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Essential retires: goodbye to the PH-2 and Essential Gem
by Dominik Bärlocher
Osom OV1: A smartphone for more privacy - maybe
4.3.2022
Translation: machine translated
The Osom OV1 is supposed to be an Android smartphone that protects your privacy. The manufacturer has not yet revealed how exactly, but it has already announced some details about the configuration.
The company Osom was founded by former employees of the smartphone manufacturer Essential, which launched the Essential Phone in 2017. However, that remained the only model before the company ceased operations in 2020.
Cut data connection when charging cable
On its website, Osom talks big. It's time to trust companies that prioritize privacy and don't see your data as currency. However, the details of what this will look like remain unclear after the presentation of the OV1. So far, there is only the announcement of being able to unlock the bootloader, which is necessary for obtaining root rights and installing alternative Android versions. In addition, the charging cable is supposed to have a switch that allows you to cut the data connection. This would provide more security for public charging options.
In terms of the materials used, the Osom OV1 definitely stands out from the crowd. The frame is made of stainless steel, while details are made of titanium. Ceramic covers the back and the display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. The smartphone is said to be "significantly larger" than the Essential Phone with its 5.7-inch display. Color-wise, Osom has shown a white and a matte black variant so far and additionally announces surprises in terms of colors.
On the back are two cameras with resolutions of 48 and 12 megapixels. The front camera takes selfies with 16 megapixels. Osom promises a "truly flagship camera experience", but in the end the picture quality will mainly depend on the software.
Waiting for the successor of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 was originally supposed to be under the hood of the OV1. Allegedly, Osom had to reschedule and wait for another chip. Possibly the Plus variant of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The change in the processor is said to be the main reason for the smartphone's delay.
Osom does not include a power adapter with the OV1. In line with that, there is only the vague information that the battery would charge "very quickly". Once it is full, it is supposed to last for a day. Dual-SIM and ultra-wideband, which is necessary to turn a smartphone into a car key, are also supposed to be part of the configuration. The Osom OV1 will probably run Android 12 ex-factory. The manufacturer has set itself the goal of supplying the smartphone with security updates for four to five years.
Price and availability
Osom plans to launch the OV1 in the fourth quarter of 2022. The manufacturer did not mention an exact retail price yet, but informed that it should cost less than $1000.
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