Punkt’s German-Made MC03 Smartphone Launches in US This Spring
▼ Summary
– The Punkt MC03 is a new privacy-focused smartphone that improves upon its predecessor, the MC02, with features like a modern 120Hz OLED display and a user-replaceable battery.
– It runs on AphyOS, a privacy-oriented operating system based on Android, and includes a subscription fee of $12 per month after the first free year.
– The MC03 is the first phone Punkt has assembled in Europe, specifically at a Gigaset factory in Germany, fulfilling a company commitment.
– Privacy is central to the device, with AphyOS designed to block background tracking and allow apps to run in a secure, isolated environment.
– The total cost, including the $699 purchase price and ongoing subscription, makes it a premium product comparable in price to other privacy-focused phones like the Fairphone 6.
The Punkt MC03 smartphone is set to launch in the United States this spring, marking a significant step for the Swiss privacy-focused manufacturer. This new model represents a clear effort to refine the company’s approach to secure mobile devices, addressing several shortcomings of its predecessor while doubling down on its core philosophy. Notably, the MC03 is the first device assembled in Europe under Punkt’s new manufacturing commitment, a move that distinguishes it in a market dominated by Asian production.
Last year’s MC02 model received mixed reviews, prompting several key upgrades for this iteration. The display sees a major improvement, swapping a standard 60Hz LCD for a more modern 6.67-inch 120Hz OLED screen. Powering the device is a substantial 5,200mAh battery that users can replace themselves, a feature increasingly rare in modern smartphones. Under the hood, the MediaTek 7300 chipset provides the processing power, and the phone is built to withstand the elements with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
The software experience is built around AphyOS, developed by the privacy-oriented firm Apostrophy. This operating system is based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP) 15, a more current foundation than the MC02 used. AphyOS is designed to eliminate the background data tracking commonly associated with Google’s services, offering its own suite of apps for core functions like email and calendar. For broader app access, users can install applications from the Google Play Store, but they run within a secured, isolated “sandbox” to protect device integrity.
This heightened privacy comes with an ongoing cost. The MC03 includes the first year of AphyOS services for free, after which a subscription fee of $12 per month applies. The phone itself carries an upfront price of $699. For those planning long-term use, Punkt offers three- and five-year service bundles at the time of purchase, which can reduce the overall financial outlay. Over several years, the total cost becomes comparable to other privacy-centric devices like the $899 Fairphone 6, highlighting that advanced security and data ownership currently command a premium in the market.
A defining aspect of the MC03 is its production origin. The device is assembled at a Gigaset factory in Bocholt, Germany, fulfilling Punkt’s pledge to move assembly to Europe. While components are still sourced globally, final assembly on German soil is a notable achievement, especially compared to other companies that have announced similar plans for future dates. Punkt promises three major operating system upgrades and five years of security updates for the MC03, providing a clear roadmap for the device’s software longevity.
(Source: The Verge)
