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NovaCustom launches privacy SHIFTphone (degoogled with iodéOS and hardware kill switches) (novacustom.com)
submitted 1 month ago by maltfield@lemmy.ml to c/android@lemmy.world
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After extensive testing, it's finally here: the new SHIFTphone 8.1 with iodéOS is now available at NovaCustom! It's a privacy-friendly phone that's not only user-friendly and secure, but also sustainable and fully modular. This smartphone stands for privacy, security, freedom of choice, and repairability: values that perfectly align with NovaCustom's mission.

Why NovaCustom and SHIFTphone are the perfect match

At NovaCustom, we believe that users should have control over their own hardware and software. The SHIFTphone is perfect for this in terms of hardware: it has a modular design and is easy to repair. In terms of software, the original product is less than ideal: it comes with Google software as standard. NovaCustom replaces that software with iodéOS by default. This is an operating system without Google services (only microG, but it can also work without it!). This gives you a privacy-friendly phone with maximum control over your data.

Fully modular and customizable

Modular Smartphone
NovaCustom launches the SHIFTphone 8.1

Whether you want to replace a screen, insert a new battery, or simply tinker with your smartphone yourself, the SHIFTphone makes it possible. No glue, no frustration, just pure freedom. NovaCustom has been supporting this principle for years with configurable laptops, and now we are bringing that same idea to smartphones.

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[-] dRLY@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Looks nice, and good to learn about more phones that are repairable. Since they don't mention it (or at least I didn't see it), I am guessing they don't have an IP protection for liquid/dust.

I already don't like to trust my Galaxy S24 (or previous models that have had submersion ratings) enough to just jump into a pool or tubing. Though I do like knowing it would likely be fine if I get pushed/fall in (recently went to a GWAR show and didn't have to worry every time I got sprayed). But wouldn't mind some amount of adhesive (some versions aren't very hard to deal with) to handle sudden heavy rain or a large drink/pitcher gets knocked over (or getting sprayed like the show above) onto my phone.

Would also be cool if they had an aux jack with a good DAC to at least be a solid option for a audio player. I got an LG V30 last year after seeing how much love they have by users, and have been using it solely as an offline music/audiobook/podcast player. All the physical kill switches and being able to easily remove stuff like cameras or other bits I don't need would be kind of cool.

[-] maltfield@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 month ago

I am guessing they don’t have an IP protection for liquid/dust.

The product page's specification's section lists it as having "IP66 certification: Splash proof and dust resistant"

[-] dRLY@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 month ago

Thank you for seeing that (was skimming and was sure I was just missing it)! I am glad they have at least that much protection. Would be dumb for a phone at that price to not handle the most common accidents.

[-] maltfield@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 month ago

Would also be cool if they had an aux jack

Oh wow, there's no aux jack!?! Thanks for pointing that out. That kills this for me.

[-] dRLY@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 month ago

It would be cool if they (or any of the modular OEMs) could figure out a way to have an option to add one if someone wants it. Like have a blank that can be removed and have the part be like an "upgrade" board with the jack (and a good DAC since it would be an "upgrade" option).

That way they could keep cost for the base phone slightly lower for the majority of users that don't care, and allow them (the OEM) to make smaller batches. Would also be great for pushing the idea of making long-term usefulness (could also apply to stuff like cameras since that is a big reason for getting whole new devices). I am very aware it is not some simple task, but a lot of these devices need to find ways to get solid fan-bases since the traditional major brands are so established. The things tried by the major brands have been just gimmicks. And didn't allow users to get into the devices the way these smaller OEMs do.

Since the overall physical profiles of phones don't really change much, the small OEMs could keep the frames the same between releases and make the replacement parts work between generations. Which would be great for general costs even if not going for the idea of the devices being "upgradable."

[-] solrize@lemmy.ml 0 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

957 USD, lol I'm out. The iodéOS thing (whatever it is) is also a turn off. I'd want a standard OS, uncustomized and untouched by the hardware vendor to the extent possible. If they think up a new name and try to make it sound special, it's already suspicious.

I did misread the name as SHTFphone for a moment and that was kind of fun.

[-] BrianTheeBiscuiteer@lemmy.world 0 points 1 month ago

957? Their site says 769€ which is about $893. Buying directly from Shift looks even cheaper but then I assume you have to install Iode yourself. If there was any guarantee of support for the hardware (e.g. availability of replacement parts) then it might be worth it to pay ~$900 for a phone that could last 6+ years.

this post was submitted on 14 Nov 2025
9 points (90.9% liked)

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