Commodore isn’t the company you may think of when you think about smartphones, but it seemingly will be, to some extent, now that the company has announced the Commodore Callback 8020. In an age where smartphones reign supreme in the mobile world, an increasing concern surrounding them revolves around privacy and a lot of that has to do with large tech companies like Google having access to a bunch of your data. If you’re unfamiliar with Commodore, it’s a personal computing company from the 80s that is well-known for machines like the Commodore 64.
More than a few companies have tried their hand at providing consumers with options that focus more on privacy than anything else. This includes releasing phones that remove the reliance on Google services, and that’s exactly what Commodore’s flip phone seems to be attempting. It’s a flip phone that still runs Android apps and is technically smart in some ways. However, Commodore says the Callback 8020 “de-Google’s” the phone experience and it puts privacy ahead of everything else.
The Commodore Callback 8020 runs on Sailfish OS
Sailfish OS is the key detail about this phone that makes it an intriguing option for anyone interested in scaling back on what most modern phones these days put in front of users. Social media, web browsing, and email capabilities.
The phone will reportedly block these types of apps from use, but it still offers some smart feature. For instance, you can still use apps like Spotify and WhatsApp for music streaming and messaging. It also still reportedly works with Google Maps for directions and navigation. But it apparently won’t let you access stuff like X, Facebook, or other social media and web browsing experiences.
It also has a touchscreen but that will only work when apps require a touchscreen interface. Outside of that, the d-pad and keyboard are used for navigation and input. Much like you would expect from a flip phone from 20 years ago. It also has a camera on the back for photos, and what appears to be a removable battery.
Commodore says the phone is going up for pre-order on June 30, and will be shipping to those who pre-order by the end of the year at some point. Prices for the phone start at $500, but there will be two models that cost $550 and $640, respectively.
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