promise to finally materialize—it could be exactly what they've been looking for.
The March 2027 ship date gives Nex Computer time to optimize what is admittedly a complex software stack. If they can deliver a smooth, reliable experience across three operating systems, the NexPhone might just prove that the dream of one device for everything isn't dead—it was just waiting for the right team to build it.
Reservations are available now at nexphone.com.
