The Volla Phone operates on Linux within a durable casing and demonstrates that replaceable batteries are still a viable option.

The Volla Phone operates on Linux within a durable casing and demonstrates that replaceable batteries are still a viable option.

      A durable Android phone without Google and with a replaceable battery? Count me in!

      German smartphone manufacturer Volla has introduced two new mid-range devices that break the conventional mold. The Volla Phone Plinius and Plinius Plus are designed for longevity, come without Google services, and allow users to replace the battery themselves. This unique feature alone sets them apart from nearly all other smartphones available today.

      Both models share a similar design: featuring a flat frame, narrow bezels, and a 6.67-inch OLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,000 nits of peak brightness. The screen is also responsive to wet hands and gloves, which is a useful feature for those who spend time outdoors.

      Even with the option for a user-replaceable battery, the phones offer IP68 water and dust resistance. In a time when many companies no longer include chargers in their boxes, Volla provides the phone with a screen protector and a removable back cover right inside the package.

      Is the thicker body a disadvantage?

      The Plinius measures 10.5mm in thickness and weighs 230 grams, making it less suitable for those seeking a lightweight device like the iPhone Air. However, this sturdy build facilitates the inclusion of a user-replaceable 5,300 mAh battery, which can be changed using a standard screwdriver.

      On the internal side, it is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip, features a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32MP selfie camera. Volla has also integrated on-device AI for photo enhancement, which processes data locally without needing to transmit any information externally.

      The highlight of the phones is that they run on Volla OS, an open-source Android operating system devoid of Google services. Additionally, there is an option to use the Linux-based Ubuntu Touch operating system.

      For those interested in eliminating Google from their phone for privacy reasons or experimenting with different operating systems like GrapheneOS, the Volla Plinius models could be worth considering.

      Which model should you choose?

      The standard Plinius is priced at €598, featuring 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, and is available now. The Plinius Plus offers 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, includes a reinforced back designed for future modular accessories, and is set to launch in June 2026 for €698.

      Given that the price difference is only €100, and the Plus model provides double the storage and an additional 4GB of RAM, I would recommend waiting for the Plus version if your budget allows. This will ensure you can use the phone for an extended period without facing RAM limitations.

      Rachit is an experienced tech journalist with over seven years of expertise in the consumer technology domain.

      Just like the MacBook Neo, Apple may shock consumers again with the pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro

      Being aggressive doesn’t automatically translate to higher prices.

      Apple’s pricing strategy might soon become intriguing once again. After surprising many with the competitively priced MacBook Neo, the company could be preparing to replicate this approach with its upcoming flagship iPhone. This time, the focus is on the Pro models.

      Is Apple set to take an aggressive stance on iPhone 18 Pro pricing?

      The 6,000 mAh battery in the Razr Fold should raise concerns for Samsung and Google: Here’s why

      With silicon-carbon technology and 80W TurboPower charging, Motorola's inaugural book-style foldable has impressive specs. It now needs to deliver on them.

      Battery life remains a significant hurdle for foldables as they strive for mainstream appeal. Motorola aims to address this issue. Nearly all major smartphone manufacturers have launched their own book-style foldables in the U.S. market, justifying their higher prices with advanced hinges, flexible displays, and other engineering achievements. However, this does not seem to extend to their battery life.

      While a foldable can expand to effectively double its screen size, does its battery life also double? Unfortunately, that is not the case. Among the widely available book-style foldables in the U.S.—Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold—the average battery performance falls short of standard smartphones.

      Motorola’s new Edge 70 Pro features an exceptionally bright display and emphasizes style

      The Motorola Edge 70 Pro boasts an attention-grabbing finish.

      The Motorola Edge 70 Pro has made its global debut after being launched in India last week. The hardware is impressive, although the first aspect most users will likely notice is its aesthetic appeal.

      The phone features a slender quad-curved body, textured finishes, and Pantone-selected colors, all contributing to its polished appearance. Additionally, Motorola has combined this stylish design with a highly bright 5200 nits 6.8-inch AMOLED display, ensuring ease of use outdoors.

The Volla Phone operates on Linux within a durable casing and demonstrates that replaceable batteries are still a viable option. The Volla Phone operates on Linux within a durable casing and demonstrates that replaceable batteries are still a viable option. The Volla Phone operates on Linux within a durable casing and demonstrates that replaceable batteries are still a viable option. The Volla Phone operates on Linux within a durable casing and demonstrates that replaceable batteries are still a viable option. The Volla Phone operates on Linux within a durable casing and demonstrates that replaceable batteries are still a viable option. The Volla Phone operates on Linux within a durable casing and demonstrates that replaceable batteries are still a viable option. The Volla Phone operates on Linux within a durable casing and demonstrates that replaceable batteries are still a viable option.

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The Volla Phone operates on Linux within a durable casing and demonstrates that replaceable batteries are still a viable option.

Volla's latest Plinius is a durable, Google-free Android smartphone that features a replaceable battery, an IP68 rating, and a pristine OLED screen, with a starting price of €598.