Summary of Purism Librem 5 SmartPhone Now Shipping Its Development Kit
The Purism Librem 5 is a privacy-focused smartphone designed to give users complete hardware and software control. Released in April 2019, it features security by design and includes a development kit for early adopters. The device utilizes an NXP i.MX 8M processor, LPDDR4 RAM, and various connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks to ensure user freedom from monitoring.
Parts used in the Purism Librem 5 Smartphone:
- NXP i.MX 8M quad-core Cortex-A53 processor
- 3GB LPDDR4 RAM
- 32GB onboard storage
- 16GB eMMC Flash
- 5.7-inch LCD touchscreen display (18:9 720 X 1440)
- Micro SD slot
- Mini HDMI port
- Microphone/speaker/3.5mm jack
- USB-C port
- M.2 low-power Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module
- SIM7100E cellular base-band card
- Ethernet port
Purism Librem 5 Smartphone is a mobile phone that promises full control by it’s user. Privacy has always been a thing of concern for many users and with the supposed “Free Country” we live in, we never really have freedom. There are always eyes and ears monitoring us in all forms, for analytics or security as some proclaimed.
Some people are already saying Privacy is dead, well San Francisco-based freedom-focused computer manufacturer Purism is hoping to change that narrative in 2019 with the expected release of its much anticipated Librem 5 smartphone, that focuses on security by design and privacy protection by default. Purism believes they can put “complete” control of your phone into your hands, both hardware and software, with the Librem 5 smartphone, which they tout as being “the only smartphone you can truly own.”
Purism which already crowdfunded the Librem 5 smartphone and has a reported availability date of April 2019, also provide developers the avenue to order a development kit in earlier 2018. Purism announced that the Librem 5 dev kit’s hardware is “done and shipping” for the backers.
The Librem which features an upgraded NXP i.MX 8M quad-core Cortex-A53 processor as compared to the initial i.MX 6M and house a 3Gb of LPDDR4 RAM, 32GB onboard storage, 16Gb of eMMC Flash, a 5.7-inch LCD touchscreen display (18:9 720 X 1440), micro SD slot, mini HDMI, microphone/speaker/3.5mm jack, and a USB-C port. It will also provide network connectivity as seen in top ended phones featuring an M.2 low-power Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, a SIM7100E cellular base-band card (3G/4G networks plus SIM card slot), and an Ethernet port for data transfer and debugging.
Read more: Purism Librem 5 SmartPhone Now Shipping Its Development Kit
- What is the main goal of the Purism Librem 5?
The phone focuses on security by design and privacy protection by default to give users complete control. - When was the expected release date for the Librem 5?
Purism reported an availability date of April 2019. - How does the Librem 5 compare to its initial model regarding the processor?
It features an upgraded NXP i.MX 8M quad-core Cortex-A53 processor compared to the initial i.MX 6M. - Does the Librem 5 support external storage expansion?
Yes, the device includes a micro SD slot for additional storage. - What network connectivity options are available on the Librem 5?
It offers M.2 low-power Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, a SIM7100E cellular base-band card for 3G/4G, and an Ethernet port. - Can developers access the hardware before the general public?
Yes, developers could order a development kit starting in early 2018. - What display specifications does the Librem 5 have?
It has a 5.7-inch LCD touchscreen display with a resolution of 720 X 1440 in an 18:9 aspect ratio. - Is the Librem 5 considered fully owned by the user?
Purism touts it as the only smartphone you can truly own with complete control over hardware and software.
