Prev Next
1 of 28

Sick of Android? Check out the Sailfish OS-powered Jolla phone (pictures)

The Jolla phone is a 4.5-inch smartphone running Sailfish OS, an offshoot of Meego, that supports Android apps. Preorders are being shipped now across Europe for 399 euros (US$540), although wider availability has yet to be confirmed. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

Its plastic back panel has a stark, minimalist design. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

It looks rather like two different phones squashed together. That's not necessarily a bad thing -- I quite like the unusual design. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

The different coloured back panels have NFC chips in them that automatically change themes and settings on your phone. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

It's not the slimmest phone in history, but it's easy to hold. The only buttons you'll find are the volume and power buttons on the side. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

There's a 3.5mm headphone jack and Micro-USB port on the top. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

An 8-megapixel camera with a flash resides on the back. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

The only break in the glass front is for the speaker. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

The speakers for your music are on the bottom, so it won't muffle the sound if you lie it flat on a desk. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

There are a bunch of available colours, but I found this bright, lime-green affair to look particularly striking. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

A little touch, but it's small details like this that help the phone look pretty good. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

Clip off the back cover to get access to the micro-SIM card and battery. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

You'll also find a microSD card slot for upgrading the 16GB of built-in storage. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

Double-tap the screen in standby mode and you'll be met with this notification panel. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

Swipe down and you'll see a multitasking panel, showing up to nine of your recent apps. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

The Google Play app store isn't supported, but other third-party app stores allow you to download Android apps nonetheless. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

You can't get everything you'll find on Google Play, but there's a lot to choose from. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

You can swap the case if you fancy a change of colour or simply if your old one starts to look a bit knackered. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

The Android YouTube app is supported and works well. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

Spotify is supported, too -- a critical addition for me. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

The interface makes use of minimalist, modern fonts, which look cool. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

You can easily select which theme works with each case. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

How about some shocking pink? Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

A swipe up from below brings up the notifications panel. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

When you first start up the phone, you'll be given a handy tutorial on what gestures are needed. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

You'll need to remember what swipe does what, unless you fancy carrying a user guide with you. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

I found the gestures relatively easy to get used to, although there were a couple of times I preferred Android's way of doing things. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

Time will tell if a gesture-based interface proves easier to use than fixed navigation keys. Read editors' take
Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Visit manufacturer site for details.

Related Review

The Jolla phone picks up MeeGo's torch

BEST LIST

Find the best hybrids on the market!

Hybrid technology can be applied to any type of car, and the best show the most significant fuel economy improvements over a similar gasoline-only car.

Hot Products