Where to buy a non-Apple, non-Google smartphone
As Apple and Google impose stricter controls on their smartphones, alternatives to mainstream devices are gaining attention. Companies like Murena, Punkt, and Volla offer new smartphones with de-Googled or Linux-based operating systems that prioritize user privacy and control. With Google's upcoming restrictions on app sideloading set for September 2026, interest in these open-source, user-owned devices is growing.
- ▪Google will enforce restrictions in September 2026 blocking apps not registered with it.
- ▪Murena sells phones with /e/OS, a de-Googled Android variant.
- ▪Punkt and Volla offer privacy-focused smartphones with alternative operating systems.
- ▪The Keep Android Open campaign warns of reduced user control over Android devices.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Personal Tech Where to buy a non-Apple, non-Google smartphone Both Cupertino and Google are imposing ever stricter limits on their phones – but you have alternatives Liam Proven Fri 1 May 2026 // 15:24 UTC As both Apple and Google introduce unwelcome changes in their phone OSes, here's a quick reminder that you do have alternatives to the Gruesome Twosome. The Keep Android Open campaign is gathering attention and support as the big red numbers on its page count down. The good news is that you do already have alternatives, and The Register has been reporting on them.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Register.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Register
