Nex Computer has unveiled the NexPhone, a midrange smartphone that runs Android 16, Linux, and Windows 11, designed to function as both a mobile device and a desktop PC when connected to a monitor. Priced at $549, the device accepts $199 refundable reservations ahead of its Q3 2026 shipment. It revives elements of the Windows Phone interface through a custom tile-based UI.
On January 21, 2026, Nex Computer announced the NexPhone, marking a novel approach to versatile computing nearly a decade after Microsoft's last Windows Phone. The device primarily operates on Android 16 for everyday smartphone use but allows users to launch Debian Linux as an app for quick switches without rebooting. For Windows 11 access, a reboot is required, enabling a full desktop experience when plugged into a monitor via USB-C, with plans to support native connectivity after driver development.
The NexPhone pays homage to Windows Phone with a custom mobile UI built using progressive web apps, as Microsoft discontinued the Windows Subsystem for Android in March 2025. Founder Emre Kosmaz described it as a '14-year journey' to create a single device serving as both phone and PC, building on the company's NexDock accessories compatible with Samsung DeX and Microsoft Continuum.
Hardware includes a Qualcomm QCM6490 chipset, chosen for its support of all three OSes and long-term updates through 2036, though it's primarily designed for IoT and was used in the 2023 Fairphone 5 with midrange performance. It features 12GB RAM, 256GB storage expandable via microSD, a 6.58-inch 120Hz LCD display (1080x2403 resolution), a 5,000mAh battery with wireless and 18W charging, and 5G connectivity. Cameras comprise a 64MP main sensor (Sony IMX787), 13MP ultrawide rear, and 10MP front. The rugged design in dark gray polycarbonate meets MIL-STD-810H standards and IP68/IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.
Android and Linux share file access across partitions, while Windows uses a separate one. Reservations, which include a USB-C dock, secure the $549 price, with the balance due at Q3 2026 delivery. The NexPhone enters a market explored by solutions like Samsung DeX, offering flexibility but potentially facing performance trade-offs compared to rivals like the Samsung Galaxy A57.
"For web apps, you can install your favorite sites as small, focused apps right from your browser," Nex Computer noted, emphasizing lightweight functionality.
