If you seek a smartphone designed in Switzerland and crafted in Germany, along with a Swiss-built operating system, the Punkt. MC03 might be the perfect choice for you. This unique device is now available for purchase after a successful pre-order period and can be found on the Punkt. website for €745, currently offered in black only.
Before exploring its unique features, let’s take a look at the specifications, which may not impress given the price point – a fact you might have anticipated. After all, if the specifications were truly remarkable, the extensive use of 'Sovereign' marketing language would be unnecessary.
The Punkt. MC03 features a 6.67-inch 1080x2436 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 550 nits (this figure raises concerns as it might be an error on the official website, placing it on par with LCD expectations in today's market). The device includes an in-display fingerprint scanner, a 64MP main camera with autofocus (but lacking optical image stabilization), an 8MP fixed-focus ultra-wide camera, a 2MP fixed-focus macro lens, and a 32MP fixed-focus selfie camera.
At its core, it is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage. Additional features include dual stereo speakers, dual-SIM and eSIM support, IP68 certification for dust and water resistance, and a removable 5,200 mAh battery that supports 30W wired and 15W wireless charging.
The device operates on AphyOS, an open-source variant of Android 15. Punkt. commits to delivering three years of functionality updates and five years of security updates. It is crucial to note that the true value in this device lies not in its specifications but rather in AphyOS and its accompanying 'Sovereign' proposition.
The company guarantees “no tracking, profiling, or monetization” of user data, as well as “no recurring subscription fees” for the operating system's features. AphyOS is tailored for organizations that prioritize controlled data exposure, ensuring that sensitive information remains safely managed. It boasts a reinforced hardware and secure software framework designed to safeguard against tampering, unauthorized access, and physical damage.
Included in the package are email, messaging, calendar, and 5GB of cloud storage, all integrated into a streamlined, user-friendly mobile experience. The device comes pre-installed with Threema for private communication, which adheres to strict data protection standards, along with a built-in Digital Nomad VPN. Furthermore, the Data Ledger feature enables users to view app-level data usage, assisting in managing access and permissions. Proton services are also available for those wishing to expand their digital footprint, although it requires a separate paid subscription.
