I get the idea of dumb phones, but $500 (or with taxes in Europe at least 600 EUR) for a phone that cannot even run a browser? This is ridiculous.
this post was submitted on 16 Jun 2026
301 points (96.3% liked)
Linux
65813 readers
1044 users here now
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
Rules
- Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
- No misinformation
- No NSFW content
- No hate speech, bigotry, etc
Related Communities
Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0
founded 7 years ago
MODERATORS
My first thought was, this might be about just what's installed by default. Reading a bit further the article says:
Apparently, the OS has hard blocks to stop the installation of browsers and social media apps.
"Users are still able to sideload apps outside those that are blocked, using APK installer files..."
So I'm not sure why I would want pay 500 Dollars / Euros, just so they have control over what I can install and not. To me this would be a deal breaker. Also this seems to be "basically a custom version of the Jolla Sailfish OS", so there are probably "better" options using the same OS. And it only has 4GB of RAM? I am not impressed for the price and for the control.
500 dollars!? What's the justification for that price?
read recently a tweet: 'in two years we will be paying to NOT have Internet '
kinda fits this price tag
load more comments
(2 replies)
They didn't mention battery life once, and it doesn't even have a torch?
In the FAQs they suggest they don’t know battery life yet because it’s not finished - but indicate “several days” in standby
load more comments
(1 replies)
the "official reveal trailer" is done with ai, it looks like a scam
Looking at the channel, dude bought the Commodore IP and are releasing retro things with this IP for absurd amount of money. The C64 ultimate for the price on their site and the shit ass hardware is a fucking joke.
The C64 Ultimate is actually pretty legit, and the price isn't too outrageous for the base model. It's essentially combining a bunch of really quite polished community projects for the C64 together to create a finished product.
The new owner of Commodore, Peri Fractic of Retro Recipes fame, is truly a super fan of retro computers, and has made content about them on his YouTube for a decade. However, he stubbornly continues to use AI despite some backlash.
This new phone is massively overpriced, but I suspect those who buy one will receive it eventually.
How the C64 ultimate is not overpriced? Okay that is using the legit parts of the original commodore and simulating the original hardware but comparing it with any retro handheld is just too overpriced
It's using an FPGA for hardware accurate emulation which costs more than the ARM chips in retro handheld emulators, and is a bespoke fairly large product made in relatively small batches. For what if is, it's somewhat reasonably priced compared to its manufacturing costs.
I can't argue that for most people the value prospect isn't worth it, since the C64 itself isn't really a compelling platform except to specific retro PC enthusiasts, but for those who want a proper modern C64 for nostalgia sake, it's a fair deal.
It’s using an FPGA for hardware accurate emulation which costs more than the ARM chips in retro handheld emulators, and is a bespoke fairly large product made in relatively small batches. For what if is, it’s somewhat reasonably priced compared to its manufacturing costs.
hmmmm okay that makes sense.
Btw 2 people with Chrono Trigger avatar debating retro stuff is lmao
Tbh I wouldn't have known your avatar was from that if you hadn't said anything, as I only played Chronotrigger for maybe an hour or so at a friend's house when I was a kid and don't really remember much except for the time traveling machine they had from my friend's save game, and the girl at the start of the game at the fair :p
I don't get that "minimalist phone" market I can just get an older phone, remove all social media and use it
You can't remove lot of apps in most Android phones. I have an older phone S7 Edge which I installed an alternative Android OS called "/e/OS". Its way more private by default. Besides all the benefits of privacy, I also do not use the Google Play Store and do not have any social media on it installed.
A custom rom is great and the best path for the techie users. For the general public, you can still disable non needed invasive apps. For minimalist usage aimed at reducing overall phone usage, that's mostly enough. There's also a launcher called baldphone available on fdroid that turns any android phone in a minimalist phone, aimed at the elderly, but still nice for any minimalism enthusiast. It requires some tech skill to install though.
For the longest time I am using a minimalist desktop too (i mean a launcher or default home app), called Unlauncher.
load more comments
(3 replies)
The issue. You won't be able to get old phones when theyre gone. Just like cars.
With the billions of devices lying around without use, there will be enough for a looong lime
I have little hope that the feel of the case and buttons will be anywhere close to what the price would demand.