Everything we know about the privacy-focused OSOM OV1 smartphone
What's the story
OSOM is a technology start-up that is working on a new privacy-focused smartphone called the OV1. The handset is being readied by the team that was behind 2017's Essential Phone.
In the past few days, OSOM has released several teasers of the upcoming handset, showing off its design, features, and hardware. And oh, it will come with a 'Privacy Type-C cable' as well.
Context
Why does this story matter?
While modern flagship phones are marketed on the lines of premium hardware and cutting-edge technology, OSOM is taking a very different route. It is betting big on privacy.
The OV1 will run a forked version of Android but the default apps and settings will allow the user to be in control of their data for a more "private experience."
Design
The handset will make use of premium materials
The OSOM OV1 will have a stainless steel frame with flat rails, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the front, and Zirconia on the back side.
The rear camera module will feature titanium components. The handset is likely to have a notch or punch-hole cut-out to house the selfie camera. The display will be flat but its specifications are unclear.
Information
It will sport a dual rear camera system
OSOM has already confirmed that the OV1 will sport a dual camera system on the back, including a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP secondary lens, which could be an ultra-wide or telephoto camera. Up front, a 16MP selfie snapper will be available.
Twitter Post
The charging cable will allow you to disable data sharing
When you charge your device, you could be sharing personal data. The OSOM Privacy Cable gives you the ability to turn off data collection with the flip of a switch. Included in-box. #privacy #ownyourprivacy #osom2022 #android #google #usbcable pic.twitter.com/QYBoSXxdLe
— OSOMPrivacy (@OsomPrivacy) March 10, 2022
Internals
The phone should boot Android 12
OSOM has said that the OV1 will be powered by a Snapdragon 8-series chipset but we don't know exactly which SoC. It could be the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor.
The handset will provide a dual-SIM slot and will likely run a forked version of Android 12 with built-in privacy-focused apps such as ProtonMail, Brave Browser, and Signal messenger.
Information
OSOM OV1 will be priced under $1,000
OSOM will launch the OV1 smartphone sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. We don't have a definite launch date or pricing information but it will be priced under $1,000 (roughly Rs. 76,500). The handset will be initially available in Europe and North America.