NexPhone Launches Multi-OS Smartphone That Blurs the Line Between Phone and PC
Nex Computer has opened pre-orders for the NexPhone, a new smartphone that doesn’t just run Android, it also supports Linux and full Windows 11 in a multi-boot setup. The device is positioned as more than a phone: it’s a pocketable PC alternative.
Priced at USD549 (around RM2,199) with a USD199 refundable reservation deposit, the NexPhone is slated to start shipping in Q3 2026. The deposit you pay now goes toward the final cost, with the remaining price and shipping due closer to shipment.
What makes this device stand out is its multi-OS support. It boots Android for everyday mobile use, can launch a full Linux environment for development and productivity, and even runs Windows 11 when rebooted into that mode. When connected to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, the phone can act like a desktop system running traditional Windows apps.
Why Windows 11 on a phone matters is about capability, not nostalgia. Past attempts to bring Microsoft’s software to mobile, like Windows Phone, failed because they lacked ecosystem support and essential apps. NexPhone avoids that by running the full Windows 11 desktop OS on Arm hardware, meaning it can support many existing Windows applications when docked or connected externally. That’s a far cry from the old mobile-centric Windows platforms.
This isn’t the first attempt to blur phones and PCs. Projects like Ubuntu Touch tried convergence but never achieved mainstream traction. Samsung’s DeX lets Android run in desktop mode but doesn’t boot a separate OS. NexPhone’s approach, genuinely swapping whole operating systems on a single device, puts it closer to the “one computer in your pocket” vision many tech enthusiasts have talked about for years.
The hardware itself sits in the midrange category, with a 6.58-inch 120Hz display, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, a 64MP camera, and a 5,000mAh battery. It also carries rugged durability ratings and includes a USB-C hub for connecting to monitors and peripherals.
With pre-orders underway and a unique multi-OS promise, NexPhone is one of the most intriguing smartphone launches in years, but its real-world performance and appeal will depend on how well it handles running three very different platforms on one device.
